STRENGTHENING PROLONGED MEMORY USING KEEPING VOCABULARY RECORDS STRATEGY: BEST PRACTICE FROM GAZEBO ENGLISH COURSE

Abstract

Improving English vocabulary mastery can be challenging for some students who learn English as a Second Language, especially for young learners with strong use of the Javanese language. The keeping vocabulary records strategy was used to improve students' vocabulary mastery at Gazebo English Course in the 2023-2024 academic year for its unique and elaborate characteristics. Gazebo is a non-formal language institution in Trenggalek, East Java, that delivers English teaching using various methods and has helped more than 5000 graduates improve their English skills. This research used a classroom action research approach involving two cycles of quantitative and qualitative data. Students' test scores were collected as quantitative data, while observations, questionnaires, and interviews were used as qualitative data. The quantitative data were examined using descriptive analysis, further supported by the qualitative analysis results. The results show noteworthy progress in students' prolonged memory of vocabulary. As a result, students' vocabulary mastery improved by up to 22% across four vocabulary features: spelling, pronunciation, meaning, and use. Furthermore, the technique made the classroom setting more interactive and positive. Students should practice the strategy outside class and draw on a variety of vocabulary sources.