Using YouTube as a Learning Media to Improve the Vocabulary of Junior High School Students

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of YouTube as a learning media to improve the vocabulary of eighth-grade students at SMP Advent Palu. The research utilized a quantitative approach with a pre-experimental design, specifically a one-group pre-test and post-test design. The instruments applied consisted of vocabulary tests and questionnaires. A pre-test was conducted to assess students’ initial vocabulary knowledge, followed by a treatment comprising six sessions that utilized YouTube videos focused on nouns, verbs, and adjectives. After the treatment, a post-test was administered to measure vocabulary improvement. The findings demonstrated that the students' average pre-test score was 40, which significantly improved to 81.3 in the post-test. The statistical analysis showed that the t-counted was higher than the t-table (11.759 > 1.860), indicating a significant improvement in students’ vocabulary after using YouTube as a learning media. Furthermore, the questionnaire results revealed that 82% of the participants had a positive perception of using YouTube in vocabulary learning. Therefore, it can be concluded that YouTube is an effective and engaging learning media to improve students' vocabulary.