Mind Mapping Strategy to Enhance Vocabulary Mastery toward EFL Students

Abstract

This study investigates the effectiveness of using mind mapping to enhance vocabulary mastery among first-semester students of the English Education Department at Universitas Islam Balitar in the academic year 2025/2026. The main problem identified was that students had limited vocabulary for speaking and lacked awareness of different word usages in academic contexts. The research employed a one-group pre-test post-test design with 18 participants. The treatment was conducted in two sessions: the first focused on explanation and practice of vocabulary, and the second involved creating mind maps and a window shopping activity. Results revealed that the students’ mean vocabulary score improved from 56.1 in the pre-test to 73.7 in the post-test, representing a 31.4% increase. A paired sample t-test showed a significant difference between pre-test and post-test scores (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that mind mapping is effective in supporting vocabulary development and helping students to better understand academic English in a more structured and meaningful way.