The effectiveness of crossword puzzle games in teaching vocabulary to the seventh graders at SMPN 2 Bojonegoro

Abstract

Vocabulary is essential in supporting the four skills in English, and vocabulary is the beginning of making it effortless for us to understand and apply English. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of crossword puzzle games in teaching vocabulary to the seventh graders at SMPN 2 Bojonegoro. This study applied a quasi-experimental of quantitative research. The population was seventh graders students at SMPN 2 Bojonegoro. The samples of this study were the students of VII C as the experimental class and VII D as the control class. This study shows that; (1) the student’s vocabulary achievement taught through crossword puzzle games was good. The mean score of the pre-test was 73.226; meanwhile, the mean score of the post-test was 89.677. Where the highest score was 100, and the lowest score was 75; (2) there is a significant difference in the student’s vocabulary achievement taught using crossword puzzle games and those taught through the direct method using pictures. The independent sample t-test scores are 4.773 t-table = 2.000 with the level of significant 5%, df = 60. So, the t-test score was higher than the t-table. It indicates that Ha was accepted and Ho was rejected. As a result, crossword puzzle games effectively taught vocabulary to the seventh graders at SMPN 2 Bojonegoro.