Year 6 Students’ Perceptions Towards the Usage of TikTok and Its Effectiveness on Their Vocabulary Learning

Many students in primary schools struggle with English proficiency because of their limited vocabulary. This may be due to the lack of innovative teaching approaches that can promote their interest and motivation in learning English. Thus, this research was conducted to investigate the effects of TikTok on primary students' vocabulary learning and their perceptions. 12 Year 6 students from a government school were involved in this mixed-method research. Data were collected through pre and post-tests along with semi-structured interviews. The results indicated that all participants had a significant improvement (10% or more) in vocabulary knowledge and the mean score nearly doubled, indicating a strong positive impact. Meanwhile, the interviews revealed that many students found traditional textbooks dull compared to the short, engaging videos on TikTok. They appreciated the accessibility and ease of searching for specific videos while interactive features on TikTok further enhanced their learning experience, boosting motivation. However, concerns were raised regarding potentially unreliable information and the platform's distracting nature. Despite these drawbacks, most students agreed that they would recommend TikTok for vocabulary development due to its engaging and effective strategies.