Digital Anki Flashcards for Improving Mandarin Vocabulary Mastery in Grade VIII

Abstract

Vocabulary mastery is a crucial component in learning foreign languages, 
including Mandarin, which is increasingly important in today's global context. 
However, junior high school students in Indonesia often struggle to master 
Mandarin vocabulary successfully, partly due to the limited use of interactive 
digital learning media. This study aims to describe the use of digital-based Anki 
flashcard media and examine its impact on the vocabulary mastery of eighth
grade students at SMP IT Cheng Hoo. Using the Classroom Action Research 
(CAR) model by Kemmis and McTaggart, the research was conducted in two 
cycles involving 17 students. Data were collected through vocabulary tests and 
observation sheets. The findings revealed an improvement in the average student 
score from 60.78 in the first cycle to 85.09 in the second, indicating a 24.31-point 
increase. These results suggest that the use of Anki significantly supports 
students' retention and understanding of Mandarin vocabulary. The study 
concludes that digital flashcard applications like Anki offer an innovative and 
responsive learning strategy that suits students' needs and increases engagement 
in Mandarin vocabulary acquisition.