IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Literature
Vol. 14 No. 1 (2026): IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Lite

Improving Third-Grade Students’ Animal Vocabulary Retention through Flashcard Media: A Case Study at Elementary School

Pipit Ertika Daristin (Prodi Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris, Fakultas Ilmu Pendidikan,Universitas Hasyim Asy'ari Tebuireng Jombang, Jawa Timur.)
Elda Yulia Ryandini (Fakultas Manajemen, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Ekonomi IBMT, Surabaya, Jawa Timur)
Angella Novitaningrum (Prodi Tadris Bahasa Inggris, STIT Miftahul Midad Lumajang, Jawa Timur)
Dias Tiara Putri Utomo (Program Study Keperawatan, Fakultas Ilmu Kesehatan, Universitas Muhammadiyah Lamongan.)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jun 2026

Abstract

Vocabulary development is a fundamental component in early English language learning, especially for young learners in elementary school, yet third-grade students often struggle to retain new vocabulary due to limited exposure and the use of less engaging instructional media. This qualitative case study investigates the role of flashcards in enhancing animal vocabulary retention among third-grade students at Elementary School through the implementation of a custom-designed teaching module that integrates visual flashcards into interactive learning activities such as recognition drills, pronunciation practice, matching games, and creative labeling tasks. Data were collected through classroom observation, document analysis of the instructional module, and teacher reflection. The findings demonstrate that flashcards significantly increased students’ attention, enthusiasm, and willingness to participate orally, as picture–word associations helped students recall vocabulary more confidently and accurately. Game-based learning fostered collaboration and deeper memory retention, while the creative tasks enabled students to apply vocabulary in written form, indicating meaningful learning transfer. Additionally, flashcards supported inclusive learning by providing visual cues that assisted students with lower proficiency while encouraging higher-performing students to extend their vocabulary knowledge. Overall, the study concludes that incorporating flashcards into a structured and engaging teaching design is an effective strategy to improve English vocabulary retention among young learners.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ideas

Publisher

Subject

Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

IDEAS Journal is published twice a year in the months of June and December (P-ISSN 2338-4778 and E-ISSN 2548-4192); it presents articles on English language teaching and learning, linguistics, and literature. The contents include analyses, studies and application of theories, research report, ...