Enhancing Pre-School Students’ Vocabulary Skills through Digital Storytelling: A Classroom Action Research
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29407/jetar.v10i2.26595Keywords:
digital storytelling, vocabulary development, early childhood learningAbstract
This classroom action research aimed to enhance preschool students’ vocabulary skills through the use of digital storytelling and to observe their engagement during the learning process. The study was conducted in two cycles, each consisted of two sessions with fourteen students aged five up to six years from a preschool class in Batam. Data was collected through pre and post-tests and classroom observations. Analysis involved comparing the mean test scores to assess vocabulary growth and using qualitative data from observations to evaluate the effectiveness of the digital storytelling actions within each cycle. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in students’ vocabulary mastery, evidenced by the average performance in the pre-test shifting to a very good category in the post-test. Furthermore, classroom observations confirmed higher levels of attention, enthusiasm, and interaction during the learning sessions. The findings confirm that digital storytelling is an effective and engaging method for vocabulary instruction in early childhood education. It supports vocabulary retention and student motivation even when applied with simple technology. This study recommends the integration of digital storytelling in early language learning and encourages future research to explore its long-term impact and application across various language skills.
Downloads
References
Acha, J., Ibaibarriaga, G., Rodríguez, N., & Perea, M. (2024). Lexical and sublexical skills in children’s literacy. Journal of Literacy Research, 56(1), 6–26. https://doi.org/10.1177/1086296X241226476
Agazzi, A. (2022). The importance of learning vocabulary for young learners. International Journal of Multicultural and Multireligious Understanding, 9(8), 56. https://doi.org/10.18415/ijmmu.v9i8.3897
Alderbashi, K. Y. (2021). Attitudes of primary school students in UAE towards using digital story-telling as a learning method in classroom. Research on Humanities and Social Sciences, 11(10), 20–28. https://doi.org/10.7176/rhss/11-10-03
Alhama, R. G., Rowland, C. F., & Kidd, E. (2023). How does linguistic context influence word learning? Journal of Child Language, 50(6), 1374–1393. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0305000923000302
Alipar, K. M. A., Alon, F. L., Arinaza, John Michael E, Bernardino, M. B. F., Sabado, R. D., & Villapando, E. A. B. (2024). Utilizing storytelling strategies as tools in enriching students listening comprehension skills. International Journal of Science and Research Archive, 11(2), 1451–1455. https://doi.org/10.30574/ijsra.2024.11.2.0559
Astuti, W., & Khoirurrosyid, M. (2023). Communicative language teaching in enhancing vocabulary for young leaners. Syekh Nurjati International Conference on Elementary Education, 1(0), 86–94. https://doi.org/10.24235/sicee.v1i0.14595
Aulia, M., Suwatno, S., & Santoso, B. (2019). Improving learners’ oral communication skills through storytelling learning method and learning facilities. Advances in Economics, Business and Management Research, 211–215. https://doi.org/10.2991/icebef-18.2019.50
Avezova, N. B. (2022). Methods of teaching English to young learners. Учёный XXI Века, 7(88), 14–20. https://doi.org/10.15350/24103586.2022.7.14-19
Bloju, C. L. (2017). The role of storytelling activity in the vocabulary development of the pre-schoolers. The European Proceedings of Social & Behavioural Sciences, 1733–1740. https://doi.org/10.15405/epsbs.2017.05.02.212
Cai, S. (2024). Application of audiovisual input into L2 vocabulary acquisition. Curriculum and Teaching Methodology, 7(6), 197–202. https://doi.org/10.23977/curtm.2024.070629
Cao, C. (2024). Acceptability of digital storytelling in language and literature education: An inquiry based on teacher and student approval. Journal of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences ETSS, 2024, 61–66. https://doi.org/10.54097/dz7p6z31
Centeno, M. del S. C., Rugama, M. del C. R., Herrera, L. R. S., & Reyes, W. G. L. (2021). Storytelling as a pedagogical strategy to teach English language vocabulary to children. Revista Multi-Ensayos, 2–6. https://doi.org/10.5377/multiensayos.v7i2.12151
Choo, Y. B., Abdullah, T., & Nawi, A. M. (2020). Digital storytelling vs. Oral storytelling: An analysis of the art of telling stories now and then. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 8(5 A), 46–50. https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2020.081907
Elkhimry, H. A. (2022). Storytelling: An effective method to teach English language for young learners. Journal of Science and Knowledge Horizons, 2(2), 425–434. https://doi.org/10.34118/jskp.v2i02.2727
Ginting, D., Woods, R. M., Barella, Y., Limanta, L. S., Madkur, A., & How, H. E. (2024). The effects of digital storytelling on the retention and transferability of student knowledge. SAGE Open, 14(3), 117. https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440241271267
Gusti, I., Bagus, N., & Widiadnya, Y. (2023). Teaching vocabulary to young learners: Combination of semantic mapping and bingo game. Jurnal Pendidikan, Sains Dan Teknologi, 02(03), 747–754. https://doi.org/10.47233/jpst.v2i4.1182
Handayani, M. S., Siagian, T., Khayati, N., & Hayati, K. N. (2024). The role of storytelling to improve early childhood speaking skills. Journal of Language, Literature, and Teaching, 6(1), 12–23.https://doi.org/10.35529/jllte.v6i1.12-23
Hao, X., Manikandan, S. V., Demir, E., Eyers, D. (2025), Visual narratives and audience engagement: Edutainment interactive strategies with computer vision and natural language processing. Journal of Research in Interactive Marketing. https://doi.org/10.1108/JRIM-02-2024-0088
Harahap, T. R., Nasution, B., Nasution, F., & Harahap, A. N. (2024). Digital narratives: The evolution of storytelling techniques in the age of social media. International Journal of Educational Research Excellence (IJERE), 3(2), 738–745. https://doi.org/10.55299/ijere.v3i2.1004
Khamsuk, A., & Whanchit, W. (2021). Storytelling: An alternative home delivery of english vocabulary for preschoolers during COVID-19’s lockdown in southern Thailand. South African Journal of Childhood Education, 11(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.4102/SAJCE.V11I1.897
Kurniawan, M. (2021). Digital storytelling: Teachers’ guide to attract children’s interest and motivation in kindergarten’s English language learning. Jurnal Penelitian Pengembangan Pendidikan, 37(1), 16–24. https://doi.org/10.24246/j.sw.2021.v37.i1.p16-24
Laloan, T. A. (2022). Improving young learners vocabulary by using digital technology. JELTEC: Journal of English Language Teaching, Literature and Culture, 1(1), 39–45. https://doi.org/10.53682/jeltec.v1i1.3723
Leona, N. L., van Koert, M. J. H., van der Molen, M. W., Rispens, J. E., Tijms, J., & Snellings, P. (2021). Explaining individual differences in young English language learners’ vocabulary knowledge: The role of extramural English exposure and motivation. System, 96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2020.102402
Maghfiroh, Y., & Wahyuni, A. (2023). Enhancing children’s speaking skills through pop-up book media: A classroom action research. Indonesian Journal of Education Methods Development, 18(3), 6–10. https://doi.org/10.21070/ijemd.v21i3.766
Magnussen, E. S., & Sukying, A. (2021). The impact of songs and TPR on Thai preschoolers’ vocabulary acquisition. THAITESOL Journal, 34(1), 71–95. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1304648.pdf
Marsevani, M., Slikker, G. M., Pratiwi, T. L., & Nugraha, H. (2024). Portraying young learners’ language learning strategies: A case study from EFL teachers’ voices. Language Learning Strategies Indonesian Journal of English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics, 9(2), 383–405. https://doi.org/10.210 93/ijeltal.v9i2.1806
Maya, L., & Halim, M. L. Al. (2021). The effectiveness of digital storytelling for young learners’ vocabulary mastery. In KARANGAN: Jurnal Kependidikan, Pembelajaran, dan Pengembangan, Vol. 3 (2). https://doi.org/10.55273/karangan.v3i2.93
Morris, T. H., & Rohs, M. (2023). The potential for digital technology to support self-directed learning in formal education of children: a scoping review. Interactive Learning Environments, 31(4), 1–30. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2020.1870501
Mujahidah, N., Damayanti, E., & Afiif, A. (2021). The role of storytelling methods using hand puppets in early children’s language development. Child Education Journal, 3(2), 78–91. https://doi.org/10.33086/cej.v3i2.2129
Nainggolan, I. S., Situmeang, E., Sihotang, E. V., Silitonga, D., & Butar, M. L. B. (2023). Facing students / I Pk-AUD in English learning for early children. Pragmatik : Jurnal Rumpun Ilmu Bahasa Dan Pendidikan , 2(1), 100–105. https://doi.org/10.61132/pragmatik.v2i1.166
Nair, V., & Yunus, M. M. (2021). A systematic review of digital storytelling in improving speaking skills. Sustainability (Switzerland), 13(17), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13179829
Nguyen, T. T. P., & Phillips, L. G. (2022). How storytelling can work as a pedagogy to facilitate children’s English as a foreign language learning. Language Teaching Research, 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1177/13621688221135481
Nurhidayati, A. R., & Yasmin, N. (2024). Transforming literacy and social skills through storytelling in a community-based setting. Journal La Edusci, 5(4), 256–275. https://doi.org/10.37899/journallaedusci.v5i4.1652
Olioumtsevits, K., Papadopoulou, D., & Marinis, T. (2023). Vocabulary teaching in refugee children within the context of the Greek formal education. Languages, 8(1), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.3390/languages8010007
Otoluwa, M. H., Talib, R. R., Tanaiyo, R., & Usman, H. (2022). Enhancing children’s vocabulary mastery through storytelling. Jurnal Pendidikan Usia Dini, 16(2), 249–260. https://doi.org/10.21009/jpud.162.05
Panchenko, L. (2021). Digital storytelling in adult education: Barriers and ways to overcome them. Educational Technology Quarterly, 2021(4), 673–688. https://doi.org/10.55056/etq.41
Pandey, G. P. (2023). English teachers’ actions in action research: Developing a template for classroom purpose. Nepal Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, 6(3), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.3126/njmr.v6i3.58965
Pebriantini, R., Vianty, M., & Amrullah, A. (2024). EFL teachers’ lived experiences in teaching English to young learners. Voices of English Language Education Society, 8(2), 501–511. https://doi.org/10.29408/veles.v8i2.26985
Pratiwi, T. L., Rosinta, A., & Simorangkir, U. (2022). Improving students’ English pronunciation through drilling technique at SDS pelangi school. Journal of English Language and Pedagogy, 5(1), 24–30. https://doi.org/10.36597/jelp.v5i2.12384
Purnama, S., Ulfah, M., Ramadani, L., Rahmatullah, B., & Ahmad, I. F. (2022). Digital storytelling trends in early childhood education in Indonesia: A systematic literature review. JPUD - Jurnal Pendidikan Usia Dini, 16(1), 17–31. https://doi.org/10.21009/jpud.161.02
Qizi, S. N. S. (2024). Teaching English to young learners using CLIL method in class. International Journal of Pedagogics, 4(6), 161–164. https://doi.org/10.37547/ijp/Volume04Issue06-29
Rafiola, R. H., Anggraini, D., & Sari, V. N. (2022). The effectiveness of storytelling method to increase language development In early childhood. JED: Journal of Etika Demokrasi, 7(3), 461–471. https://doi.org/10.26618/jed.v%vi%i.8140
Rahiem, M. D. H. (2021). Storytelling in early childhood education: Time to go digital. International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40723-021-00081-x
Roy, A. (2024). Impact of digital storytelling on motivation in middle school English classrooms. International Journal of Computer-Assisted Language Learning and Teaching, 14(1), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.4018/IJCALLT.353434
Sembiring, D. L. B., & Simajuntak, D. C. (2023). Digital storytelling as an alternative teaching technique to develop vocabulary knowledge of EFL learners. Journal of Languages and Language Teaching, 11(2), 211–224. https://doi.org/10.33394/jollt.v%vi%i.7523
Setyawati, V. R. (2024). Interactive learning via digital storytelling in ELT at elementary school: Systematic review. Journal of English Teaching, Applied Linguistics and Literatures, 7(1), 2024. https://doi.org/10.20527/jetall.v7i1.18379
Sulistianingsih, E., & Aflahatun, N. (2021). Digital storytelling: Computer based learning activity to enhance young learner vocabulary. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3736914
Uchihara, T., Webb, S., Saito, K., & Trofimovich, P. (2022). The effects of talker variability and frequency of exposure on the acquisition of spoken word knowledge. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 44(2), 357–380. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0272263121000218
Vlach, H. A. (2019). Learning to remember words: Memory constraints as double-edged sword mechanisms of language development. Child Development Perspectives, 13(3), 159–165. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdep.12337
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Theodesia Lady Pratiwi, Yowina Trisannia, Leil Badrah Zaki
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Copyright on any article is retained by the author(s).
- The author grants the journal, the right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work’s authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal’s published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work.
- The article and any associated published material is distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License
How to Cite
Article template
