INTERACTION: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa
Vol. 13 No. 2 (2026): INTERACTION: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa

Cognitive Strategies and Vocabulary Retention in Islamic Boarding School EFL Contexts

Miftahul Rahma (Institut Agama Islam Negeri Parepare)
Magdahalena Tjalla (Institut Agama Islam Negeri Parepare)
Arqam (Institut Agama Islam Negeri Parepare)
Abdul Haris Sunubi (Institut Agama Islam Negeri Parepare)
Ambo Dalle (Institut Agama Islam Negeri Parepare)



Article Info

Publish Date
07 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of cognitive learning strategies on vocabulary retention and retrieval among EFL learners in an Islamic boarding school context. While previous studies have explored cognitive strategies in general EFL settings, limited research has specifically examined their combined effects on both vocabulary retention and retrieval within Islamic boarding school contexts. The research addressed two main questions: to what extent cognitive learning strategies influence students’ vocabulary retention and how these strategies affect vocabulary retrieval. The study employed a quantitative pre-experimental design using a one-group pre-test and post-test approach. The participants consisted of 30 third-grade students at Pendidikan Diniyah Formal Ulya Putri Sengkang. Data were collected using a structured vocabulary test measuring both retention (recognition and recall) and retrieval (productive use). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired sample t-tests to determine the significance of improvement. The findings showed a substantial increase in both vocabulary retention and retrieval scores, with the mean retention score improving from 29.47 to 42.83 and retrieval from 25.43 to 42.10. The results also indicated that retention gains were slightly more consistent than retrieval improvements, although both were statistically significant (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that cognitive learning strategies effectively enhance both the storage and active use of vocabulary. The study contributes to cognitive learning theory by reinforcing the role of encoding, storage, and retrieval processes, and offers practical implications for integrating structured cognitive strategies into EFL instruction to improve vocabulary learning outcomes.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

interactionjournal

Publisher

Subject

Education Environmental Science Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Other

Description

The focus of INTERACTION: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa is to provide a platform for researchers, educators, and practitioners to share innovative research and practical insights within the realm of language teaching and literature. The journal particularly emphasizes studies that explore effective ...