A STUDY ON STUDENTS' PROBLEMS IN LEARNING VOCABULARY AT EIGHTH GRADE OF SMP NEGERI 10 TARAKAN
This study aims to investigate the problems faced by students in learning English vocabulary and the factors causing these problems among eighth-grade students of SMP Negeri 10 Tarakan. This research utilizes qualitative research with a descriptive qualitative model. The study was conducted at SMP Negeri 10 Tarakan. The subjects of this study were 28 students from class VIII-1. Data were collected through documents, observations, and interviews. Data were analyzed using the theory of Miles & Huberman (1994). The results indicate that the eighth-grade students of SMP Negeri 10 Tarakan encounter difficulties in learning English vocabulary, including pronunciation, spelling, and understanding the meanings of vocabulary. Furthermore, the data indicate that the variables producing these issues are both internal and external. Internal influences include student motivation, self-confidence, and attitudes. Meanwhile, external determinants include the instructional methods and materials utilized by teachers, as well as the classroom setting.