Maulana Yusuf Aditya, Him’mawan Adi Nugroho, Ali Mustofa
Teaching vocabulary plays a crucial role in the process of learning any language, whether native or foreign. A modern and effective approach to support vocabulary development involves the use of augmented reality (AR). This technology merges virtual content with the physical world, which is accessible through devices such as smartphones or AR headsets. Such integration provides opportunities to create more dynamic, engaging, and impactful learning experiences. This research examines how vocabulary instruction through AR applications influences the language abilities of students with mild intellectual disabilities. Using a 2x2 quasi experimental design, the study involved 65 students. Four classes were randomly selected, with one assigned as the control group, which received traditional direct instruction, and the other as the experimental group, which learned vocabulary through AR-based tools. A nonequivalent control group design was employed for sampling, via a saturated sampling technique. Data collection involved pretests and posttests, and the results were analyzed via two-way ANOVA via SPSS 27. The analysis revealed significant differences in language skill development and learning motivation between students using AR-assisted vocabulary learning and those receiving conventional instruction. The findings suggest that vocabulary teaching supported by AR, combined with strong motivation, positively impacts students' language performance. On the basis of these results, educators are encouraged to incorporate AR-based tools into their vocabulary instruction strategies. Moreover, increasing student motivation is equally important to ensure that learning remains engaging and effective. This study can also serve as a foundation for future research involving different subject areas, grade levels, or additional influencing factors. Copyright (c) 2025 The Authors. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Universitas Negeri Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
