Teaching and Learning Vocabulary

2.2.1.4. The Importance of Mastering English Vocabulary

Mastering English vocabulary can lead students to be succeeded in mastering English. The more students master vocabulary, the easier they get or catch any idea. Having much memory of vocabulary, it makes them effectively choose words to share their ideas. According to McKeown and Beck 2003 in Linse 2006: 122, “it is important to use both formal and informal vocabulary instruction that engage students‟ cognitive skills and gives opportunities for the learners t o actually see the words.” In addition, Linse 2006: 56 states “in learning a foreign language, vocabulary plays an important role”. It is one of the most important aspects of the foreign language learning. Rich vocabulary helps people understand and learns new words. Hiebert 2005: 48 in his journal entitled Teaching and Learning Vocabulary: Introduction for English Students stated that “ vocabulary is obviously an essential element within a language, and students should be made aware of its importance as experience shows that there is a general tendency to overemphasize grammar or function”. Vocabulary becomes an important thing in English, because vocabulary is the first basic important in learning English. When we will speak, write, read or listen in English, of course we can‟t avoid the vocabulary. As we know that the lack of Vocabulary often brings many troubles for us as English learners. When we are speaking English, sometimes we get trouble because we don‟t know what we will say in English. We can not deny that vocabulary is one of important things in English learning.

2.2.2 Computer Games

In this part, the writer would like to present some explanation about computer games in teaching vocabulary and Texttwist 2 games.

2.2.2.1. Computer Games in Teaching Vocabulary

In teaching vocabulary, a teacher needs to use proper technique in order to help his students have good understanding on new words being learned. Learning vocabulary has been considered a boring subject for a long time. So, there should be an effective way in helping learners feel comfortable and interested in the subject of vocabulary. Huang 1996: 1 in Asian EFL Journal by Huyen pointed to the effectiveness of raising word consciousness by playing with words through games, song, and humour, and encouraging children to recognize when they have encountered new words and notice special characteristic of words. Huang 1996: 2 in Asian EFL Journal by Huyen comes to a conclusion that: Learning through games could encourage the operation of certain psychological and intellectual factors which could facilitate communication heightened self-esteem, motivation and spontaneity, reinforcing learning, improving intonation and building confidence. In addition, Lee 1995: 35 in Asian EFL Journal by Huyen lists several main advantages when games are used in the classroom, including “a welcome break from the usual routine of the language class”, “motivating and challenging”, “effort of learning”, and “language practice in the various skills.”