Exploring the Pedagogical Efficacy of TikTok Application in Enhancing English Vocabulary: Insights From EFL Students

Abstract

The objective underpinned the present study is to explore students’ perception of the pedagogical efficacy of the TikTok application in enhancing their vocabulary. This study applied a survey method to gather students’ perceptions using a questionnaire to measure their pedagogical efficacy of TikTok in enhancing vocabulary. The participants (N=109) were English study program students at a private university, in Eastern Indonesia. The results of the study are as follows. TikTok's greatest perceived benefit in language learning is its ability to improve vocabulary, with 50% agreeing. However, an equal proportion of students disagreed, demonstrating a disparity in students' experiences and opinions. While 59% of students believe TikTok is less effective at illustrating how vocabulary is used in real-life circumstances and 58% of students disagree that re-watching TikTok videos is an effective learning approach. Despite TikTok's reputation as an entertaining site, 58% of students disputed that it is fun and pleasing for learning, indicating a gap between entertainment and education value and 58% of students disagree that TikTok helps with memorization. Henceforth, while TikTok may provide certain benefits, such as vocabulary enhancement, students have serious doubts about its overall effectiveness as a language learning tool.