English Education Journal starting in 2024 migrates to better secure from various unwanted things, including journal hacking and so on. To submit, the author please visit the new website page of our journal at the link https://journal.unnes.ac.id/journals/eej MIGRATION OFFICIAL STATEMENT HERE English Education Journal (p-ISSN 2087-0108 e-ISSN 2502-4566) is a quarterly journal published by Graduate School of Universitas Negeri Semarang, Indonesia, in the months of March, June, September, and December. It is a double-blind peer-reviewed journal dedicated to enhancing and disseminating scholarly work in the form of conceptual and research-based articles within the fields of teaching English as a second or foreign language (TESL/TEFL), English language learning, ESL/EFL language teachers' training and education, English linguistics, translation, and literature, which have not been published or are under consideration elsewhere. English Education Journal has been indexed in several international academic publication databases, e.g. Google Scholar, EBSCO, GARUDA, Science and Citation Index (SINTA).
Challenges and Solutions in Teaching English for Students with Different Language Backgrounds (A Case Study in Torphan Rojjanawich School, Satun, Thailand)
This study investigates the challenges faced by teachers in teaching English to students from diverse language backgrounds at Torphanrojjanawich School, Satun, Thailand. It explores the linguistic, cognitive, and socio-cultural barriers impeding the acquisition of English, focusing on how these issues impact learning outcomes. Through qualitative data collected from interviews with teachers, classroom observations, and student surveys, the research identifies key obstacles such as the differences in native languages, limited exposure to English outside the classroom, and varying levels of cognitive readiness for language learning. Furthermore, the study presents strategies and solutions that have been implemented, including differentiated instruction, multimedia tools, and peer learning, and fostering bilingual/multilingual support systems. Findings suggest that while significant challenges exist, targeted interventions, teacher development, and institutional support can improve students' English proficiency in multilingual settings.
Educational challenges, English language teaching, Linguistic diversity, Multilingual students
Copyright (c) 2025 English Education Journal
The Effect of Slap the Board Game on Students’ English Vocabulary at SDN 3 Menteng Palangka Raya
This study aims to find the effect of ‘Slap the Board’ game on students' English vocabulary retention at SDN 3 Menteng Palangka Raya, Indonesia. This research used quantitative approach with pre-experiment research type and One-Group Pre-test-Post-test Design. The research was conducted in an elementary school with a total sampling of 16 third-grade students, consisting of 5 male students and 11 female students. The data were collected using a multiple-choice test instrument with 20 questions, given in the pre-test and post-test. The data were analyzed using inferential statistics through Shapiro-Wilk normality test and paired sample t-test. The results showed that students' English vocabulary mastery had an average of 57.5 in the pre-test, and after the implementation of the “Slap the Board” game, students' vocabulary retention increased with an average of 75 in the post-test. Statistical analysis showed that the “Slap the Board” game had a significant effect on students' English vocabulary mastery with a sig. (2-tailed) 0.001, which is smaller than the significance level α = 0.05. Thus, H₀ is rejected and H₁ is accepted. So, the “Slap the Board” game which involves kinesthetic activities and competition can improve the ability to retain English vocabulary and create a more fun and interactive learning atmosphere.
The Realization of Communication Accommodation Strategies between Teacher and Students at Easy Learning English Course
It is a challenge for English teacher in an English course to be able to accommodate in teaching so that students are not confused with what the teacher explains during the communication. This research aims to investigate the kinds of communication accommodation strategies realized in teacher-student interaction in Easy Learning English Course. This study used qualitative research design in the classroom interaction analysis. The instrument applied was strategies checklist to find and interpret the strategies realized. This study found that based on the analysis in the interaction between teacher and students in Easy Learning English Course, the communication accommodation strategies used were approximation strategy, interpretability strategy, discourse management strategy and interpersonal control strategy. The strategies used in the interaction enable the teacher to accommodate in the communication with the students in the classroom. This study shows that the communication accommodation strategies realized in the teacher student interaction in Easy learning English course are 26 times approximation strategy, 38 times interpretability strategy, 351 discourse management strategy and 14 times interpersonal control strategy in Conclusion, Discourse management strategy is more dominant than approximation strategy, interpretability strategy, and interpersonal control strategy.
Communication Accommodation Strategy, English Course, Teacher-Student Interaction
Copyright (c) 2024 English Education Journal
Teacher’s Reflection and Students’ Perception of the Use of Technology to Promote Student Engagement in English Class at SMA Negeri 3 Demak Academic Year 2024/2025
This research aimed to explain the teacher's reflection and students' perception regarding the Use of Technology to Promote Students' Engagement in English Class at SMA Negeri 3 Demak in 2024/2025 Academic Year. The design of this research is qualitative research. In collecting data, the researcher used questionnaires and interviews. The students filled out the questionnaire to fulfill the students' engagement about using technology in the English class, supported by the open question interview from the English teacher and students of SMA Negeri 3 Demak. The sample of this research is the eleventh grade with 32 students. The research used random sampling to decide the research sample. This study's result revealed that technology can improve the student's engagement in English class. The findings indicate that when effectively implemented, technology enhances students' engagement by providing interactive and personalized learning experiences. Overall, the research highlights that the use of technology can transform educational practices and improve learning outcomes while emphasizing the importance of learning to ensure equitable access and benefits for all students. The findings and discussion showed that the use of technology makes students engaged, pay attention, interested, motivated, focus, have fun, actively participate, understand the material, interact with each other, enjoy, like, interact, develop their ability, improve communication skill, enhance, and enthusiasm
project-based learning, canva, writing skills, motivation
The Impact Of Peer Review On Writing Instruction: Exploring Students' Learning Motivation At SD Marsudirini Semarang
This study aims to investigate the impact of peer review on writing instruction and students' learning motivation. Conventional teaching methods were found to be ineffective, leading to low student engagement and poor writing scores. By incorporating the peer review technique, the experimental group demonstrated significantly higher levels of participation and improved writing performance than the control group. These findings highlight the potential of Peer review by applying a mixed-method type, quasi-experiment research design (quantitative research – test) and (qualitative research – observation and questionnaire). The results of the student's participation in the control class were 2.95, with a moderate degree level. Meanwhile, the results of the peer review questionnaire in increasing the motivation of experimental class students were 3,76 with a high degree level. A statistical test will determine whether peer review has impaction and writing ability through an independent sample t-test using SPSS 29. As a result, Peer review effectively enhances students' writing ability with a mean of 76. It means that the experimental class students' writing ability scores are in a suitable category.
Collaborative learning, Peer review, Writing instruction.
Analysing Tenth-Grade Students’ Difficulty and Their Perceptions in Writing Recount Text
One of the most important skills in studying English, particularly for EFL students, is writing recount texts. However, a lot of students struggle to grasp the components needed to write the texts. With the focus on linguistic and structural components, this study investigates difficulties faced by tenth-grade students at SMA Al Fusha Kedungwuni when producing recount texts. Furthermore, it examined how students perceive these difficulties and how their perspectives correspond with the understanding of the writing process. A mixed-methods technique was used in the study, which combined an analysis of the students' recount texts with a survey of their perceptions. The text reveals that students face structural and linguistic difficulties in writing recount texts. Structural difficulties include unclear chronological order, inadequate orientation, unclear events, weak or missing reorientation, and difficulty managing length and detail. Linguistic difficulties include tense usage, vocabulary choice, cohesion, grammar, sentence structure, spelling, and punctuation. Students' perceptions show sufficient engagement with critical stages of the writing process, such as planning and revising. However, self-reported data may introduce bias, as students may not accurately assess their own difficulties. This highlights a gap between self-awareness and actual performance in writing recount texts. The findings suggest the need for teachers to emphasize their teaching on recount text structure, incorporating activities to strengthen understanding. In addition, students should master past tense grammatical rules and practice changingpresent tense to past tense. Curriculum developers should emphasize the writing process, provide detailed explanations, and integrate grammar instruction.
Difficulties, Perceptions, Writing, Recount Text
The Realization of Illocutionary Acts Found on TikTok Live Streaming
TikTok is a social media that is currently becoming a trend center. One of TikTok's best features is live streaming with its mainstay content buying and selling. , commissive, directive, expressive, and declarative. Qualitative content analysis study was applied to analyze the illocutionary acts that appear in online communication via live streaming TikTok by the account @Carina's pen02. The data was collected through some stages including recording, transcribing, and classifying by using the SPEAKING (setting and scene, participants, endings, acts sequence, key, instrumentalities, norms, and genre) theory proposed by Dell Hyme (1972). Expert judgment was also involved in this study to guarantee the validity of the data. The four types of illocutionary acts were found in which the commissive is the most frequently used, followed by representative, directive, and expressive. Pragmatically, these findings improve understanding of speech acts in real-time digital interactions. Digital communications, it also provides strategies to increase audience engagement through the effective use of direction and expression. For online sellers, this research offers practical guidance on using persuasive language to build trust, drive sales, and maintain viewer interest during live streaming.
Illocutionary act, Live streaming, Digital application, Tiktok
Teachers’ Perceptions of Communicative Approach in Teaching Speaking Skill Based on Emancipated Curriculum
This case study aims to know the teachers’ perception of the communicative approach and its implementation in teaching speaking skills based on an emancipated curriculum. The participants of this study consisted of three English teachers at three Islamic high schools in Demak Regency. Observations were conducted to evaluate the implementation of the communicative approach by analyzing teacher documents, specifically lesson plans. Also, questionnaires were distributed to investigate teacher perceptions regarding the communicative approach. It was analyzed using 16 principles of the communicative approach according to Larsen-Freeman's theory (2000). This study’s findings reveal that the three teachers have positive perception of implementing the communicative approach in teaching speaking skill based on the emancipated curriculum in Demak Regency. In implementing the communicative approach, guided by classroom observation and the teachers’ lesson plans, the teachers follow the sixteen principles of the communicative approach as outlined by Larsen-Freeman (2011). Teachers also use lesson plans using the principles of the communicative approach and carry out the teaching and learning process through the lesson plan. It can be concluded that the three teachers have a positive perception and implement the communicative approach based on the emancipated curriculum. This study also concludes that there is a relationship between the communicative approach and the emancipated curriculum. It can be seen in the similar principles and characteristics between the communicative approach and emancipated curriculum.
Communicative Approach, Perception, Teaching Speaking, Emancipated Curriculum
Impoliteness Strategies in Online Political Discourse: A Case Study of Indonesian Netizens' Comments on Tiktok
This study analyzes impoliteness strategies in online political discourse, specifically focusing on the comments made by Indonesian netizens on TikTok regarding the presidential and vice-presidential candidate pairs. This research employed a qualitative descriptive approach to portray the phenomenon of impoliteness in the digital realm, especially in political interactions within the context of Indonesia’s presidential election. The study applied Culpeper’s (1996) theory of impoliteness strategies, and the data were collected from the Indonesian presidential election, specifically from TikTok accounts. Comments were gathered from the Anies-Muhaimin, Prabowo-Gibran, and Ganjar-Mahfud pairs. The data used in this study consisted of 60 instances of dark humor found across three TikTok accounts of presidential and vice-presidential candidates, which were then analyzed according to five categories of impoliteness strategies: bald on record impoliteness, positive impoliteness, negative impoliteness, sarcasm or mock, and withhold impoliteness. The results show that dark humor is most commonly conveyed through sarcasm or mock (35%), followed by positive impoliteness (28.3%), negative impoliteness (20%), bald on record impoliteness (16.7%), and no instances of withhold impoliteness. Thus, the findings contribute to understanding how impoliteness strategies are used by netizens to express political criticism or opinions online and their impact on political discourse in Indonesia. By understanding impoliteness, we will better appreciate politeness on social media and in person.
Impoliteness Strategy, Online Political Discourse, Tiktok Comment Analysis, Case Study
The Irony in Enola Holmes movie (2020): a study of figurative language
Figurative language, particularly irony, plays a significant role in both everyday communication and literary works. Irony occurs when there is a contrast between what is said and what is meant, often to highlight a deeper meaning, express subtle criticism, or create humor. Irony adds layers of meaning, encourages critical thinking, and enhances the richness of utterance. This research explores the use of figurative language, specifically irony, in the 2020 film Enola Holmes. The study aims to identify and analyze instances of irony within the film, focusing on how it contributes to character development, figurative meaning, and thematic expression. Hence, this study carried out a qualitative method with content analysis, the research examines dialogues and scenes where the irony plays a significant role, applying frameworks from pragmatic and discourse analysis to uncover deeper meaning. The findings showed that Seventeen Ironies appears and is analyzed using Perrine's theory of figurative language, which emphasizes the contrast between literal and intended meaning in Enola Holmes movie (2020). This study contributes to the understanding of figurative language in movie and its broader implications for audience engagement and interpretation.
Figurative language, Irony, Enola Holmes
Implementation of Project-Based Assessment to Assess the Students’ Speaking Skills in Vocational High School
Business and industry leaders are emphasizing the need for future employees to possess strong industry skills and, crucially, to communicate effectively in English to engage with international markets. This has led to a call for an assessment approach in vocational education that promotes higher-order thinking skills instead of just rote memorization and factual recall in English language instruction. Project-Based Assessment (PBA) is a key method in vocational education reform, engages various stakeholders through authentic tasks showcasing students' knowledge and skills. This study uses an explanatory sequential design to explore Project-Based Assessment's implementation in improving speaking skills at SMK Wisudha Karya Kudus, examining teacher and 70 students’ perception and its impact on motivation and skill enhancement. The findings of this study reveal that PBA had been implemented by the teacher since 2021 as it helped the teacher to find out some aspects of students’ skill by using one project. Out of 2 classes consists 70 students indicate a positive development in the performance both classes, reflecting a slight improvement in their skills. Though time management and English habitual became the obstacles in the implementation of this assessment approach, through motivation and positive feedback, the teacher is still able to help the students increasing their speaking skills.
Realization of Assertive Speech Acts By The Main Character in The Turning Red Film
In the field of pragmatics, speech act analysis is fundamental to knowing the intended meaning behind a speaker's utterance. The objectives of this particular study encompass elucidating the manifestation of assertive speech, direct and indirect assertive speech acts, and the utilization of Asian Politeness by Meilin Lee in the acclaimed film Turning Red. Methodologically, this study adopted a qualitative approach with pragmatics study. The findings illuminated that there were 71 instances of utterances indicative of speech acts. Furthermore, the primary character exhibited a predilection towards employing assertive speech acts to articulate her beliefs and viewpoints, thereby expressing and elucidating various concepts in her utterances. Mei predominantly employed direct speech in her interactions with friends. However, in certain scenarios, she resorted to indirect speech when declining her friends' invitations. Moreover, she employed indirect speech to mask her emotions. In an effort to safeguard her mother’s feelings and conceal actions that perturbed her, Mei frequently resorted to fabrications
An Analysis of Women’s Language Features Used by the Indonesian Female Podcasters
Manifestation of Ideology and Power in Matthew’s Parables: Investigation of Appraisal in View of Critical Discourse Analysis
This topic was chosen because the researchersant to know which appraisal is dominant in Matthew's parables. According to Martin & White (2005), appraisal studies determine how Matthew evaluates what Jesus said in the Bible, especially in the parables. The researcher wants to know how Jesus used parables to teach his disciples. Why could the disciples understand what Jesus said, and why is using parables a powerful way to teach about the Kingdom of God. This study also focuses on the ideology and power with which Jesus used parables to teach his disciples. Based on this theory, ideology can be analyzed using appraisal studies, which include the analysis of affect, judgments, and appreciation. Therefore, this study aims to explore the manifestations of ideology and power by examining the evaluative study in Jesus' parables based on Matthew's writings. In this study, the researchers will collect data using an observation guide. Therefore, there are no actual participants who took part in this study. The data results and discussion on the Gospel of Matthew macro genre indicate it is a narrative text.
Appraisal, ideology, power, parables, bible
The Comparison of Speech Acts Application by Pascal and Abraham in Youtube Videos
This research examines the use of speech acts in YouTube videos by professional English communication trainers Learning a Language? Speak It Like You’re Playing a Video Game by Marianna Pascal and Think Fast. Talk Smart by Matt Abrahams. It compared speech acts utilized by the two professional trainers to explain how they effectively deliver their messages to diverse audiences. The analysis focused on identifying the realization, similarities, and differences in using Searle’s (1976) five types of speech acts. The data for this research consisted of words, phrases, clauses, or sentences containing speech acts spoken by Pascal and Abraham during their speeches. This research employed a qualitative research method to categorize and analyze the speech acts. The findings revealed the differences in their communication styles despite of the similar predominant use of representative and directive acts. Pascal’s narrative style was appealing and easy to understand compared to Abraham’s logical and authoritative approach. Pascal’s directives inspire self-reflection more, whereas Abraham’s were direct and effective. The research offers a comprehensive perspective on the speech act strategies employed by professional English communication trainers thereby making valuable contributions to speech act theory and its application in real-world contexts.
The Existence of Borrowing Words in Tourism Articles on the Jawa Pos Online Website in May 2024
As language development continues to evolve, especially in a globalized field such as tourism, understanding how borrowing words is integrated into the media in Indonesia is crucial. In line with that, this study investigates the phenomenon of borrowing words and their meaning changes in tourism articles published on the Jawa Pos Online website in May 2024. Hocket's theory (1958) was used to analyze the types of borrowing words, and Baugh's theory (1993) was used to identify the changes in the meaning of the borrowing words. A descriptive qualitative with content analysis method was applied to analyze 173 words found in tourism articles on the Jawa Pos online website in May 2024. The findings show 76 loan words, 63 loan blends, and 92 loan shifts. In the analysis of meaning change, there are 66 extensions, 28 narrowing of the meaning, 10 regeneration of the meaning, and 69 words that did not change the meaning. The findings of this study contribute to journalistic writing, especially in digital media. Also, it contributes to the understanding of Indonesian language development by adapting and incorporating foreign terms.
Borrowing words, changes of meaning, Jawa Pos, online website, tourism article.
Implementing Flipped Classroom to Enhance Reading Achievement: A Comparative Study on Female and Male Students
This study aimed to examine the impact of the flipped classroom method on students' reading achievement, focusing on comparing its effectiveness between female and male students. A mixed-method research design was used, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative methods. The participants were 28 second-grade social science (IPS) students (14 males and 14 females) during the 2023-2024 academic year. Data collection methods included pre-and post-tests, as well as semi-structured interviews. The findings revealed that the flipped classroom method significantly improved reading achievement for both genders. Based on the results obtained, from these two genders, the most specifically experienced a change in grades were female students. In female students at the beginning before applying to flipped classrooms, their reading scores ranged from 70 to 80, then improved to a range of 78 to 88. Meanwhile, the male students also changed their scores, ranging from 64 to 76, then improved to 70 to 86. The use of flipped classrooms showed a greater benefit to the students. Female students demonstrated higher engagement, collaboration, and enjoyment levels, resulting in better overall performance in reading tasks. In contrast, male students also experienced improvement but faced more difficulties in maintaining their focus, so their grades did not improve too much. Apart from having an impact on students' reading results, it also made male and female students active and enthusiastic in the class. Besides, it is effective to make the students enjoy the learning process and not feel bored with the monotonous learning style. This insight contributes to the field by highlighting the importance of gender-specific adaptations in flipped classroom strategies to enhance reading instruction for all students.
Flipped classroom, Reading Achievement, Comparative Study
Cohesion and Coherence in Reading Texts of the 7th-Grade Coursebook ‘English for Nusantara’
Cohesion and coherence are critical concepts in the study of reading texts, particularly in the 7th-grade coursebook English for Nusantara, as they directly influence how students understand and engage with the material. This research examined the reading texts in this book, focusing on how cohesive devices contribute to text coherence. By applying a descriptive qualitative approach, the analysis of this study employed the cohesion theory by Halliday and Hasan (2013), whereas the coherence principles applied the theory by Oshima and Hogue (2005). The texts that were analyzed include both descriptive and procedural genres, the focus lay on identifying and analyzing elements of cohesion and coherence present in the textual content. The study found that reference was the most prevalent grammatical cohesion device across both genres, followed by conjunctions, while substitution and ellipsis were absent. Overall, the analysis showed that the reading texts in "English for Nusantara" effectively utilized cohesion and coherence, fulfilling their communicative objectives through the effective application of both grammatical and lexical cohesion devices. The findings of a study on cohesion and coherence in reading texts from the 7th-grade coursebook English for Nusantara can provide valuable insights for improving language teaching, curriculum design, and textbook development in several ways. Also, it can serve as a foundation for developing teaching practices, curricular goals, and textbooks that help students better understand and use cohesion and coherence, ultimately improving their language skills and fostering more effective learning.
cohesion, coherence, reading texts, coursebook
The Impact of Kahoot to Enhance Students’ Participation and Reading Ability in ELT Classroom
This research investigated the impact of Kahoot on students' participation and reading ability in ELT classrooms. Conventional teaching methods were found to be ineffective, leading to low student engagement and poor reading scores. By incorporating Kahoot, the experimental group demonstrated significantly higher levels of participation and improved reading performance compared to the control group. These findings highlight the potential of Kahoot by applying a mixed-method type, quasi-experiment research design (quantitative research – t-test) and (qualitative research – observation and questionnaire). The results of the students’ participation in the control class were 2.33 with a low degree level. Whereas the results of students’ participation in the experimental class were 4.37 with a high degree level. Statistical test to determine whether there is an impact of using Kahoot on students’ participation and reading ability through an independent sample t-test using SPSS 25. As a result, Kahoot effectively enhances students' reading ability with a mean of 75.94. It means that the experimental class students' scores in reading ability are in a good category. The score of Kahoot questionnaire in the experimental class with a mean of 4.61 with a high degree level. Kahoot is influential in improving students’ reading ability, hence it raises students’ grades.
A Comparative Analysis of English Discourse Markers in British and American Football Commentary
There are plenty of ways to utilise discourse in the field of language, for example in football commentary. It is natural, unplanned, free of scripts, and spontaneous. However, football discussion and commentary differ significantly from regular speech. The aim of this study is to compare the use of English discourse markers in sport-casting or football commentary by the British and American football commentators. This study used a qualitative study. The data were collected through a spoken discourse analysis from two (2) football match videos produced by British and American football commentators, which were transcribed into a text analysis and then determined the functions, types, and frequency of discourse markers. The finding showed that British commentators used discourse markers more frequently than the American commentators.
The Implementation of Word Search Puzzle with Numbered-Heads Together Strategy to Increase Students’ Vocabulary Mastery
Considering the significance of vocabulary mastery in language acquisition, this research addressed students' challenges in vocabulary learning. Particularly, this study evaluates the implementation of Word Search Puzzles combined with the Numbered-Heads Together (NHT) strategy to improve students’ vocabulary mastery. A mixed-methods approach was utilized, by combining quantitative and qualitative methods. The research involved pre-tests, treatments using Word Search Puzzles and NHT, post-tests, observations, questionnaires, and interviews. The results show that there is a significant improvement in students' vocabulary mastery, with an increase in scores from pre-test to post-test. Also, most of the students expressed enjoyment and interest in the new teaching methods. It can be concluded that the use of Word Search Puzzles and the NHT strategy positively impact students’ vocabulary mastery. Consider the effectiveness of the applied strategies, it is suggested for educators, especially English teachers, to consider to application of Word Search Puzzle with Numbered-Heads Together strategy into classroom practices.
Vocabulary Mastery Word Search Puzzles Numbered Heads Together (NHT) Mixed-Methods Approach Student Engagement
Engaging Audiences with Courtesy: Gender Differences in Positive Politeness Strategies within TED Educational Speech videos
Improper communication, such as insults or bad language, is a communication problem. It may harm or threaten others in various situations. Positive politeness strategy can be used as the communication strategy to avoid face-threatening acts (FTA) and make the interlocutors feel comfortable. We examined positive politeness strategies used by male and female speakers in educational TED Talks speech videos and explained the differences between male and female speakers on the use of positive politeness. The strategies were analyzed using Brown and Levinson's (1988) politeness theory. This study used discourse analysis with pragmatic approach. Data was obtained from four educational TED Talks speech videos with two male and two female speakers. There were several stages to analyze the data using discourse study, including data identification, data categorization, data interpretation, conclusion drafting and verification. The findings suggest that male speakers often giving or asking for reasons in speeches to explain why they did it. Women often joked in their speeches to relaxed audiences and put them at ease. Also, joking strategy were applied differently by male and female speakers in delivering speeches. The female speaker had to explain the contexts and describe the images, whereas the male speaker was more spontaneous and fun. The findings of this study showed how male and female speakers use the appropriate utterances when delivering their speech in front of the audiences. Positive politeness strategies are used by the speakers to show their interest, build togetherness, and avoid conflict. Besides, the findings of this study can show the speakers’ ability in pragmatic competence by looking at their language use in specific context.
Positive politeness strategies, Speech, Educational TED Talk videos.
Students’ Motivation, Challenges, and Results in TOEFL Learning Process Through Online Preparation Course
Online TOEFL preparation course has been very popular as it brings accessibility and flexibility to students. However, the effectiveness of these TOEFL preparation can be affected by some factors, namely students’ motivation, challenges they faced in learning TOEFL online, and the score improvements in their overall TOEFL score. This research aims at evaluating students’ motivation in participating in online TOEFL preparation course, evaluating what challenges students in the process of learning virtually, and evaluating the extent to which students’ score improve after they have completed 6-hour online preparation course. This research emploes explanatory sequential mixed-method design. The instruments utilized are questionnaire, interview, and pre-test and post-test. The result of this research highlights the students’ motivation and challenges in learning TOEFL online and the extent to which their TOEFL scores improve. This study is hoped to add reference for future researchers to explore more about TOEFL preparation for wider participants and longer duration of preparation.
Online course, students’ motivation, online course
The Effectiveness of TikTok Videos to Enhance Students’ Motivation and Speaking Skills
Speaking skills are one of the most important skills in English language learning. However, most students, especially at SMPN 1 Cepu, still lack self-confidence, have limited vocabulary, are passive in learning, and need to be more active in using English in daily conversations. This research implemented TikTok videos integrated into project-based learning. This research aims to determine the effectiveness of using TikTok in improving students’s motivation and speaking skills. This research includes a mixed-method type, quasi-experiment research design (quantitative research – t-test) and (qualitative research – interview and questionnaire). Statistical test to determine whether there is an influence of using TikTok videos on speaking skills through an independent sample t-test using SPSS 24. Meanwhile, a statistical test to determine whether there is an influence of using TikTok on student motivation is the Mann-Whitney test. Based on the results of statistical tests, an Asymp Sig (2-tailed) value of 0.001 or less than 0.05. This means that Ha is accepted. This means that there is an average difference between the experimental and control classes. There is a significant difference in the average score of speaking skills between the experimental class and the control class. Apart from that, there was a significant difference in the average motivation score between the experimental class and the control class. The implication of this research is TikTok can be used as a learning media that can motivate students and improve speaking skills.
motivation, project-based learning, speaking skills, TikTok
The Realization of Expressive Speech Acts in the Comment Section on Nessie Judge’s YouTube Channel
This study aims to analyze the realization of expressive speech acts in the comment section on Nessie Judge's YouTube channel using Searle's theory. Three top conspiracy videos were the object of the research. Data were collected from three selection video comment sections, with comments identified, classified, interpreted, and verified for patterns in expressive speech. Illocutionary Force Indicating Devices (IFIDs) were applied to categorize the comments based on the performative verb of each utterance. The findings categorized the comments into different types of expressive speech acts, such as thanking, apologizing, congratulating, praising, sorrow, and blaming. The analysis revealed that expressions of praising were the most dominant, accounting for 81 utterances. These expressions served to appreciate and acknowledge the quality of the content produced. Several factors contributed to the prevalence of praise, including high video quality, simplifying complex concepts, and fulfilling viewer expectations. Expressions of apology were the least frequent, occurring only 35 times. This study can contribute to education by deepening our understanding of how emotions and attitudes are expressed through language, a crucial aspect of effective communication. This research provides concrete examples of language use in digital contexts by analyzing expressive speech acts in YouTube comment sections. This knowledge can be applied to digital literacy and online communication training, empowering students to navigate and participate in online communities more effectively.
Developing News Item Instructional Media with Authentic Material Using SAC to Enhance Students’ Reading Ability
The rapid advancement of technology has led to the incorporation of technology in teaching and learning processes. One way to achieve this is through smartphone-based media, such as Smart Apps Creator (SAC), which creates simple mobile applications for improving teaching and learning activities. During learning process of EFL, researchers found problems especially in learning reading. The problems are students’ lack of motivation in reading and students’ difficulties in dealing with reading comprehension. This study aims to develop a simple mobile application as an instructional media for teaching News Item text with authentic materials for phase F students in grade 12th, and to test its effectiveness focusing on improving students' reading ability. The study also examines the potential of utilizing smartphones to support reading instruction, overcome students’ problem in reading, and encourage a more lively and effective learning environment. The product specifications include a mobile app that performs as an instructional media, containing News Item text enriched with authentic materials and is user-friendly. The study applied Borg and Gall (1983) model of educational research and development since the model includes a methodical process that the researchers can follow to guarantee that the final product satisfies behaviorally defined goals and complies with appropriateness standards. Data collection was conducted in SMAN 1 Kradenan Kabupaten Grobogan, with 29 students from grade 12th participating in field testing to evaluate the usability and effectivity of the apps to be used in learning. The result showed that the apps being developed is highly feasible to be used in learning and is effective in enhancing students’ reading ability.
The Use of Manga Media to Improve Students’ Writing Skills
Recount texts often present challenges for students due to their reliance on chronological structure, accurate use of past tense, and descriptive language, which can be difficult to master. Manga, as a visually engaging and narrative-driven medium, offers an innovative solution by simplifying complex concepts and making the learning process more interactive and enjoyable. This study explores the implementation of Manga media as a tool for teaching recount texts, emphasizing its ability to enhance students' comprehension and writing skills. A sample of thirty students from VIII A class at SMP Al Madina was selected through quota sampling for the research. A mixed-methods approach was employed to comprehensively present the results, utilizing data collected through questionnaires and tests. The result indicates that Manga media effectively enhanced students' recount text writing skills, as evidenced by improved test scores. The post-test results demonstrated a marked improvement over the pre-test, with the average score increasing from 68 in the pre-test to 74 in the post-test. The highest score improved from 76 to 82, while the lowest score increased from 60 to 65, indicating the significant impact of Manga media on student achievement. These findings suggest that Manga media is a novel tool and an effective collaborative medium for teaching recount text writing, as it fosters student engagement and improves learning outcomes.
Teachers’ Challenges in Teaching English to Students with Special Needs
This study investigates the challenges faced by teachers in teaching English to students with special needs, using a descriptive case study design. Two teachers of a special school participated by sharing their teaching experiences through questionnaires and structured interviews to provide detailed insights. There were six steps of data analysis, including extensive transcription review, generation of initial codes, theme identification, theme analysis, theme definition and naming, and report creation. Three key research topics emerged, highlighting the persistent difficulties special education teachers face. The findings show that English teachers faced some challenges, including a lack of awareness, a lack of teaching materials, a lack of special needs teachers, and a poor teaching environment. It indicates that teachers require professional training to enhance their teaching effectiveness and must take the initiative in self-educating about special education. Teachers are also expected to have high initiative to educate themselves about special education and continue to strive to apply effective teaching methods. The government is also responsible for supporting adequate teaching facilities and preparing the best teachers, such as providing professional training for teachers who teach in special schools.
An Analysis of Compound Words in English Captions of the British Embassy’s Instagram Account (@ukinindonesia)
The primary goal of this research is to determine the writing forms and functions of compound terms discovered in English captions from the British Embassy in Indonesia's official Instagram account, @ukinindonesia. The data in this study was analyzed using a descriptive qualitative approach with document analysis. The theory from Akmaijan (2010) is used to determine the writing formation of a compound word in an English caption, whereas McCarthy's (2002) theory is used to determine the type of function of compound words. The findings of this analysis reveal that there are 120 compound terms in the English caption of the British Embassy's account @ukinindonesia. From the writing perspective, single-form compound words are the most used compared to the separated compounds. The hyphenated compound is the least used because the compound is not so commonly used in the making or writing captions containing compound words in English, and the captions on the account are mostly written in a simple, understandable way. The three functions of compound words are compound nouns, compound adjectives, and compound verbs. The account of the British Embassy mostly used compound nouns rather than compound adjectives and compound verbs, because compound nouns are the easiest compound to create and apply in making sentences and caption under the post. Based on the data found in this study, the compound words used in the English captions of the British account @ukinindonesia on Instagram are varied, rich, and unique, and play a vital role in delivering information and engaging with its followers on Instagram.
compound words, caption, Instagram, morphology