Teacher’s Strategies for Teaching English Vocabulary to Slow Learner in Inclusive Classroom

Authors

  • Tuti Alawiyah Ramadani Nasution English Education, Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara
  • Siti Ismahani English Education, Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24256/ideas.v14i1.10299

Keywords:

Differentiated instruction, inclusive classroom, Slow learner, special needs students, teaching strategies

Abstract

This study aims to identify teachers’ strategies for teaching English vocabulary to slow learners in inclusive classrooms, as well as to uncover the challenges faced and the solutions implemented. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, data were collected through classroom observations, teacher interviews, and documentation, and then analyzed thematically. The results of the study revealed six strategies used by teachers: repetition, Total Physical Response (TPR), explicit phonics instruction, the use of visual media, games, and task differentiation. The challenges that emerged included a lack of parental support and difficulties with the pronunciation of consonant clusters, which teachers addressed through the Family Literacy Movement (GLK) and a step-by-step phonics approach. These findings underscore the importance of multisensory and adaptive strategies in vocabulary learning in inclusive classrooms, while also providing practical guidance for English teachers.

References

Ainscow, M., Booth, T., & Dyson, A. (2006). Improving schools, developing inclusion (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203967157

Asher, J. J. (1969). The total physical response approach to second language learning. The Modern Language Journal, 53(1), 3–17. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4781.1969.tb04552.x

Azisa, E., Sahril, S., Abdullah, A., & Tahir, M. (2025). An analysis of teacher teaching strategies used to motivate students in learning English vocabulary. Klasikal: Journal of Education, Language Teaching and Science, 7(1), 347–360. https://doi.org/10.52208/klasikal.v7i1.1300

Bekteshi, E., Xhaferi, B., & Hoxha, S. (2023). Challenges and opportunities of inclusive education in primary schools: Teachers' perspectives. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 27(5), 567–582. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2021.1886347

Black-Hawkins, K., Maguire, L., & Kershner, R. (2021). Developing inclusive classroom communities: What matters to children? Education 3–13, 49(8), 897–910. https://doi.org/10.1080/03004279.2021.1873390

Borah, R. R. (2013). Slow learners: Role of teachers and guardians in honing hidden skills. International Journal of Educational Planning & Administration, 3(2), 139–143.

Bowen, G. A. (2009). Document analysis as a qualitative research method. Qualitative Research Journal, 9(2), 27–40. https://doi.org/10.3316/QRJ0902027

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

Brewster, J., Ellis, G., & Girard, D. (2002). The primary English teacher's guide. Pearson Education.

Cahyono, B., Asri, D., & Trisnani, R. (2024). Vocabulary learning for slow learner students in inclusive elementary schools: A case of Magetan Regency, East Java, Indonesia. Research Journal in Advanced Humanities, 5(1), 45–58. https://doi.org/10.58256/e4hejt58

Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (4th ed.). Sage Publications.

Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2018). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (4th ed.). Sage Publications.

Fauziningrum, E., Sari, M. N., Rahmani, S. F., Riztya, R., Syafruni, S., & Purba, P. M. (2023). Strategies used by English teachers in teaching vocabulary. Journal on Education, 6(1), 674–679. https://doi.org/10.31004/joe.v6i1.2981

Gultom, R. J., Simarmata, J. N., Purba, O. R., & Saragih, E. (2022). Teachers' strategies in teaching English vocabulary in junior high school. Journal of English Language and Education, 7(1), 9–16. https://doi.org/10.31004/jele.v7i1.182

Hamawati, S. A., Ilham, I., & Ariyani, E. (2025). The relationship between vocabulary mastery and English reading skills in English study program students at Ummat. Journal of English Language and Education, 10(4), 920–927. https://doi.org/10.31004/jele.v10i4.1002

Harmer, J. (2007). The practice of English language teaching (4th ed.). Pearson Longman.

Hartini, A., Widyaningtyas, D., & Mashluhah, M. I. (2017). Learning strategies for slow learners using the project-based learning model in primary school. JPI (Jurnal Pendidikan Inklusi), 1(1), 29–39. https://doi.org/10.26740/inklusi.v1n1.p29-39

Krashen, S. D. (1982). Principles and practice in second language acquisition. Pergamon Press.

Lichtenstein, J. S., Miller, R. T., & Chen, L. (2024). Observing executive functioning of neurodivergent students and supporting practices of their teachers in the classroom. Journal of Neurodiversity in Education, 2(1), 15–30. https://doi.org/10.1177/27546330241258817

Magfira, I. (2021). Describing teachers' strategies in teaching English vocabulary. e-Journal of ELTS, 9(1), 85–91.

Miles, M. B., & Huberman, A. M. (1994). Qualitative data analysis: An expanded sourcebook (2nd ed.). Sage Publications.

Manurung, S. S. D., & Ismahani, S. (2025). Students’ perception of MemoryLingo application on vocabulary recalling ability. The Journal of English Teaching and Study (TUS), 11(3). https://doi.org/10.22202/tus.2025.v11i3.10201

Nation, I. S. P. (2001). Learning vocabulary in another language. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781139524759

Paivio, A. (1986). Mental representations: A dual coding approach. Oxford University Press.

Richards, J. C., & Rodgers, T. S. (2014). Approaches and methods in language teaching (3rd ed.). Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009024532

Saniyah, D., & Baehaki, I. (2021). The strategies used by English teacher to teach vocabulary at Genta English Course Pare-Kediri. Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris Proficiency, 3(1), 20–24.

Sari, D. P., Rahmawati, I., & Hidayat, N. (2025). The effectiveness of word wall strategy in improving elementary students' vocabulary mastery. Journal of English Teaching and Learning, 12(1), 55–67.

Schmitt, N. (2008). Review article: Instructed second language vocabulary learning. Language Teaching Research, 12(3), 329–363. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362168808089921

Soukakou, E., Evangelou, M., & Holbrooke, B. (2018). Inclusive Classroom Profile: A pilot study of its use as a professional development tool. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 22(10), 1124–1135. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2017.1416188

Street, R. (1975). Teaching the slow learner. Learning for Living, 14(3), 110–114. https://doi.org/10.1080/00239707508557754

Tomlinson, C. A. (2014). The differentiated classroom: Responding to the needs of all learners (2nd ed.). ASCD. https://doi.org/10.63467/red.13.2025.art1

Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press.

Willis, D. (2003). Rules, patterns and words: Grammar and lexis in English language teaching. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511733000

Wright, A. (1989). Pictures for language learning. Cambridge University Press.

Downloads

Published

2026-05-11