Exploring English Vocabulary Learning Strategies of Students in a Private Senior High School in East Jakarta

Authors

  • Alya Nur Alifah Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof. DR. HAMKA, Indonesia
  • Suciana Wijirahayu Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof. DR. HAMKA, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29240/ef.v9i1%20May.12329

Keywords:

Vocabulary learning strategies, EFL students, Senior High School

Abstract

This study examines the vocabulary learning strategies of grade 11 students at a private high school in East Jakarta, focusing on four categories: cognitive, metacognitive, memory and activation strategies. Using a quantitative descriptive method, data was collected from 169 students attending English classes. The data was collected using a questionnaire with a Likert scale and open-ended questions. The questionnaire consisted of 4 vocabulary learning strategies items: Cognitive Strategy, Metacognitive Strategy, Memory Strategy, and Activation Strategy. Each item consisted of 10 questions. The findings showed a diversity in strategy use, with digital tools and contextual inference being the most frequently used cognitive strategies. Metacognitive strategies such as goal setting and self-assessment were not consistently applied, while memory strategies such as repetition and auditory reinforcement proved effective for vocabulary retention. Activation strategies, including using new words in online conversations and interactions, highlighted the integration of technology in learning. This research emphasizes the importance of diverse and targeted teaching strategies to improve students' vocabulary acquisition and overall English proficiency.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biography

Suciana Wijirahayu, Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof. DR. HAMKA

Dr. Suciana Wijirahayu is a Faculty member of English Education Study Program at UHAMKA for more than 23 years.

References

Alyami, I., Alsharif, S., Chipchase, S., & Pfeffer, K. (2019). The Use of Memory Strategies Among Adolescents in Saudi Arabian Middle Schools. International Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, 5(3), 117–127. https://doi.org/10.20469/ijhss.5.20005-3

Anggarista, S., & Wahyudin, A. Y. (2022). A Correlational Study of Language Learning Strategies and English Proficiency of University Students At Efl Context. Journal of Arts and Education, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.33365/jae.v2i1.68

Devitriana, A., & Wijirahayu, S. (2025). The Engaging Interactive Kahoot Application for Vocabulary Mastery and Students’ Motivation. Journal of English Teaching, Literature, and Applied Linguistics, 9(1), 18-33.

Duy, T. K. (2024). EFL English Major Students ’ Perceptions of Effective Strategies in Vocabulary Learning. International Journal of Science and Management Studies (IJSMS), 7(4), 87–91. https://doi.org/10.51386/25815946/ijsms-v7i4p111

Farahdiba, A., Sunra, L., & Amirullah. (2024). Exploring EFL Teachers’ Strategies in Teaching Vocabulary at Senior High School Level (Case Study at SMKN 1 Barru). PERRMANCE: Journal of English Education and Literature, 3(1), 51–65. https://doi.org/10.26858/performance.v3i1.59579

Ghalebi, R., Sadighi, F., & Bagheri, M. S. (2020). Vocabulary learning strategies: A comparative study of EFL learners. Cogent Psychology, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311908.2020.1824306

Guartazaca Tacuri, M. D. (2023). The Impact of ‘WEBTOON’ as a Digital Reading Tool for EFL High School Students. Runas. Journal of Education and Culture, 5(9), e240152. https://doi.org/10.46652/runas.v5i9.152

Hestiana, M., & Anita, A. (2022). The Role of Movie Subtitles To Improve Students’ Vocabulary. Journal of English Language Teaching and Learning, 3(1), 46–53. https://doi.org/10.33365/jeltl.v3i1.1715

Huang, D., Zhang, X., & Guan, Y. (2024). English Vocabulary Learning Strategies between High-achievers and Low-achievers. English Linguistics Research, 13(1), 26. https://doi.org/10.5430/elr.v13n1p26

Jang, M., & Chang, Y. (2023). The Effects of Multisensory Memory Strategies on Korean EFL Students’ Vocabulary Learning. English Teaching(South Korea), 78(4), 27–57. https://doi.org/10.15858/engtea.78.4.202312.27

Karpicke, J. D., Butler, A. C., & Roediger, H. L. (2019). Do students really prefer repeated rereading over testing when studying textbooks? A reexamination. Memory, 27(4), 471–479. https://doi.org/10.1080/09658210802647009

Kaur, D., & Abdul Aziz, A. (2020). The Use of Language Game in Enhancing Students’ Speaking Skills. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 10(12). https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarbss/v10-i12/8369

Krisnayanti, N. P. A., & Winarta, I. B. G. N. (2021). The problems of learning english vocabulary in harapan senior high school. Journal of Language and Applied Linguistics, 2(2), 201–207. https://doi.org/10.22334/traverse.v2i2.46

Maesaro, M., & Wijirahayu, S. (2025). Exploring the Experiences During Teaching Internships in Indonesia and Thailand: Perspectives on Intercultural Skills. Journal of English Teaching, Literature, and Applied Linguistics, 9(1), 41-61.

Min, C. J. (2024). The use of AI and ChatGPT in teaching synonyms to EFL students Chen. Journal Of Research Studies In English Language Teaching and Learning, 2, 187–207. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.62583/rseltl.v2i4.53

Muhayyang, M., Asriati, A., & G, H. (2023). Developing English Vocabulary Mastery of Students at SMPIT Ibnu Sina Makassar through Word Card Games. Celebes Journal of Language Studies, 3(1), 83–98. https://doi.org/10.51629/cjls.v3i1.128

Downloads

Published

2025-05-02

How to Cite

Alifah, A. N., & Wijirahayu, S. (2025). Exploring English Vocabulary Learning Strategies of Students in a Private Senior High School in East Jakarta. ENGLISH FRANCA : Academic Journal of English Language and Education, 9(1 May), 17–30. https://doi.org/10.29240/ef.v9i1 May.12329

Issue

Section

Articles

Citation Check