AN ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTS OF CROSSWORD PUZZLE ON STUDENTS' ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN BENIN METROPOLIS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

In the language acquisition process, students cultivate their aptitude in four domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Acquiring the vocabulary of a new language is an essential initial phase. As student's proficiency in expressing themselves verbally and in writing is contingent upon their lexicon. Although, the absence of a rich vocabulary restricts one's effectiveness in both domains (Lindawati, 2019). According to Sudrajat and Herlina (2021), students acquire a diverse set of abilities through their play, such as experiencing joy, satisfaction, eagerness, and significant learning opportunities. Given these circumstances, educators must embrace innovative methods in teaching, specifically when it comes to improving students' vocabulary. However, insufficient engagement of students in the process of learning language, especially English language will hinder their acquisition of essential vocabulary. 

Karim and Hasbullah (2019) asserts that crossword puzzle is seen as an intriguing method in language instruction and acquisition. This demonstrated that crossword puzzle has the potential to engage students and create a sense of relaxation. The construction process of crossword puzzle involved strategically positioning the words to intersect at the designated spots. Subsequently, a plan was devised to align with both horizontal and vertical hints. A crossword puzzle is a form of media that can be utilized to facilitate English language acquisition among students. Students can enhance their vocabulary knowledge by engaging in crossword puzzles, which are a type of game. 

Current research suggests that incorporating crossword puzzles into education has not gained popularity as an effective method for enhancing students' comprehension of the subject matter and facilitating deeper insights in their studies (Baharudin et al., 2022). However, the effectiveness of brain-based learning models is enhanced when combined with hands-on-activities. The focus of concern lies on activities that includes crossword puzzles. The engagement of crossword puzzle is a cognitive tool that can be utilized to implement a learning paradigm that depends on the brain. According to Wiantara et al. (2020), iintegrating crossword puzzles with brain-based learning models can enhance children's learning experience by making it more captivating, stimulating, and participatory. 

Furthermore, eemploying crossword puzzles as a competitive activity motivate students to exert more effort in discerning the correct solutions in order to achieve victory. Consequently, learners memorize the essential vocabulary in order to respond to the questions and finish the puzzles (Lestari & Yulia, 2018). When employed in the educational setting, crossword puzzles are simultaneously enjoyable and informative.  On the other hand, eengaging in the task of solving crosswords puzzles improves students' capacity for creative thinking and their ability to generate innovative solutions to challenges (Anggraeni & Sole, 2020). Likewise, ffluency, flexibility, originality, and attention to detail are the four primary indicators of creative thinking abilities. Research conducted across several academic fields has consistently shown that students derive educational benefits from utilizing crossword puzzles as a form of activity (Baharudin et al., 2022). Therefore, a survey will be conducted in order to assess the effects of crossword puzzle on students' academic performance in secondary schools in Benin Metropolis.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The study of new teaching methods has gained growing importance in the educational domain, particularly in secondary schools where improving students' academic performance is a crucial objective. A method that can be employed is the utilisation of crossword puzzles as an educational instrument. Although the potential advantages of crossword puzzles for students' academic performance in secondary schools have not been thoroughly examined, it is necessary to do a full analysis to determine their effectiveness and influence on learning outcomes (Bell & Wiechman, 2019).

Crossword puzzles, typically seen as leisurely activities, have been integrated into educational environments to enhance the appeal and interaction of learning. According to Whisenand and Dunphy (2020), it is considered that these activities help strengthen vocabulary, sharpen spelling, and improve memory retention by challenging students to recall and apply what they have learnt in a dynamic and fun way. Furthermore, the efficacy of crossword puzzles differ based on individual learning styles and preferences. Puzzles can serve as a valuable educational tool for many students, enhancing their cognitive processes. However, some students encounter difficulties with this approach, resulting in feelings of frustration and disinterest (Coffey, 2020). Nevertheless, the available empirical evidence for these assertions is restricted, and the degree to which crossword puzzles impact academic achievement in secondary school pupils is poorly established. Hence, it is in the light of these that the study seeks to assess the effects of crossword puzzle on students' academic performance in secondary schools in Benin Metropolis.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to assess the effects of crossword puzzle on students' academic performance in secondary schools in Benin Metropolis. Specifically, the study will;

Examine if there is an availability of crossword puzzle in secondary schools.

Determine whether crossword puzzle activities contributes to students' language acquisition.

Assess the impact of crossword puzzle activities on students' academic performance in secondary schools.

Examine the challenges faced in the implementation of crossword puzzle activities in secondary schools.

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

Is there an availability of crossword puzzles in secondary schools?

Do crossword puzzle activities contribute to students' language acquisition?

What is the impact of crossword puzzle activities on students' academic performance in secondary schools?

What are the challenges faced in the implementation of crossword puzzle activities in secondary schools?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

H0: Crossword puzzles have no significant effect on students' academic performance in secondary schools in Benin Metropolis.

Ha: Crossword puzzles have a significant effect on students' academic performance in secondary schools in Benin Metropolis.

1.6  Significance of the Study

This study provide insights into the potential advantages of integrating crossword puzzles into the educational process.However, students who find traditional learning methods challenging will also find crossword puzzles an effective and engaging alternative to reinforce their knowledge. Furthermore, prespective instructors will enhance their teaching by utilising the Eclipse Crossword Application’s Cross Puzzle as an educational tool in the classroom to cultivate critical thinking and innovative problem-solving skills. Additionally, subsequent researchers will use it as a literature review. This means that other students who may decide to conduct studies in this area will have the opportunity to use this study as available literature that can be subjected to critical review. Invariably, the result of the study contributes immensely to the body of academic knowledge with regard the effects of crossword puzzle on students' academic performance in secondary schools in Benin Metropolis.

1.7 Scope of the study

The scope of this study is boarded on the effects of crossword puzzle on students' academic performance in secondary schools in Benin Metropolis. Empirically, this study will examine if there is an availability of crossword puzzle in secondary schools, determined whether crossword puzzle activities contributes to students' language acquisition, assess the impact of crossword puzzle activities on students' academic performance in secondary schools and examine the challenges faced in the implementation of crossword puzzle activities in secondary schools.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to secondary schools in Benin Metropolis.

1.8 Limitation of the study

In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents. In addition, there was the element of researcher bias. Here, the researcher possessed some biases that may have been reflected in the way the data was collected, the type of people interviewed or sampled, and how the data gathered was interpreted thereafter. The potential for all this to influence the findings and conclusions could not be downplayed. 

More so, the findings of this study are limited to the sample population in the study area, hence they may not be suitable for use in comparison to other schools, local governments, states, and other countries in the world.

 1.9 Definition of Terms

Crossword puzzle: is a form of media that can be utilised to facilitate English language acquisition among students.

Language: is a system of communication that enables people to express thoughts, emotions, and ideas, and to interact with others.

Academic performance: refers to the extent to which a student, teacher, or institution has achieved their short or long-term educational goals.

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