The Effect Of Word Wall On Vocabulary Mastery Of The Eighth Graders Students At SMP Negeri 30 Sigi

Abstract

Vocabulary mastery plays a fundamental role in English language learning because it supports students’ ability to understand and use the language effectively. However, many junior high school students still experience difficulties in mastering vocabulary, particularly in spelling, meaning, and word use. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Word Wall on the vocabulary mastery of the eighth-grade students at SMP Negeri 30 Sigi. This research employed a quantitative approach using a quasi-experimental non-equivalent control group. The participants consisted of 37 eighth-grade student divided into an experimental group and a control group. Data were collected through vocabulary pre-tests and post-tests comprising multiple-choice and sentence-construction items that measured students’ mastery of nouns and verbs. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and an independent sample t-test with SPSS. The findings revealed that the experimental group achieved a substantially higher mean post-test score (M=28’56) than the control group (M==15.79). The hypothesis testing also indicate a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p < .001), demonstrating that the use of Word Wall had a positive effect on students’ vocabulary mastery. These findings suggest that Word Wall provides meaningful visual support and repeated exposure that facilitate vocabulary learning. Therefore, Word Wall can be considered an effective instructional medium for improving junior high school students’ vocabulary mastery in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classroom.