SoCul: International Journal of Research in Social Cultural Issues

CARTOON MOVIE FOR IMPROVING STUDENTS' VOCABULARY

2024-12-09T14:25:18-08:00

The problem in this study began with students of SDN 1 Tondano who were unable to master English, especially vocabulary. The researcher was conducted using an experimental approach, with a sample of grades six consist of 22 students. And the data was obtained through pre-test and post-test during two meetings. The data were analyzed by using SPSS version 23 with an analysis of Paired Sample T-Test to know the significant effect of using media cartoon movies Dora the Explorer in teaching English vocabulary. The result in this study showed that there was significant effect using media cartoon movies in teaching English Vocabulary for two meetings. The significant (2-tailed) score of pre-test and post-test for two meetings was less than 0.05. the researcher concluded that using media cartoon movies in teaching English vocabulary to grades six SDN 1 Tondano was effective.

THE ANALYSIS OF STUDENTS' LEARNING DIFFICULTIES IN READING COMPREHENSION

2025-05-02T04:06:38-08:00

Reading is one of the most used activities in English Language Learning (ELL), however many students struggle with reading skill in English classroom. The present study aims at investigating the learning difficulties faced by students in reading text and the factors contributing to the learning difficulties. The study conducted at SMP Negeri 3 Kombi employs qualitative method with case study design. Eight 9^th-grade students are chosen as the sample of the study using purposive sampling. Data collected from documentation and interview are analyzed through the 3 steps of qualitative data analysis namely data condensation, data display and drawing and verifying conclusion. The findings showed that 9^th grade students at SMP Negeri 3 Kombi faced learning difficulties in reading recount text. The learning difficulties they faced are vocabulary (55%), making inference (45%), determining main idea and finding detailed information (35%). Factors such as limited vocabulary, fluency, familiarity with the subject matter and ineffective reading strategies contribute significantly to students reading difficulties. Other factors such as weak verbal reasoning, level of difficulty, and information retention also contribute to the reading difficulties faced by the students. This study suggests that teachers need to use various strategies to tackle the reading difficulties faced by the students.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TONGUE TWISTERS IN IMPROVING JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS’ PRONUNCIATION

2025-09-29T03:52:33-08:00

For many Indonesian learners, mastering English pronunciation is challenging, especially when dealing with unfamiliar sounds, proper stress patterns, and natural rhythm. This study set out to investigate whether Tongue Twisters could be an effective way to address these issues for seventh-grade students at SMP Negeri 3 Tondano. Using a quantitative pre-experimental design with a one-group pre-test and post-test format, the research involved 13 purposively selected students from a BINSUS (Binaan Khusus) class. A pronunciation test adapted from Anas Sudijono’s (2012) rubric measured five aspects: consonants, vowels, stress, intonation, and rhythm, along with tongue twisters. Data were gathered through a pre-test, a single treatment session using Tongue Twisters, and a post-test. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, normality testing, and a paired samples t-test in SPSS. Findings showed that the mean score improved from 40.59 in the pre-test to 63.24 in the post-test (scale 0–100). The paired samples t-test confirmed that this improvement was statistically significant (t = -5.592, p < 0.05), indicating that the technique effectively enhanced articulation, vowel accuracy, stress placement, and overall prosody. Beyond measurable progress, students also showed greater engagement and enjoyment during pronunciation practice. These results suggest that incorporating Tongue Twisters into classroom activities can provide both linguistic benefits and a more motivating learning experience for junior high school students.

AN ELABORATION ON THE NEW MAN ACCORDING TO EPHESIANS 4:20-24 AND THE TRIPLE PLANETARY CRISIS

2025-10-11T13:04:42-08:00

The study aims to comprehend the concept of the New Man according to Ephesians 4:20-24 and the Triple Planetary Crisis today in all its aspects, Christian eco-theology and its role in Christian understanding, and the implementation of the concept of the New Man for the Triple Planetary Crisis. Hence, the research was focused on environmental sustainability by integrating religious values and ethics, which could produce applicable solutions in society. In relation to this matter, exploring the meaning of the biblical text of Ephesians 4:20–24 and connect it to the reality of the planetary crisis was conducted accordingly. In addition, it also focuses on interpretation rather than numerical measurement. The result reveals that the implementation of the new man concept based on Ephesians 4:20-24, in relation to the Triple Planetary Crisis, is considered appropriate to be explained as a channel that can help humans, especially Christians, to see how beautifully God created this universe. Furthermore, it reaffirms how God's work on earth to restore and redeem humanity from sin excludes no one. Paul emphasizes in his letter that the new man must take on a new identity in Christ. This identity will be possessed by every Christian once they have shed their old selves, which are still under the bondage of sin. Therefore, the Bible serves as the foundation that enables humanity to understand God's love for this world. By knowing God and His love, humanity will be able to love everything they encounter around them. The human nature that often glorifies itself should no longer be the way of life for every person in Christ. The glory of God must be the standard for human way of life.

A LONG-TERM SURVEY OF JAPANESE LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY OF CLD CHILDREN LIVING IN JAPAN

2025-10-11T13:04:10-08:00

In Japan, there are several areas where Indonesian migrants live in concentration and in such areas, problems arise about children’s education at schools. A continuous five-year survey on the children of Indonesian migrant workers was conducted to assess their Japanese language proficiency and language skills which are necessary for academic learning, identifying challenges, and implementing improvements. The survey participants were 21 Indonesian children enrolled in the Japanese language class at A Elementary School in an area with a high population of Indonesian migrant workers. These children were born and raised in Japan, and many had lived in Japan for many years having received Japanese language instruction at school. The survey used the Dialogic Language Assessment for Foreign Students (DLA) to measure the children’s abilities. Each year, interviews and tests were conducted to assess their learning progress. Additionally, interviews were conducted with two teachers. There were mainly two findings; (1) Three students who received specialized instruction from elementary school teachers developed reading comprehension and conversational skills comparable to those of native Japanese speakers. (2) Some children showed improvement in their Japanese language proficiency, though they had not yet reached the level of native speakers. Conversely, some children faced serious academic challenges owing to incomplete language proficiency. The survey found out that there was an obvious correlation between reading habits and Japanese proficiency of the children. The study indicated that reading habits apparently contribute to improving language skills.

THE USE OF PEER EDITING TO IMPROVE STUDENTS’ SKILL IN WRITING DESCRIPTIVE PARAGRAPH AT SMP NEGERI 3 TONDANO

2025-10-11T13:03:46-08:00

The aim of this study was to find out whether peer editing improved students' skill in writing descriptive paragraph. This research used quantitative research methods through pre-experimental design. The type of test that was used was a written test. Students were asked to write descriptive paragraphs about describing people. The subject of the study was one of the classes in the seventh grade of SMP Negeri 3 Tondano with a sample of 25 students. The students’ scores were evaluated by two inter-raters, and the data were statistically analyzed using SPSS software. The results of the normality test showed that the data were normally distributed. The average pre-test score was 52.32, while the average post-test score increased to 69.80, indicating that peer editing was able to provide a significant impact on students' ability to write descriptive paragraph. Meanwhile, the results of the paired sample t-test analysis also revealed a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test scores, with a significance value (p-value) < 0.001, which was lower than the alpha level (α = 0.05); therefore, H₀ was rejected and Hₐ was accepted. that peer editing was effective in improving students’ skills in writing. Based on the findings, it could be concluded that peer editing was effective in improving students’ skills in writing descriptive paragraphs at SMP Negeri 3 Tondano. The implication of this study is that English teachers can apply peer editing as an effective technique to improve students’ writing skills, especially in writing descriptive paragraphs.