Basic Vocabulary Mastery among First Year Undergraduate Students of Universitas Bengkulu
Bambang Suwarno, Barnabas Sembiring, Amanda Pradhani Yanwar, Chelsea Larasati Yanwar
FKIP, Universitas Bengkulu
FKIP, Universitas Bengkulu
Universitas Bojonegoro
Student of FKIP, Universitas Bengkulu
Abstract
Successful study, including in mathematics and science, is facilitated by English fluency, for which vocabulary mastery is a good predictor. This study aims to explore the estimated mastery of basic vocabulary (first thousand word list) among first year undergraduate students at Universitas Bengkulu. The design was descriptive. The sample included a class each from various departments. The instrument was a multiple choice test. Estimated mastery was calculated on the basis of percentage of correct answers. The results were as follows. At the English study program group, M= 882.5 and SD = 60.4. At the social and humanity department group, M = 707.6 and SD = 127.5. At the mathematics, science and engineering department group, M = 740.9 and SD = 113.1. Overall, at Universitas Bengkulu, M = 739.6 and SD = 115.8. The conclusion was that vocabulary mastery among the first year students still needed improvement. Further studies are recommended to (1) improve English instruction at secondary & tertiary institutions, and (2) conduct similar explorations at other institutions.
Keywords: Vocabulary mastery, first thousand word list, first year university students
Topic: Other Relevant Topic