1. Vocabulary Mastery - IMPROVING STUDENTS’ VOCABULARY THROUGH SONGS (A Classroom Action Research CAR Study of the Fourth Grade Students of SDN 04 MERENG in the Academic Year 2010/2011) - repository perpustakaan

CHAPTER II THEORITICAL REVIEW A. Vocabulary There are several definition of the vocabulary. According to (Hornby

  1974:959) vocabulary is the total number of word which makes up the language which might be used by individual speaker.

  (Meanwile 1989:159) vocabulary means: a.

  A list or collection of the word or phrase of language, branch of science, or the like usually arranged in alphabetical order and defined.

  b.

  Any collection or symbol which constitute a means or system of verbal communication.

  From the definition above, vocabulary is important language elements to learn by the students in order to be able to communicate both in spoken and written language.

1. Vocabulary Mastery

  The learners should have ability, capability and power. A power and capacity refers to mastery.

  Webster (1976:586) states that mastery is the act of mastering, the state having control something, superiority in competition victory, eminent skill, or through knowledge. And according to ( Hornby 1974:959) “vocabulary is a total number of words which make up a language which might be used by individual speakers”. Thus, it can be said that vocabulary mastery is great skill or knowledge of word which make up a language.

  Vocabulary mastery has been an essential part of learning English. Learners should master vocabulary adequately to support the four skills. Vocabulary mastery deals with the ability to master word and word meaning. The learners must be able to use the word in sentence appropriately. They should understand the meaning too.

  Without having vocabulary mastery. Learners can not English well. Mastering English vocabulary is a key to be successful in learning English.

  French as quoted by (Palmbrug 1986:78) states that there are two kinds of vocabulary mastery: a.

  Passive vocabulary mastery is the lexical items which the students can recognize and understand when they meet them in reading context and listening mastery.

  b.

  The active vocabulary mastery is lexical items which the student can recall and use in speaking and writing. The number of passive vocabulary is much more than that of active vocabulary.

2. Learning Vocabulary

  On theincreasing the size of one’s vocabulary or also called vocabulary building. Is generally considered to be an important part of both learning a language and improving one’s skills in a language in which one is already proficient. Therefore teacher is often taught new words as apart of particular unit or lesson. Similarly, many students find vocabulary building to be a fun and educational activity. Usually many teacher help students expand their vocabulary by assigning packets to be done weekly. These activity are suggestions that can be used at anytime and for any subject, but it is not effective and bored.

  Elementary student tend to use a limited vocabulary. Teacher can provide the addition of new vocabulary word in ways that are fun and enriching. Therefore, there are some good ways to learning new vocabulary and make memorize vocabulary easier. Base on there are some steps to memorize it: a.

  Read the first words (vocabulary); b.

  Say it aloud without the paper, c. Read the first and second word (vocabulary), d.

  Repeat them out loud until you are able to say them without the paper, e. Read the first, second and the third words, f. After you thing you have memorize it all, take a 10-20 minute break and do something that you will enjoy for that 20 minute, and g.

  Came back and test yourself again through the whole thing if you get it all right you probably have it. If not work on this section you are having trouble with. Take another 10-20 minute break and come back again.

  Based on the explanation above, the writer believes that students can learn vocabulary which enjoy in spare time and to involve the students in a more autonomous fashion in their learning.

  Base on the writer experience in learning vocabulary for beginners, there are some problem indirectly faced by students in learning vocabulary item such as in pronunciation, spelling, memorizing, and also in using word in sentences or in oral communication. Those are briefly described below: a.

  Pronunciation Problem The following are aspects, which cause problem in pronunciation: 1)

  Similar sound in two words which have different variant

  2) Sequence of sound in one words

  3) Classifications of sound b.

  Spelling Problems Learning spelling is important as well because it can improve the learners ability of the language skills especially writing and reading. The following are some of spelling problems: 1)

  Misunderstanding between speakers and hearer, for example: if the teacher spelling alphabet, many students still confused to differentiate it. For example : a (ei), I (ai), g (jie), j (jei)

  2) He student don’t know the spelling of word. For example : ear (i, ei, ar ), high

  (eic, ei, jie, eic) c. Memorizing Problems

  There are some memorizing problems e,g : 1) The students have low motivation to learn vocabulary. 2) The students are reluctant to memorize the new words. 3)

  Some English teachers don’t find and use proper teaching technique which maintain the students’ ability of memorizing the words.

  4) The students do not always use the word they have known to communicate in daily activities.

  d.

  Meaning Problems It is reasonable that the Indonesian learners are difficult to understand the meaning of English word. Sometimes the meaning of words changes because of it; function in sentence, whether it is a noun or a verb. And also a word may have more than one meaning.

3. Teaching Vocabulary

  In elementary school the learners should given the vocabulary lesson to give base of knowledge in English. According to (Harner 1983:86), “ the teacher as an elementary teacher should know the techniques of teaching vocabulary”. Technique of teaching vocabulary which can be applied in elementary school class are as follows: a. Using realia.

  Teacher can give some real things in the classroom or their environment. So the students can understand the word easily. The method is effective and satisfactory but it is limited to a certain single thing or a word than can easily be taken into the classroom or easy to find by the students.

  b. Showing the picture Picture are indispensable media for the language teaching since they can be used in so many ways. They can be wall picture, blackboard drawing, chart, flashcard, table of statistic, etc

  c. Mime It is difficult or even impossible to explain the meaning of word or grammar using picture. In this matter, we can close mime or action.

  d. Contrast Sometimes, picture and mime may not be sufficient to explain the meaning of words. In this case we can use the contrast or antonym of the words. e. Enumeration When we find the difficulty in explaining a new vocabulary for example we want to teach word “fruit“. We can enumerate a number of fruits: durian, mango, apple, orange, banana, grape etc. the word fruit will be more clearly understood.

  f. Word Association In teaching a new vocabulary, a teacher mention the thing connected to the intended words.

  g. Explanation This method, teacher gives explanation or definition of word given to introduce a dictionary teacher explains that is a kind of book which contain of words and its meaning.

  h. Translation When there is not order way to explain a word, teachers sometimes has to translate the word into the students’ language. For example, when he wont to give the word “ nice “, and he can not express it by using gesture, mime, picture, etc. he will directly say “ baik”. The weakness of this method is that not of all. Word in English can be translated into the student language. i. Song http/www.pt.britishcouncil.org/journal/j0946th.htm. state that the reason for using songs are obvious : a pleasant change from book-based teaching a common interest among students and teachers, and an excellent medium for the presentation of language in the classroom.

  From the explanation above, the writer conclude that to teach English vocabulary at beginning level it needs techniques. The teacher must choose the technique which make the students easy to understand the material and more enjoyable in their study.

4. Teaching Vocabulary for Elementary School We are sure that vocabulary is an important thing in learning English.

  According to (Lado 1972:1) there are several ways that the learners can learn English vocabulary, namely: a.

  The Dictionary Obviously a language student has a good dictionary, perhaps two, one large and one small. When he has a trouble in catching the meaning of words, dictionary can be used effectively if she is aware of words limitation and consult them only to find a quick definition.

  b.

  Note Book One of the most effective ways to control learning of new words is to keep a vocabulary notebook. You may to keep a small one in your pocket that you can write down words whenever you hear or see them and a large in desk for students latter on c.

  Educated Guessing Often, especially in reading, you will find words in their exact meaning; if is not absolutely, it is necessary for you to know in order to understand the sentence. Therefore, do not run to the dictionary every time you meet a strange word. Wait and see if something else in context will give you a clue to its meaning. d.

  Study Word in Families This is the kind of study you can easily do by your self, word that are related in meaning. By this we make list of items that naturally occur together, part of human body, articles of clothing, according to his interest. Your vocabulary notebook should include this list. You can add word to them as you find that words. In teaching vocabulary, there are suggestion or how to study vocabulary for the students:

1) Choose a best time to that you do not feel pressured.

  2) Try to find a place free of things that may disturb your studying

  3) Do not try to do all the exercise in one sitting. Students have shown that you will remember your material better if you space your studying over a period of time. The things to do are to find and work at a space that is good for you.

  4) Recall which refer to how much you remember. It is very important in learning a word and its meaning. You should cover the meaning to see if you can recall it.

  5) When the entire exercise is complicated, go over the word you have learn. In addition take a few minutes before a new exercise the previous exercise.

  6) To remember the vocabulary words, try to use them daily in written or speech.

  (Rubin 1992:2)

B. SONG

  According to http/www.answer.com/topic/song “song is a relatively short musical

  

composition” . Song contains vocal parts that are performed with the human voice and

generally feature words (lyrics).

  Song is a natural way for children experience to rich language in pleasurable way. (Chong & Gan 1997:56) states “through song memory skills can be improved, and aural

  

discrimination increased”. Song can focus the mind on being perceived and promote

  learning through an interactive process. Song is best way to for students to remember and memorize about the word around them. Beside that, using songs as stimulate can effect one’s emotions and make information easier to remember and memorize new vocabulary. Song also creates an environment that is conducive to learning. It can reduce stress, increase interest, and sat the stage for listening and learning.

  Therefore (Davies 2000:170) says “Teaching using song easier to memorize and

  

add new vocabulary can be the most effective.” Educator need to from this multi-million

  dollar industry and use song to our advantage to help children to teach. Good first teaching is based on using what students already know. And the influence of song or learning is clear. Therefore it seems that teachers should be motivated to incorporated song, rhymes, chants, rhythm in the classroom.

1. The Criteria of Good Songs

  In process selection there are problem in selecting the song. (Viney 2001:3) explain the song should be carefully selected for the students and there are some criteria to choose songs for four grade: a.

  Choose a song with the characteristic of student based on the understanding level. b.

  Choose a song with the material of study (when they learn about animals, so the teacher gave a song about animals) c.

  Choose a song who make students relax and happy d.

  Choose easy song for fourth grade. The criteria good song for five and six grade: a. Choose a song use the characteristic of student base on the understanding level.

  b.

  Choose a song with short lyrics, so it can make easy to memorize.

  c.

  Songs’ lyrics should be clear and loud, not submerged in this instrumental music.

  d.

  The vocabulary load for the song should be appropriate to the proficiency level.

  The writer concluded that the teacher should be able to select a song that has information needed to teach. The students will learn it and be able to recall it months later when it will mean something to them in their teaching and learning process. Songs must be appropriate with students’ level and the teaching material. So teacher can get the best result.

  For example, a song used in teaching “my house and surroundings” the teacher can sing a song “down by the station” when the teacher teach about pet “, the teacher can use a song “marry had little lamb”, and when the teacher teach about “fruit” they can use song “fruit” to teach it. It makes students memorize the vocabulary through song and it can students easy in learning vocabulary.

2. The Example of The Songs

  It is important from the beginning to prepare what kind of songs will be presented in teaching vocabulary. The following of one example of songs To teach my house and surrounding. The criteria of song for developing vocabulary of three grade:

  Down by the station

  Down by the station Early in the morning

  See the little puffer Bellies all in a row

  See the engine drive Pull the little handle

  Chung Chung toot, toot,,,,, Off we go

  I love my family

  One and one I love my mother Two and two I love my father Three and three I love brother sister One two three I love my family The criteria of songs for developing vocabulary of four and five grade:

  hello miss lee

  hello miss lee, hello miss lee how are you, how are you I am fine thank you, I m fine thank you How about you, how about you.

  Teacher has always naturally interested in how learners go about learning vocabulary. If we know more about how to study vocabulary and what work and what does not work well, we can help learners acquire more profitable strategies. (Hatch, 1995: 372).

3. The Advantage of Using Songs

  The teacher can increase sensory input during learning by using music intentionally during memory activates. The song hold students’ attention and it’s easier to memorize new word as it is visually displayed. Nelson as ESOL (English for speakers of other language) instructor, San Fransisco City Colage said “ music is

  natural way for people to learn language not only do my bilingual students improve their English vocabulary but also all aspect language skill “. According to (Viney

  2000:3), “music can create a learning environment build listening, speaking, reading,

  writing skill and to increase vocabulary and also to expend cultural knowledge ”

  On thethen there are some other advantage of song. Song can: a. develop listening and reading skill in a fun, interactive way.

  b. teach natural pronunciation efficiently, c. create enthusiasm for learning, d. evoke memorize, image, and felling, e. stimulate spirited discussion and creative writing, and f. easily to memorize new vocabulary.

  English teacher can use song as part of their classroom teaching repertoire. Songs contains authentic language, are easy obtainable, provide vocabulary, grammar and cultural aspect and are fun for the students. They can provide valuable speaking, listening and language practice in and out of the classroom.

  Based on the writer experience in teaching learning vocabulary for beginners, there are some obstruction to use song in classroom activity. There are some disadvantages using song to teach vocabulary in classroom. They are: a.

  Song made the students not focus for the lesson but the students more like to sing a song, b.

  Song made the teacher take longer time to create new song which is appropriate with the teaching material, c.

  Song made the teacher more prepare to make conducive class, d.

  Song made the classroom activity lost control, e. Song made the classroom activity was noisy, and f. Song disturbed other class.

  Teaching English using song is effective way to memorize vocabulary easier for students. Song provide students with creative means of communication, these means include singing and playing, writing and reading song. Using song also develop students creative and expression in learning.

  Some reason song can cork exceedingly well in the foreign language classroom including the following: a.

  Song almost contains authentic, natural language.

  b.

  A variety a new vocabulary can be introduced to students trough songs.

  c.

  Song are usually very easy obtainable.

  d.

  Song can be selected to suit the needs and interest of the students.

  e.

  Grammar and cultural aspect can be introduced through songs.

  f.

  Time length is easily controlled.

  g.

  Students can experience a wide range of accents.

  h.

  Song lyrics can be used in relating to situations of the word around us. i.

  Students thing song are natural and fun.

  Song also develops children’s cultural appreciation, creative, expression and perceptual, manipulative and organizational skills. The researcher thinks that song help students discover their individuality and uniqueness. It can increase good motivation to students in learning memorize vocabulary.

4. Procedure of teaching English through song

  Generally teaching English vocabulary using song can be done in this way: a. Explain briefly the content of the song, b.

  Teacher write lyric song in the blackboard, c. Teacher sing a song, d.

  Teacher and students sing a song together once or twice, e. Students sings a song again without teacher, f. Ask students to guest the meaning of words, and g.

  Teacher explains more to remind students’ ability in memorizing vocabulary. And the last students do the exercise, Sometimes, the students find this kind of procedure difficult. Trying to catch every word of the song played, doing a lot of concentration, make the fatigue. To avoid such thing, the writer can ask the students to concentrate only on several words rather than every word of the song. The writer has prepared the worksheet before the class begins. On the worksheet the writer has written this lyrics but several word have been omitted for students to complete. Thus, using song is one of techniques to encourage the students to learn actively and enjoyably.

  It is important from the beginning to prepare what kind of song to be presented in teaching vocabulary. A good teacher must be able to make song him self that appropriate with the lesson today. Teacher must be creative to make simple song which has familiar in children environment.

5. The Steps to Memorizing Vocabulary Using Songs

  Base oexplains that learn to memorize vocabulary using song. That is one of the best ways to learn memorizing vocabulary word become fun and exiting. If someone were asked to remember what him mother said to them at their childhood beside, they probably wouldn’t be able to say. However, if someone were asked to sing a song that their mother sang to him at the same, they could sing it back without missing a word. The human brain remembers song a lot better than remembers straight word. Singing English songs can help to promote students ability in memorizing vocabulary. And on

  

there are some steps how to memorize

  vocabulary using a song: a.

  Listen to the song, sing along with what you know, b.

  Make sure you sing the right words, c. Listen to the sing again, and again, and again. Sing along, using the lyrics if you need to or you write it, d.

  Try to sing the song alone, but using the lyrics you copied out or write it, e. Repeat step four, without the copied of lyrics, f. Double check yourself by listening to the song again, and singing along, and g.

  Try to write out and spell it with pronunciation correctly the lyrics yourself, without any help.

  Once students know the vocabulary word really well, they need to connect that vocabulary word to what they have already known. Students need to turn the vocabulary word into a memory able image in their imagination. Consider what the new vocabulary word reminds they of that can be easily visualized. Try to pick the first thing that comes into their had because when students re-encounter the vocabulary word they are likely to think the same way again.

  On assume that we have accomplished our first objective the awareness of the importance of learning to speak English first and process to the second objective the preparation teaching materials. In any second language teaching situations the three basic principles are: a.

  Listen b.

  Repeat c. Memorize

  This is the way the students learn to speak English, and it is the only way to learn to speak a second language, it is the application of these principle in a second language teaching situation that needs to be carefully worked out.

  It is a simple concept but it my take a while to master. Some vocabulary is going to be more difficult to translate into an image than other vocabulary words. It can be done with any vocabulary word however. The more they practice, the more they will improve, and the easier it will get to memorize new vocabulary.

C. Teaching Vocabulary Through Songs 1.

  Introducing Songs in Class Introducing songs in class can increase the student’s motivation and participation in learning. (Napa and Lado 1974:124) state that “ singing is a means of raising the interest and the motivation can be solved introducing songs in the class. Singing is one of the activities which generate greatest enthusiasm.

  By using songs, the teacher can present a new vocabulary, structure and comprehension in the class. (Wilson 1970:82) states “the possible usage of songs is for presenting a new structure, discussion, comprehension and vocabulary. Introducing song in the class it is can encourage the students to learn the culture of the second language they are learning.

  Songs will also be very helpful for students to understand language, with its development and it is varieties. Almost everybody likes singing, so it is likely that the students will repeat the songs out side for own pleasure. This is certainly an effective drill for the students. The students will soon realize their mistake particularly instructor and vocabulary when their sentence patterns are not the same as those in the songs. So they will remember the appropriate structure and vocabulary more easily.

  Another important thing that we should not forget is that songs can build up good relationship among the students and the teacher. The warm atmosphere when singing will encourage the students and the teacher to be closed to one another. This felling usually reminds and affects the learning and teaching instruction positively. As the result is the learning process will tend to be successful.

2. The Use of Songs

  Songs are always in our everybody life, so we could not get rid of songs in any situation. For example: when we are san and happy, we can always express these felling through listening songs or by singing. In other ways songs can help us to express our felling.

  (Soemardono 1984:11) states “the use of songs in teaching is as the hills, because he found that this method had been used to during the Dutch Colonialization”. So this method is old, but there are only a few English teacher teach vocabulary using songs. The English songs can be classified into three categories, namely for reinforcement, relaxation, and exposure for remedy as follow: a.

  The idea of reinforcement is promoting to master English. In this case song can be unlined to strange the grammatical, and build up vocabulary, when the teacher introduce a new songs.

  b.

  The purpose is for relaxation especially after a period of intensive learning. It will release the students from the tense atmosphere during the learning and restore their interest in learning the language by singing a song the students can learn and practice English outside the class and encourage doing so.

  c.

  Using songs for remedy is that unlike to forget after class, the songs will fresh in their mind after the lesson has finished.

  When the teacher introduced a songs for this purpose, the teacher has to emphasize the correct pattern and provide adequate information n such way that the students gladly realize their mistake in other situation. The teacher can remind the students when the teacher meets the same mistake and correct them. The students will soon understand the function of songs and continue use it for getting feedback.

  3. Selecting the Songs The teacher must choose the songs carefully to be presented. The lyrics should be easily discernible. Each word must be clearly pronounced, the vocabulary must be rich and varied and the songs must carry some of message.

  Teaching using songs is more difficult then teaching using conventional models. Thus teaching vocabulary using songs can give ability for the students to fine the real situation or real life. (Santoso in Sukadi 1995;11) actually in preparing material the teacher needs to consider two things, as follows: a.

  The pronunciation of the singer should be clear. In this case the teacher should be able to recognize voices. Which are sometimes difficult to catch such as deep voices.

  b.

  The length of the songs should be in accordance with the objectives of teaching vocabulary using songs that is the students will able to write down the words of the songs.

  4. Problem in Selecting the Songs In the process of selection, there are some problems in selecting the songs.

  The first problem is the teacher sets the objectives of the teaching listening first, the teacher will have work hard to select the songs.

  The second problem is that the teacher has to choose the songs which the students have not known yet. If this happens the lesson will not interesting anymore.

  It does not present anything new. To avoid the teacher can choose some old songs because they have easy melody to follow much simple in nature and often have rhythm.

D. Basic Assumption

  From the description above, the writer thinks that most students love song, because song make them happy from the lyric, and songs make them easy to learn English then they can memorize the vocabulary by using songs. The students keep the song in their head. So, song can help to memorize vocabulary easier, practice and effective.