“THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CROSSWORD PUZZLE IN TEACHING

VOCABULARY TO SEVENTH GRADE STUDENTS AT SMPN 1 LEWOLEMA”

By

MARIA YOSEFINA PENI LEBUAN

8820322012

ENGLISH EDUCATION STUDY PROGRAM

FACULTY OF TEACHER TRAINING AND EDUCATION

INSTITUTE OF TEACHER TRAINING AND TECHNOLOGY LARANTUKA

2024
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of study

Language is a tool of communication used by human beings to communicate. People

use language to share their ideas, knowledge, feeling and desires. According to

Noermanzah (2017:2) explains that language is a message that is usually conveyed in the

form of expression as a means of communication in various specific activities. There are

many language in the world, one of them is English. It is known and spoken by all over

the world and has been used in many fields like economy, politics, educations, sciences,

and technology.

English is used by various nations to communicate with nations around the

world. According to DA Putri (2022), English is one of the most important

international languages for active interaction in the current era of globalization. In

Indonesia, English is foreign language which is taught in elementary school up to

universities. For many years ago the material of English is emphasized in the structure

of the language, the students are expected to be able to recall all the pattern of tenses.

It is too hard for students, it makes the students are lazy to learn English. Beside that

the students are unable to speak English, they have difficulty to write their idea, and

difficult in understanding the text. So, one of the skill that is very important to help

the student can master all this skill in English is vocabulary. Vocabulary is needed to

improve the four English skills : Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing in the

field of study. It is very important in learning English. According to Azizah (2020),

vocabulary is one of the most important components in English language learning. A

learner who just learns grammar without vocabulary will find difficulties in express

what he or she wants to say.

Vocabulary plays an important role in the four skills of language learning. So,

vocabulary should be thought in the class because there are still many faced by the

teacher or the students in teaching or learning vocabulary. The problems faced y the

teacher in teaching English vocabulary such as : less varied of teaching methods , lack

of adequate facilities, and limited time. The problems faced by the students in learning

English vocabulary such as : lack of motivation, difficulty in combining learning

strategies and tht students might find difficulties in developing their English

vocabulary, especially in getting the meaning of the words. This problem leads to

another problem that make the students unable fully improve their ability to use

English. According to Puspita Sari (2019:8), said that vocabulary is one of language

part that must be known by foreign learners to understand the four language skill.

Furthermore, Evy and Friends (2022), said that learning vocabulary is not only

memorizing words, but also requires the ability to recongnize these words, how to

remember them, how to pronounce them and how to use them appropriately and

correctly in sentences.

English teachers at SMPN 1 Lewolema still do not use the right methods in a

teaching less varied and resulting in less effect in the learning process and the lack of

learning media that teachers use when teaching is also an obstacle factor in the

learning process. The teacher must know the condition of the students. In the other

hand, method has an important role in teaching learning process. The method which

is used by the teacher can make students enjoy in learning. The teacher must use the

appropriate method in teaching learning process that makes students easy to acquire
the new vocabulary. According to Silsupur (2017), argues that games can make

students more interested in the learning process. Game is one method that can make

students enjoy the learning process. The students can do both of learning new

vocabulary and play game.

There are many games which used in teaching learning process. One kind of

game is Crossword Puzzle. By Crossword Puzzle, the students can get new

vocabularies and improve their vocabulary. According to Silberman (2013),

Crossword Puzzle are a learning method in the form of review tests in the form

Crossword Puzzles. Crosswords can be completed individually or in groups.

Furthermore, Anggraeni (2018:2), states that Crossword Puzzle is a media that allows

students to think more creatively to enter letters so that they become words that match

the length of the box that is available. By using this strategy, fun teaching and

learning activities can be created. Therefore, the researcher suggests Crossword

Puzzle to teach vocabulary. Every learning method certainly has ways and steps in

applying the method. Where each step in the learning method is certainly different. In

order for Crossword Puzzle strategy learning to run effectively and clearly, in more

detail according to Melvin L. Silberman (2016;256-257) makes the following steps

implementation, namely : 1. Explain some keywords related to the material being

taught. 2. Prepare a simple Crossword Puzzzle with as many lessons as possible.

(notes: if creating a Crossword Puzzle for your lesson is too difficult, include

transition elements that are not necessarily related to the lesson.). 3. Place keyword

puzzles to solve the problems by using some association : short definition (text that

explains the main ideas), categories with corresponding elements, opposite words. 4.

Distribute the Crossword Puzzle to students individually or in teams. 5. Set a specific

time. 6. Give prizes to those who answer the fastest. The advantages of this method
 are invites students to learn to have fun discussions (Stimulating Discussio), inviting

students to learn in groups (Collaborative Learning), inviting students to learn with

peers or classmates (Perr Teaching), inviting students to learn independently

(Independent Learning). So, Crossword Puzzle can train the student’s brain to recall

the new words and make students feel more fun, relaxed, and enjoyable. Based on the

background above, the writer would like to conduct a study under the title “ The

Implementation of Crossword Puzzle in Teaching Vocabulary to Seventh Grade

Students at SMPN 1 Lewolema”.

1.2 Research Question

1. How is the Implementation of Crossword Puzzle in teaching vocabulary?

2. What are the strengths of Crossword Puzzle in teaching vocabulary?

3. What are the wekneeses of Crossword Puzzle in teaching vocabulary?

4. What are the students reaction in joining teaching vocabulary using the Crossword

Puzzle method?

1.3 Research Objective

1. To analyze the implementation of Crossword Puzzle in teaching vocabulary

2. To analyze the strengths of Crossword Puzzle in teaching vocabulary

3. To analyze the wekneeses of Crossword Puzzle in teaching vocabulary

4. To analyze the students reaction in joining teaching vocabulary using the

Crossword Puzzle method

1.4 Significance of the study

The significance of the study are as follows :

 1. For the teacher

This study may be a considered as supplementary reading for those who will

teach English vocabulary. This study is expected to provide input and solutions in

dealing with students problems, especially in vocabulary learning using

Crossword Puzzles as learning media.

2. For the students

This study is expected to be able to create a fun learning atmosphere and activate

students, students will more easily understand vocabulary material that presents

many abstract concepts and in the end it is expected that students have optimal

learning outcomes.

3. For the study program

This study is expected to be an information material, input and development of

science, especially in the English Education Study Program (PBI) in an effort to

improve the quality of students in the study program.

4. For the other researcher

This writing is a reference for those who will conduct the same research. It is also

expected that this study can enable them to widen their knowledge and deepen

their understanding about the same study.

1.5 Scope and Limitation of the Research

From the identification of the problems set out in this study, it is necessary to limit the

problem so that the study carried out is more focused on the problems to be solved. This

study only focuses on vocabulary teaching using the Crossword Puzzle teaching method

specifically taught to seventh grade students at SMPN 1 Lewolema.

In this study, researchers used the Crossword Puzzle game in teaching vocabulary

skills in the seventh grade of SMPN 1 Lewolema because previously in this seventh grade
 the teaching had not used the application of game methods so that it could affect student

learning outcomes. The application of the Crossword Puzzle game can be applied to any

seventh grade material that is more focused on teaching vocabulary.

1.6 Definition of Key Terms

 Crossword Puzzle is a game that involves learners to fill in empty boxes with

letters that form words based on the clues given.

 Vocabulary is the collection of words or phrases used in English for speaking and

writing.

 Teaching Vocabulary is the process of teaching new words to student through

various activities, such as reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The purpose is

for students to understand and use the new words in the right context.

 Crossword Puzzle in teaching vocabulary is in order for Crossword Puzzle

strategy learning to run effectively and clearly, makes the following steps

implementation, namely :

1. Explain some keywords related to the material being taught.

2. Prepare a simple Crossword Puzzzle with as many lessons as possible.

(notes: if creating a Crossword Puzzle for your lesson is too difficult,

include transition elements that are not necessarily related to the lesson.).

3. Place keyword puzzles to solve the problems by using some association :

short definition (text that explains the main ideas), categories with

corresponding elements, opposite words.

4. Distribute the Crossword Puzzle to students individually or in teams.

5. Set a specific time.

6. Give prizes to those who answer the fastest.

 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.1 Teaching English

Teaching English is a dynamic and rewarding profession that involves a blend of art

and science. To be an effective English teacher, we need to understand the nuances of the

language, the psychology of learning, and the art of creating engaging lessons. Teaching

English refers to the processes and methods used to teach English as a foreign language.

According to Islamiyah (2011), the goal of English language instruction for children is to

develop communicative competence. In addition, English language instruction also has

implications for learning the culture of the native speakers of that language, as explained in

recent research on glocal English language instruction.Futhermore Islamiyah (2011),say that

teaching English language instruction for children aims to equip them with good

communication skills.

In addition, Rahmadhita (2020), in English language learning, there are several skills

in teaching English, as follows:

1. Listening: Listening skills are very important in understanding spoken English.

Research shows that effective teaching methods can improve students' listening skills.

2. Speaking: Speaking skills are the main focus of many studies. For example, research

on project-based learning shows an improvement in students' speaking skills.

3. Reading: Reading skills are also a concern, where the development of appropriate

learning models can help students understand texts better.

 4. Writing: Writing skills require consistent practice. Researchers emphasize the

importance of learning methods that support mastery of this skill.

Besides, the four skills mentioned, that be mastered by students.Vocabulary and grammar are

also very important in learning English.Vocabulary is key aspect in learning a new language.

Nurgiyantoro (2014:338) states that vocabulary is the wealth of words found in a language

that will form a communication.

From the explanation above, it can be concluded that in teaching English there are

several skills that are very important to learn, namely Reading, Listening, Writing,

Speaking, Grammar and Vocabulary. One of them is vocabulary, because vocabulary is

basic of communication and Vocabulary plays an important role in the four skills of

language learning and students who just learns grammar without vocabulary will find

difficulties in express what he or she wants to say.

2.2 Vocabulary

Learning a new language cannot be separated from vocabulary. It means that in

learning a new language people have to know its vocabulary. Some experts define

vocabulary in various ways. According to Schmitt (2017) defines vocabulary as all the

words used in communication. It includes two important aspects, namely the first is

lexical (the word meaning) and the second is the use of words in the appropriate.

Furthermore, Paul Nation (2015), vocabulary is a collection of words used in verbal and

written communication. Which vocabulary includes knowledge of the meaning of words

and how they are used in various contexts both in speaking, listening, reading and

writing. Meanwhile, Santoso and Andriyadi (2019), vocabulary is collection of words that

a person knows. Vocabulary is one of the most important components of the language

system to learn. Ernawati (2017), stated that vocabulary is very important in helping
students learn about new words and is one way to build linguistic awareness which

ultimately fosters language and literacy development. Vocabulary development is very

important both from theoretical and practical poin of view as stated by Ghaemi (2017)

that experts in the field of vocabulary development agree that vocabulary is a central

factor in the language learning process and vocabulary strengthening is necessary at every

stage of students language development. Anwar and Efransyah (2018), emphasize that

without grammar very little can be conveying, without vocabulary nothing can be

vonveyed.

Based on definition from some experts above, the researcher conclude that vocabulary

is collection of words that a person knows includes knowledge of the meaning of words

and how they are used in various contexts both in speaking, listening, reading and

writing. Vocabulary is considered as the most important part in learning a language. It it

impossible for the students to read, write and speak a foreign language without having

enough knowledge of the vocabulary. Learning the new vocabulary does not only mean

memorizing the form of the word but also understand its meaning.

In short, vocabulary is a ever rest of language. For this reason, a person who wants to

be able to communicate in certain language has to master the vocabulary of that language

for the first time. It is one of the language aspects needs to be learned when people are

learning a language. Vocabulary mastery is important for anyone who learns the language

use in listening, speaking, reading, and writing besides grammar. A learner of the foreign

language will speak fluently, write easily, or understand what he or she reads or hears if

he or she has enough vocabulary and has a capability of using it accurately.

2.3 Teaching Vocabulary

Teaching vocabulary is a complex task because the teaching includes not only the

meaning of words but also spelling and pronunciation of the words. A good teacher

should use appropriate presentation techniques and enough practice for certain word. The

teacher has to teach only the meaning of words but also use appropriate methods for each

other aspects of languages such as spelling and pronunciation.

Teaching vocabulary is a part of teaching language. Thus, the process of teaching

vocabulary constitutes the activities of learning and teaching together that guide students

to be able to receive and use the vocabulary in accordance to its function.

The purpose of teaching vocabulary is to help students bring and get the meaning

from words signs, signal, and symbols. To reach the goal of teaching vocabulary, the

students must be taught in many times about words and their meaning.

Below are the key principles of teaching vocabulary outlined by Nation (2022) :

1) Prioritize High-Frequency Vocabulary

Nation emphasizes that learners shouls focus on high-frequency words

those that are most commonly used across various context. These words

allow learners to engage with a wide range of texts and communicate more

effectively in everyday conversation. Focusing on these words helps

maximize learners ability to understand and participate in language use.

High-Frequency vocabulary often includes function words, core

vocabulary, and basic content words that learners encounter frequently.

2) Teach vocabulary in context

Vocabulary teaching should never be isolated. Instead, words should be

introduce in meaningful context. Nation argues that words are better

learned when they are encountered in real life situation, authentic texts, or
 discourse where learners see how words function within full sentences or

conversations. This helps learners grasp multiple meaning, usage patterns,

and nuances of words that might not be clear when learned in isolation.

3) Focus on word knowledge depth (Form, Meaning, Use)

Nation stresses that understanding a word is not limited to knowing its

basic meaning. Effective vocabulary learning involves developing

knowledge in three key areas :

 Form : Recognizing the spelling, pronunciation, and

morphological forms (e.g., “happy”, “happiness”).

 Meaning : Understanding the range of meanings and

nuances, including connotations, multiple senses of the

word, and how meaning changes in different context.

 Use : Knowing how to use the word correctly in various

situations, including grammar, collocations, register,

and syntax (e.g., formal vs informal contexts, common

word combinations).

A deep understanding of these elements helps learners use words

accurately and flexibly

4) Repetition and Spaced Learning

Repetition is essential for vocabulary retention. Nation highlights the

importance of spaced repetition- reviewing vocabulary at regular intervals

over time to reinforce memory and transfer words from short-term to long-

term memory. Multiple encounters with the word across different contexts

and in different forms allow learners to retain and recall vocabulary more

effectively.
 5) Teaching words parts

Nation recommends teaching affixes (prefixes, suffixes) and roots, as

understanding these elements allows learners to infer the meanings of new

words. By building word families, learners can expand their vocabulary

more efficiently.

2.4 Technique in Teaching Vocabulary

According to Ruth Gairns and Stuart Redman (2018), there are two techniques in

presenting vocabulary are visual technique and verbal technique.

a. Visual technique includes visuals, mime, and gesture. Visual includes flash

card, photograph, blackboard drawing, wall charts. They are extensively need

for teaching concentrate items of vocabulary.

b. Verbal technique includes the use of illustrative situation (oral or written), use

of synonym and definition, contrasts, and opposites.

Furthermore, Nurfauziah Manzur and Fatima (2023) states that the vocabularies are

developed using different methods and techniques, such as word game, crossword puzzle,

snake coil, word selection, word definition, letter and number game, search word, missing

letters, word formation, matching, identifying words and completion. From the explanation

above, the writer can conclude that in teaching that in teaching vocabulary teacher must use

many techniques. Teacher can choose the technique in teaching based on the situation. So, as

a teacher she or he must be smart and more creative during the teaching learning process. In

this research, the researcher used the crossword puzzle game in teaching vocabulary.
2.5 Crossword Puzzle in Teaching Vocabulary

According to Thompson and Coombs (2020), Crossword Puzzle is described as a word

game where the goal is to fill a grid of blank squares with letters, forming words across and

down based on provided clues. In Longman Handy Learners Dictionary of American English

(2016), stated that Crossword Puzzle is printed game in which words are fitted into numbered

square. Crossword Puzzle is a game which is consists of words in the grid that has to think

carefully to guess from the clue and can be exercise the mind. It means that crossword puzzle

is a game in which words from the clue are filled and guessed carefully in grid that can help

players to exercise their mind.

According to Silberman (2013), Crossword Puzzle are a learning method in the form of

review tests in the form Crossword Puzzles. Crosswords can be completed individually or in

groups. Furthermore, Anggraeni (2018:2), states that Crossword Puzzle is a media that

allows students to think more creatively to enter letters so that they become words that match

the length of the box that is available. By using this strategy, fun teaching and learning

activities can be created.

From the definition above, it can be concluded that Crossword Puzzle is one of the fun

game in learning methods which consists of words from numbered the clue vertically and

horizontally that has to be guessed and thought carefully in a grid, and this game have a some

advantages can help to exercise the mind students in learning vocabulary.

Every learning method certainly has ways and steps in applying the method. Where each

step in the learning method is certainly different. In order for Crossword Puzzle strategy

learning to run effectively and clearly, in more detail according to Melvin L. Silberman

(2016;256-257) makes the following steps implementation, namely :

1. Explain some keywords related to the material being taught.

 2. Prepare a simple Crossword Puzzzle with as many lessons as possible.(notes: if

creating a Crossword Puzzle for your lesson is too difficult, include transition elements that

are not necessarily related to the lesson.).

3. Place keyword puzzles to solve the problems by using some association : short

definition (text that explains the main ideas), categories with corresponding elements,

opposite words.

4. Distribute the Crossword Puzzle to students individually or in teams.

5. Set a specific time.

6. Give prizes to those who answer the fastest.

The advantages of this method are invites students to learn to have fun discussions

(Stimulating Discussio), inviting students to learn in groups (Collaborative Learning),

inviting students to learn with peers or classmates (Perr Teaching), inviting students to learn

independently (Independent Learning). So, Crossword Puzzle can train the student’s brain to

recall the new words and make students feel more fun, relaxed, and enjoyable.