Journal of English Language Teaching and Literature (JELITA)
Vol 7 No 1 (2026): Journal of English Language Teaching and Literature (JELITA)

The Effectiveness of the Contextual Learning Approach in Improving Students’ Vocabulary Achievement and Retention

Nurul Aidah Majid (Institut Agama Islam Negeri Parepare, Indonesia)
Kalsum Kalsum (Institut Agama Islam Negeri Parepare, Indonesia)
Zulfah Fakhruddin (Institut Agama Islam Negeri Parepare, Indonesia)
Yessicka Noviasmy (Institut Agama Islam Negeri Parepare, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
25 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of the Contextual Learning Approach in enhancing students’ vocabulary retention at SMP Negeri 10 Parepare. The research employed a pre-experimental design with a one-group pre-test, post-test, and delayed post-test. The sample consisted of 30 eighth-grade students selected through random sampling. The instruments used in this study were vocabulary tests administered in three stages: pre-test, post-test, and delayed post-test. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired-sample t-test to examine the effectiveness of the treatment. The results of the study showed that the mean score of the students increased from 57.80 in the pre-test to 77.30 in the post-test, and further increased to 89.83 in the delayed post-test. The inferential analysis revealed a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test scores (t = -5.215, p < 0.05). In addition, the delayed post-test results indicated that students were able to retain the vocabulary learned during the treatment period. Therefore, the findings suggest that the Contextual Learning Approach may contribute to improving students’ vocabulary achievement and retention.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jelita

Publisher

Subject

Arts Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

This journal aims at covering (but not limited) the fields of: Education: Basic and Intermediate Education, Higher Education, Issues in Education, Educational Theories, Educational Psychology, Educational Philosophy, Teacher Training and Education Science, Curriculum and Materials Development, ...