Investigating The Impact Of Music In English As A Foreign Language
Keywords:
English songs, vocabulary, pronunciation, music-based learning, EFL, quantitative researchAbstract
This study aims to examine the effectiveness of using English songs to enhance students’ vocabulary mastery and pronunciation skills in an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) context. The research was motivated by the recurring challenges faced by junior high school students in retaining vocabulary and improving pronunciation accuracy when taught using conventional methods. English songs were introduced as an innovative instructional medium, expected to create a more enjoyable, interactive, and emotionally engaging learning experience. The research applied a quantitative approach, employing a one-group pretest and post-test experimental design. The participants were 21 ninth-grade students from SMPN 1 Panca Rijang. Data were collected through structured oral tests focused on vocabulary recognition and pronunciation ability. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired sample t-test, effect size calculation (Cohen’s d), and visual representation through bar charts. The results showed a substantial improvement in student performance. The mean score increased from 16.33 (pre-test) to 24.66 (post-test). The paired sample ttest revealed a t-value of 5.87 with a p-value of 0.0000097, indicating a statistically significant difference. Additionally, the effect size (Cohen’s d) was calculated to be 12.63, which is categorized as an extremely large effect, highlighting the strong practical impact of the treatment. In conclusion, the integration of English songs into the teaching process proved to be highly effective in improving students’ vocabulary and pronunciation skills. This study reinforces the pedagogical value of music in EFL instruction and encourages educators to adopt music-based strategies to foster more meaningful and motivating language learning experiences. The findings offer both theoretical support and practical recommendations for language teachers seeking to enhance student outcomes through engaging and creative methodologies
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