TEACHER’S STRATEGIES IN USING STORYTELLING FOR IMPROVING STUDENT’S VOCABULARIES SKILLS AT MTS ATH-THAHIRIYAH

ABSTRACT

Initial observations at MTS Attahahiriyah highlight that teachers employ a variety of
individualized approaches when using the storytelling strategy to teach English, each
adapting the method to suit their teaching style. Despite these differences, all teachers
share the common objective of improving students’ vocabulary. The research specifically
focuses on an English teacher at the school and investigates how different storytelling
strategies are utilized to enhance students’ vocabulary skills. The study found that using
new stories introduces students to fresh vocabulary, which facilitates vocabulary
acquisition in an engaging context. Storytelling, in this sense, serves as a practical tool
not just for language learning but also for expanding students’ vocabulary in a more
natural and memorable way. By incorporating narrative elements, students are exposed
to words in meaningful and relatable contexts, which can help them better understand
and retain the new vocabulary. However, the research also revealed certain challenges
that teachers face during the implementation of storytelling in the classroom. Some
students become disengaged, losing interest in speaking activities and showing little
enthusiasm for participation. This lack of motivation can hinder the learning process,
making it difficult for students to fully benefit from the strategy. To address these
challenges, teachers adopt creative methods to re-engage students and sustain their
interest throughout the lesson. They may vary the storytelling techniques, introduce
interactive elements, or use other supportive strategies to keep students motivated. The
ultimate goal of these adjustments is to ensure that the storytelling approach remains
effective in improving students’ vocabulary skills, even in the face of obstacles such as
student boredom or low participation. Through these tailored strategies, teachers aim to
create a more dynamic learning environment where students are both motivated and
equipped to enhance their vocabulary through storytelling.
Keywords: Teacher’s Strategies, Storytelling, Vocabulary Skills