IMPROVING STUDENTS’ VOCABULARY MASTERY USING CROSSWORD PUZZLES FOR GRADE VII OF SMP N 2 SRANDAKAN IN THE ACADEMIC YEAR OF 2013/2014

This study was aimed at improving the vocabulary mastery through the use of crossword puzzles among grade VII students of SMP 2 Srandakan in the academic year of 2013/2014. This action research study was conducted at grade VII of SMP N 2 Srandakan. It consisted of two cycles with three meetings in each one. The data were qualitative in nature obtained from classroom observation during the teaching and learning process, interview with the teacher and the students, and taking the photograph. The data were in the form of vignettes, interview transcripts, and photographs. The validity of the research was established based on the criteria of validity process include democratic validity, outcome validity, process validity, catalytic validity, and dialogic validity. The trustworthiness of the data was employed by applying triangulation method by applying time triangulation, investigator triangulation, and theoretical triangulation. The result of this study concluded that there were improvements of students’ vocabulary mastery. It could be seen from the result of classroom observation that showed the students’ better performance of using vocabulary during the teaching and learning process. The students’ involvement during the implementation of crossword puzzle was also better than before the implementation. Additionally, the implementations of crossword puzzles and the complementary action were successful to help the students understand new words and learn English better. To conclude, the students’ vocabulary mastery was improved through the implementation of crossword puzzles