THE EFFECT OF USING BOARD GAME TOWARDS STUDENT’S VOCABULARY AT SMAN 7 KOTA BENGKULU

This study aimed to investigate the effect of using board game on students’
vocabulary mastery at SMAN 7 Kota Bengkulu. The research employed a quasi-
experimental design involving two groups: an experimental group taught using
board games, and a control group taught through conventional methods. The sample
consisted of 76 tenth-grade students, selected using purposive sampling. Data were
collected through pre-tests and post-tests consisting of multiple-choice vocabulary
questions. The analysis showed that the average pre-test score of the experimental
group was 55.37, which increased to 80.95 in the post-test. In contrast, the control
group’s average score improved only from 55.58 to 66.00. The N-Gain score of the
experimental group was 0.6126 (moderate category), while the control group
achieved only 0.2727 (low category). The results of the t-test confirmed a
significant difference between the post-test scores of both groups (p < 0.001),
indicating that the use of board games had a significant positive effect on students’
vocabulary mastery. These findings align with the Constructivist Theory, which
emphasizes that knowledge is actively constructed through social interaction and
meaningful activities. Board games provide an interactive, learner-centered
environment that supports active participation and scaffolding, as suggested by
Vygotsky’s concept of the Zone of Proximal Development. It is recommended that
English teachers consider using board games to make vocabulary learning more
engaging and effective.
Keywords: Board Game, Vocabulary