TikTok for Vocabulary Learning: A Comparative Study of Perceptions Among Basic and Intermediate Proficiency EFL Students

Nur Laila Syarifah; Hanif Maulaniam Sholah

doi:10.33648/ijoaser.v8i3.1355

Nur Laila Syarifah Universitas Al-Qolam Malang, Indonesia
Hanif Maulaniam Sholah Universitas Al-Qolam Malang, Indonesia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33648/ijoaser.v8i3.1355

Keywords: Tiktok, Students’ Perception, Vocabulary Learning, EFL

Abstract

This study investigates students’ perceptions of the TikTok platform as a medium for enhancing English vocabulary learning at SMP Annida Krebetsenggrong Malang. The rapid growth of social media, particularly TikTok, has created new opportunities for integrating technology into language education. However, the effectiveness of TikTok for vocabulary development among learners with different proficiency levels remains underexplored. Therefore, this study aims to examine how students from basic and intermediate proficiency perceive the use of TikTok for vocabulary learning and to identify the challenges they encounter while using it as a learning medium. This study employed a qualitative descriptive. Five students were selected through purposeful sampling, consisting of three elementary-level and two intermediate-level learners who actively used TikTok for English learning. Data were collected through written proficiency tests and structured interviews. The results revealed that both basic and intermediate students generally perceived TikTok as an enjoyable and effective platform for learning new vocabulary. basic-level students emphasized that TikTok made vocabulary learning more interesting, creative, and easy to understand through short, visual, and engaging content. Intermediate students acknowledged similar benefits but also noted limitations, such as distractions from non-educational content and the short duration of videos, which hindered deeper understanding.

References

Abidah, A. N. (2024). Students' perception on utilizing TikTok videos for vocabulary acquisition. JEASP / EJournal UIN Malang.

Alshreef, A., & Khadawardi, H. (2023). TikTok as a tool for vocabulary learning among EFL university students. English Language Teaching, 16(12), 15–27.

Astuti, E. P., Rachmawati, D., & Nugraha, R. (2022). The use of TikTok in EFL learning: Benefits and challenges. Journal of English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics, 4(1), 12–21.

Council of Europe. (2020). Common European framework of reference for languages: Learning, teaching, assessment – Companion volume. Council of Europe Publishing.

Fitriyah, L. S., & Sholichah, N. I. (2023). Improving vocabulary using TikTok application. English Language Teaching Journal, 3(1), 17–24.

Hapsari, A. D., & Aisyah, N. (2023). Short video-based learning for vocabulary enhancement: A study on TikTok integration in EFL classes. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning, 18(5), 85–99.

Lambert, V. A., & Lambert, C. E. (2012). Qualitative descriptive research: An acceptable design. Pacific Rim International Journal of Nursing Research, 16(4), 255–256.

Putri, A., & Ardi, P. (2021). Exploring social media platforms as learning media: TikTok in English language learning. Indonesian Journal of English Language Teaching, 16(2), 145–161.

Rama, M. A, Zohri, H., & Candraning, P. (2023). Students' Perception on The Use of Tiktok As An Effective Learning Media in Improving Students' Vocabullary. Journal on Education, 05(04), 17079-17086.

Sandelowski, M. (2000). Whatever happened to qualitative description? Research in Nursing & Health, 23(4), 334–340.

Santika, E. F. (2023). Kelompok anak muda jadi pengguna terbesar TikTok, usia berapa mereka? Jurnal Sosial, Sains, dan Riset (JSSR), 2(1), 45–52. Kampus Akademik.

Simanungkalit, S., & Katemba, C. (2023). Enhancing vocabulary mastery through TikTok: Students’ perspectives. Eduvelop: Journal of English Education and Development, 7(2), 150–160.

Tampubolon, A. R., Basar, L. S., & Anita, S. (2023). The Effect of Using Tiktok on Students' Vocabulary Mastery in Seventh Grade at SMP Negeri 9 Pematang Siantar. Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan dan Sosial. 2(03).

Usman, M., Zulfikar, T., & Rahmat, R. (2024). The effectiveness of TikTok videos in teaching vocabulary to junior high school students. Studies in English Language and Education, 11(1), 65–78.