The Effect of the Duolingo Application on Junior High School Students’ Vocabulary Mastery at MTsN 2 Gorontalo Regency

Abstract

This study aims to determine the effect of using the Duolingo application on the English vocabulary mastery of students at MTsN 2 Gorontalo Regency. The study employed a quantitative approach with a pre-experimental research design, specifically a one-group pre-test and post-test design. The participants were given a pre-test to measure their vocabulary mastery before receiving the treatment. They then participated in learning activities using the Duolingo application as a learning medium. After the treatment, a post-test was administered to measure changes in students’ vocabulary mastery following the use of the application. The research data were obtained from the students’ pre-test and post-test scores and were subsequently analyzed using the N-Gain score to determine the level of improvement in students’ vocabulary mastery. The results showed an improvement in students’ vocabulary mastery after the implementation of Duolingo in the learning process. This improvement was indicated by the difference between the students’ scores before and after the treatment. The N-Gain calculation demonstrated that the use of the Duolingo application contributed positively to students’ vocabulary improvement. In addition, Duolingo can serve as an engaging learning medium because it provides interactive learning activities and opportunities for students to practice vocabulary independently. Therefore, the use of Duolingo can positively contribute to improving the English vocabulary mastery of students at MTsN 2 Gorontalo Regency and can be considered an alternative learning medium to support English language instruction.