The Advantages of Puzzles in Vocabulary The Disadvantages of Puzzles in Vocabulary

2.3 The Advantages of Puzzles in Vocabulary

Puzzles are media that can be used to teach vocabulary. By using puzzles, students become more interested and motivated in learning vocabulary because there are some learning activities they can do with the puzzles that make the students enjoy in teaching learning activities. Thus, they will learn English easily. The statement above is supported by Karim and Hasbullah 1986:234 who state that Puzzles help students to study and memorize the words easily. Thus, students ’ motivation increase. This motivation can stimulate students’ interest in learning vocabulary. Then, create relaxed atmosphere and decrease students’ boredom in teaching learning process. From the statements above, it can be clearly seen that puzzles offer some benefits in the teaching and learning process that enable the students to achieve their learning aims. Moreover, the use of puzzles in teaching learning process can create a livelier atmosphere, such as playfulness, interest, and motivation to the teacher and students. In short, teachers can apply the use of puzzles as a medium of instruction in teaching English, especially teaching vocabulary.

2.4 The Disadvantages of Puzzles in Vocabulary

Besides having some advantages in vocabulary learning, puzzles also have some disadvantages as follows. 1. Not all puzzles can be applied in the class. For example; Mathematic puzzle does not match with English lesson, because in Mathematic puzzle consist of numbers and some formula. 2. The answers of the puzzles are unpredictable. Thus, clear clues are needed. From the disadvantages above, the researcher tried to make or create the puzzles by himself so that the puzzles are appropriate for the students and they can be applied in the class. The puzzles were based on the topic, teaching purpose and students’ need. Besides, the teacher use familiar or simple words and clear language in presenting the puzzles in order to make the students easy in guessing the puzzles. 15

2.5 Vocabulary Achievement Integrated with Writing Skill