Enhancing English Vocabulary Through Popular Song-Based Learning Experiences For The Eighth Grade Students

Authors

  • Annisa Fitriyatul Maghfiroh University of PGRI Semarang Author
  • Nur Hidayat University of PGRI Semarang Author
  • Dyah Nugrahani University of PGRI Semarang Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62710/q2vt1v82

Keywords:

Vocabulary Mastery, Popular Song, Song-Based Learning

Abstract

This study investigates the effectiveness of integrating popular English songs as a medium for improving vocabulary mastery among eighth-grade students. The research was carried out at SMP Negeri 32 Semarang, involving 32 students from class VIII-B. A one-group pretest-posttest design was applied, allowing the researcher to evaluate the students’ vocabulary mastery before and after the given treatment. The treatment involved two learning sessions utilizing the song “Blue” by Yung Kai, implemented through structured and interactive song-based learning activities. Data collection was carried out through pre-tests and post-tests that assessed both receptive and productive vocabulary knowledge. The results showed a significant improvement in students’ vocabulary mastery, as the mean score increased from 62.19 (pre-test) to 85.69 (post-test). A paired sample t-test analysis using SPSS 26.0 confirmed a statistically significant difference with a p-value of 0.000. These findings suggest that using popular songs in English instruction is an effective strategy to support vocabulary development, student engagement, and retention of language in a meaningful and enjoyable context.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Anggaira, A. S., Aryanti, N., Suryadi, S., & ... (2022). Songs for teaching vocabulary: English learning media for preschoolers. Jurnal Obsesi: Jurnal …. http://repository.metrouniv.ac.id/id/eprint/6853/

Fitri, M. (2023). The Effectiveness of English Kids Song in Increasing Vocabulary of The Second Grade Students’ at SD Inpres 3 Tatura Palu. repository.uindatokarama.ac.id. http://repository.uindatokarama.ac.id/id/eprint/2794/

Ghonivita, Y., Pahamzah, J., Wijayanti, M. A., & ... (2021). Improving Students’ Listening Skill And Vocabulary Mastery Through Contextual Teaching And Learning. Journal of English …, 12(1). https://scholar.archive.org/work/ba2wyk6ef5e37grfeituniv7qy/access/wayback/https://jurnal.untirta.ac.id/index.php/JELTS/article/download/10557/7297

Gita, A. I., Wedhanti, N. K., & ... (2021). Song for teaching English vocabularies in the fourth grade students. … Bahasa Inggris Undiksha. https://ejournal.undiksha.ac.id/index.php/JPBI/article/view/35850

Hendrawaty, N. (2019). The Influence of Listening English Pop Songs to Improve Learners’ Vocabulary at LKP Nuansa Jaya. Loquen: English Studies Journal, 1. https://ftk.uinbanten.ac.id/journals/index.php/loquen/article/view/1192

Isnaini, S., & Aminatun, D. (2021). Do You Like Listening To Music?: Students’thought On Their Vocabulary Mastery Using English Songs. Journal of English Language, 14(7). https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/4f6b/8bf42abe7f427221261951b200fa2948fb53.pdf

Karim, S. A., Sudiro, S., Annisa, D. R., & ... (2022). Enhancing vocabulary mastery through English songs: In the eyes of EFL students. … Lingua: Journal of …. https://ethicallingua.org/25409190/article/view/439

Kholid, M. F., Rini, Y. P., & Winasari, B. T. (2024). Improving Vocabulary Mastery with English Kids’ Songs: A Study in Primary Education. … : Journal of English and …. https://journal.ciptapustaka.com/index.php/LEC/article/view/16

Lestari, I. W., & Hardiyanti, N. (2020). Vocabulary Learning Autonomy through Incorporation of English Songs: Indonesian EFL Students’ Perspectives. 3L, Language, Linguistics, Literature. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ika-Lestari-2/publication/342568830_Vocabulary_Learning_Autonomy_through_Incorporation_of_English_Songs_Indonesian_EFL_Students’_Perspectives/links/5f8463c1a6fdccfd7b5ae11c/Vocabulary-Learning-Autonomy-through-Incorporation-of-English-Songs-Indonesian-EFL-Students-Perspectives.pdf

Listyaningtyas, Y., Aji, M. P. P., & ... (2024). The Effectiveness Of Teaching Vocabulary Using Song With Movement To Young Learners. Prosiding SEMDIKJAR …. https://proceeding.unpkediri.ac.id/index.php/semdikjar/article/view/5347

Mariana, M., Hasibuan, A. L., & ... (2021). Improving students’ vocabulary through English song. Indonesian Journal of …. https://jurnal-lp2m.umnaw.ac.id/index.php/IJEAL/article/view/1055

Nation, I. S. P., & Nation, I. S. P. (2001). Learning Vocabulary in Another Language. Cambridge University Press. https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/835A160179EA87DD3F6E6CBFA9CEA08D/9781009098359pre_i-vi.pdf/cambridge_applied_linguistics_series.pdf

Nguyen, T. C., & Nguyen, H. B. (2020). Teachers’ perceptions about using songs in vocabulary instruction to young language learners. Universal Journal of Educational Research. https://www.academia.edu/download/64332439/UJER52-19515673.pdf

Rohmah, N., & Indah, R. N. (2021). The use of modified English song to improve vocabulary. … Teaching in Indonesia. http://www.e-journal.stkipsiliwangi.ac.id/index.php/eltin/article/view/2537

Sagala, L. N., Aprilia, V. A., Rangkuti, L. A., & ... (2025). Analyzing Speech Functions in the Lyrics of" Blue" by Yung kai. … : Journal of English …. http://siakad.univamedan.ac.id/ojs/index.php/excellence/article/view/1186

Saputra, U., Gani, S. A., & Fitrisia, D. (2023). Using English Songs to Improve EFL Learners’ Vocabulary. Jurnal Ilmiah Mahasiswa, 8(3). https://jim.usk.ac.id/READ/article/view/27602

Schmitt, N. (2019). Understanding Vocabulary Acquisition, Instruction, and Assessment: A Research Agenda. Language Teaching, 52(2). https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/language-teaching/article/understanding-vocabulary-acquisition-instruction-and-assessment-a-research-agenda/0EE8CF8625F140F79E708626D7D0DACB

Sulaymonova, D. H. (2019). Using music and song in teaching foreign languages. International Scientific Review. https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/using-music-and-song-in-teaching-foreign-languages

Tanjung, T. S. (2020). The effectiveness of kids song on students’ vocabulary mastery at V grade of SDIT Bunayya Padangsidimpuan. etd.uinsyahada.ac.id. http://etd.uinsyahada.ac.id/5901/

Triwardani, H. R. (2022). Building Vocabulary through song as effective method in learning English. Lingua. https://www.jurnal.uia.ac.id/Lingua/article/view/1710

Yaoqing, Z. (2021). Review of enlightenment of emotional factors in Krashen’s affective filter hypothesis on English teaching research in college. 2021 4th International Conference on Humanities …. https://www.atlantis-press.com/proceedings/ichess-21/125967230

Published

03-08-2025

How to Cite

Annisa Fitriyatul Maghfiroh, Nur Hidayat, & Dyah Nugrahani. (2025). Enhancing English Vocabulary Through Popular Song-Based Learning Experiences For The Eighth Grade Students. CARONG: Jurnal Pendidikan, Sosial Dan Humaniora, 2(1), 368-376. https://doi.org/10.62710/q2vt1v82