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understanding.” In addition, Nation as cited in Nguyen Khuat, 2003 stated that “learning new words is a cumulative process, with words enriched and established as
they are met again.” The statements emphasize the importance of repetition in vocabulary learning.
The research was conducted in Vietnam at the Distance Education Center DEC for a period of two weeks. This research involved 20 students. Nguyen and
Khuat noticed that most Vietnamese students learned vocabulary passively. They were simply asked to take note of some words and their meanings. The words they
learned mostly came from their text book. They stopped when they knew the meanings of the words and were discouraged to learn to use the words in context.
Considering those factors, Nguyen and Khuat wanted to see how the students would react to the use of games in teaching English and if games could help improve their
existing vocabulary. They emphasized the use of as many games as possible to elicit their students’ response and to understand how the students would progress and react,
as well as to see if unanticipated problems would arise from the use of games. They did an oral interview to understand their expectations, problems, and progress in their
process of learning vocabulary and conducted post-class survey by distributing questionnaire to elicit their personal feelings and their own experiences in learning
vocabulary. They also observed the class and reflected the results of their observation on their previous journal to compare the results.
Based on the results, there were several factors which should be taken into account when games were going to be used in a classroom. The factors included
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number of students, proficiency level, cultural context, timing, learning topic, and classroom setting. By taking those factors into account, finding the suitable games in
order to be able to obtain the desired results would be an easier task to do.
B. Theoretical Framework
This section reviews the relationship between the research conducted by the researcher and the related theories.
Words play an important role in language learning because they have a particular function in both spoken and written discourse. Language learners must
possess the understanding of word meanings and how words contribute to the formation of sentences, paragraphs and texts in order to be able to use the language to
communicate effectively. It is important to make the learners engaged in meaningful learning activities which will help them refine their language skills.
Figure 2.1 illustrates the theoretical framework of the research. Considering the students’ problems as well as the major characteristics of XI TGBA students,
word games were chosen as the solution. As word games were used to help the students learn vocabulary, several important aspects of vocabulary learning related to
this research were also taken into consideration. The implementation of word games as the solution to the problems faced by the students was directed to help the students
gain the desired results of their vocabulary learning.
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Students’ Problems Students’ Characteristics
Limited vocabulary Active, enthusiastic, responsive
Tense classroom situation
Vocabulary Learning
The process of increasing and establishing vocabulary Word knowledge mastered gradually
Avoid excessive learning pressure
Problem Solution
Word Games Implementation of word games focuses on form and meaning aspects of word knowledge
Desired Results
Students participate actively in learning activities Students are motivated to learn vocabulary actively
Students learn vocabulary in a pleasant atmosphere Students’ masteryof word knowledge improves
Figure 2.1 Theoretical Framework
As a means of language learning, games involve language-building activities which can increase learners’ motivation and participation in the process of language
learning. Learning parts of speech with different levels of difficulty might be stressful for students. Games give them a chance to use the language to gain the desired results
as well as to practice and review the language in an enjoyable atmosphere, lessening the burden of learning. This atmosphere will help the learners to internalize a word by
mastering its meaning and its parts of speech progressively, especially because learning new words should not be an instantaneous process done under pressure.
