Square Talks®: A Mobile App to Support EFL Learners’ Vocabulary Development

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33394/jo-elt.v8i2.4393

Keywords:

Mobile-Based Game, EFL Learners, English Vocabulary Development

Abstract

In recent years, mobile-based game language learning has proliferated due to its promising prospects and positive impacts in improving teaching and learning outcomes in English vocabulary development. With this phenomenon, Square Talks® was developed specifically to aid EFL beginner learners with their English vocabulary. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of the game app in developing the learners’ English vocabulary development. This study employed a quantitative approach focusing on 34 EFL beginner learners. The focus has been on how effective the game app was statistically and overall experience of using the game app. Data were collected through vocabulary tests and a survey. The test results showed that Square Talks® has improved the subjects’ English vocabulary development with the t-value of the test results is -19.93 indicating a significant effect in increasing the subjects’ English vocabulary development. The survey result revealed positive acceptance toward playing Square Talks® in terms of effectiveness (4.49), usability (4.34), and satisfaction (4.52). Therefore, Square Talks® can be considered to be an alternative learning tool to facilitate EFL beginner learners’ vocabulary development.

Author Biographies

Ima Normalia Kusmayanti, Universitas Telkom

Ima Normalia Kusmayanti teaches English for Global Career Preparation and English for Academic Purposes at the School of Industrial Engineering in Telkom University. She earned her bachelor degree in English Literature and master degree in English Education from Indonesia University of Education (UPI). Her research interests are English language teaching, computer-assisted language learning, and material developments.

Retno Hendryanti, Universitas Telkom

Retno Hendryanti is the Manager of Language Center & a Faculty Member at The School of Electrical Engineering, Telkom University. Her research interests include FL teacher education, computer assisted language learning, and participatory online learning.

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Published

2021-12-30

How to Cite

Kusmayanti, I. N., & Hendryanti, R. (2021). Square Talks®: A Mobile App to Support EFL Learners’ Vocabulary Development. Jo-ELT (Journal of English Language Teaching) Fakultas Pendidikan Bahasa & Seni Prodi Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris IKIP, 8(2), 139–151. https://doi.org/10.33394/jo-elt.v8i2.4393

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