The Difficulties Encountered by Young Learners in Learning English Vocabulary

Abstract

This study was motivated by the importance of English vocabulary mastery among elementary school students in the era of globalization, which demands foreign language competence from an early age. However, many students, including those at SDN 128 Pasir Putih, still face significant challenges in learning and mastering vocabulary. These difficulties include pronunciation problems, misunderstanding of word meanings, and limited ability to apply vocabulary in everyday contexts. Such challenges are influenced by internal factors such as low motivation, fear of making mistakes, and limited practice opportunities, as well as external factors such as minimal class hours, monotonous learning methods, and lack of support at home. This study employed a descriptive qualitative approach with a case study method to explore the experiences and needs of fifth-grade students in vocabulary learning. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, and documentation, with purposive sampling used to select participants. Data were analyzed following the Miles and Huberman model, consisting of data reduction, display, and conclusion drawing. The findings revealed that students responded positively to interactive and student-centered learning methods, including games, songs, videos, pictures, and group activities. It is recommended that schools and families provide greater support and that teachers apply more varied learning strategies to improve students’ vocabulary mastery and motivation.