EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES FOR DEVELOPING ENGLISH LANGUAGE SKILLS IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Authors

  • Nabila Cahyani Program Studi Pendidikan Guru Sekolah Dasar, Universitas Negeri Medan
  • Noviana Barus Program Studi Pendidikan Guru Sekolah Dasar, Universitas Negeri Medan
  • Natachya S.W Simamora Program Studi Pendidikan Guru Sekolah Dasar, Universitas Negeri Medan
  • Eva Betty Simanjuntak Program Studi Pendidikan Guru Sekolah Dasar, Universitas Negeri Medan
  • Muhammad Huzein Zamora Tanjung Program Studi Pendidikan Guru Sekolah Dasar, Universitas Negeri Medan

Keywords:

Learning Media, English Language Learning, Learning Strategies

Abstract

This study aims to describe the English proficiency level of upper-grade students at SD Terpadu Muhammadiyah 36 Medan and formulate learning strategies relevant to their linguistic development needs. The research used a descriptive qualitative approach with data collection techniques including interviews and documentation. The results show that the students' proficiency is still at an elementary level, with the main problems being vocabulary mastery, pronunciation accuracy, and understanding of simple sentence structures. The identified inhibiting factors include low exposure to language in the family environment and minimal parental support for learning activities. Based on these findings, innovative learning strategies were formulated through the application of the Total Physical Response (TPR) method, the use of simple digital media, the simplification of linguistic input, and the strengthening of learning motivation through positive reinforcement techniques. The implementation of these strategies is projected to improve the quality of learning interactions, student participation, and English language competency achievement at the elementary school level.

References

Ajiza, N., & Rahman, F. (2023). Total Physical Response (TPR) dan penerapannya dalam pembelajaran Bahasa Inggris anak usia dini. Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa, 14(2), 155–167.

Asher, J. J. (1969). The Total Physical Response approach to second language learning. The Modern Language Journal, 53(1), 3–17.

Cerezo, R., Calderon, V., & Romero, C. (2024). A holographic mobile-based application for practicing pronunciation of basic English vocabulary for Spanish-speaking children. arXiv preprint arXiv:2402.07897.

Copland, F., Garton, S., & Burns, A. (2023). Teaching English to young learners: Critical issues in language teaching with 3–12 year olds. TESOL Quarterly, 57(1), 8–37.

Ellis, R. (2015). Understanding second language acquisition (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.

Epstein, J. L. (2011). School, family, and community partnerships: Preparing educators and improving schools (2nd ed.). Westview Press.

Gardner, R. C. (1985). Social psychology and second language learning: The role of attitudes and motivation. Edward Arnold Publishers.

Gkonou, C., Mercer, S., & Daubney, A. (2020). Teacher perspectives on language learning anxiety. In New insights into language anxiety: Theory, research and educational implications (pp. 203–222). Multilingual Matters.

Horwitz, E. K., Horwitz, M. B., & Cope, J. (1986). Foreign language classroom anxiety. The Modern Language Journal, 70(2), 125–132.

Huang, Y. (2021). The benefits of early English learning: A comprehensive review. International Journal of English Language Teaching, 9(2), 45–62.

Imanuel, A., & Nugroho, Y. (2025). Positive reinforcement strategies in primary English learning: An operant conditioning approach. Journal of Elementary Language Education, 6(1), 22–33.

Krashen, S. D. (1982). Principles and practice in second language acquisition. Pergamon Press.

Li, G., Arase, Y., & Crespi, N. (2025). Aligning sentence simplification with ESL learner's proficiency for language acquisition. arXiv preprint arXiv:2502.11457.

Nation, I. S. P. (2001). Learning vocabulary in another language. Cambridge University Press.

Piaget, J. (1952). The origins of intelligence in children. International Universities Press.

Pinter, A. (2021). Teaching young language learners (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press.

Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2020). Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation from a self-determination theory perspective: Definitions, theory, practices, and future directions. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 61, 101860.

Skinner, B. F. (1953). Science and human behavior. Macmillan.

Viberg, O., & Kukulska-Hulme, A. (2021). Mobile technology and language learning: Multi-literacies and learner autonomy in the 21st century classroom. Language Learning & Technology, 25(2), 1–16. https://doi.org/10125/73453

Widodo, H. P., Fang, F., & Elyas, T. (2022). Contextualizing English language teacher education in Asia: Policy, practice, and future directions. In H. P. Widodo, F. Fang, & T. Elyas (Eds.), English language teacher education in Asia: Policies, practices, and perspectives (pp. 1–18). Routledge.

Zou, D., Luo, S., Xie, H., & Hwang, G. J. (2022). A systematic review of research on flipped language classrooms: Theoretical foundations, learning activities, tools, research topics and findings. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 35(8), 1811–1837.

Downloads

Published

2025-11-25