THE USE OF ENGLISH SONG TO IMPROVE STUDENTS’ VOCABULARY MASTERY FOR THE SEVENTH GRADE AT SMPN 3 TARAKAN
This study aimed to improve students' vocabulary through the use of English songs in class VII of SMP Negeri 3 Tarakan. The background of this study was the low level of students' vocabulary mastery, which had an impact on their learning motivation and English skills in general. This study used the Classroom Action Research (CAR) based on the Kemmis and McTaggart model, which consisted of two cycles, each covering the stages of planning, action, observation, and reflection. Data were collected through observation sheets of teacher and student activities and vocabulary tests in the form of fill-in-the-blank questions. The results showed an increase in students' vocabulary mastery through the use of songs. In Cycle I, the results showed that only 39% of students achieved the minimum mastery criteria (KKTP), while 61% did not reach the target. Teacher and student activity was recorded at 70% and 60%, respectively, in the first meeting, and increased to 85% and 70% in the second meeting. Based on these findings, several improvements were made for the second cycle. In the second cycle, the percentage of students who achieved KKTP increased significantly to 77%, while only 23% did not meet the minimum criteria. Teacher and student activity also increased, reaching 92% and 89%, respectively. Then, the vocabulary test results also showed improvement, with an average score of 39% of students meeting the success criteria, while 61% o students did not meet the criteria. In Cycle Two, 77% of students met the success criteria, while 23% did not meet the criteria. exceeded the minimum mastery criteria (KKM). The final reflection was that the teacher successfully integrated songs to introduce new vocabulary, motivated students through interesting activities, and applied classroom management strategies that kept students active and focused Therefore, the effective use of English songs enhances the teaching and learning process, resulting in satisfactory vocabulary mastery, improved vocabular understanding, and increased student interest, attention, and engagement in English language learning.