VOCABOOST PROGRAMME STRENGTHENS VOCABULARY AMONG SEKOLAH INDERA SHAHBANDAR PAHANG STUDENTS
PEKAN, 22 August 2025 – Vocabulary mastery is a key element in learning English. When learners have more vocabulary, they are able to understand their lessons better and gain greater confidence in using English for daily communication.
To fulfil this need, the Centre for Modern Languages (CML), Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), organised the third series of the VocaBoost Programme at Sekolah Indera Shahbandar Pahang on 22 August 2025. A total of 113 pupils from Year 4, 5, and 6 participated in the programme, together with 14 UMPSA students who served as facilitators.
The main objective of this programme was to strengthen English vocabulary proficiency among Sekolah Indera Shahbandar Pahang pupils through interactive learning, while also providing UMPSA students the opportunity to contribute their service to the local community.
The programme was successfully carried out through Geran Inovasi Sosial dan Pemindahan Ilmu Komuniti (CDU240138), led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zuraina Ali, and Dr. Ruhil Amal Azmuddin, and Siti Norzaimalina Abd Majid as project members.
Various games were conducted to help pupils strengthen their vocabulary and boost their interest in learning English. One of the games was the “Word Relay Race”, which require them to identify words as many as they can and form accurate sentences.
In “Musical Vocabpoly”, pupils sat in a circle and passed around an envelope containing vocabulary cards while the music was playing. When the music stopped, the chosen pupil had to explain the word on the card using simple sentences or synonyms in English for their group members.
Another highlight was the “Hotseat” activity, where a pupil sat on a special chair holding a card above their head. Other participants provided clues about the word on the card using simple sentences, synonyms, or actions, while the pupil in the chair had to guess the correct word.
The activities incorporated elements of collaborative learning and gamification, encouraging pupils to work together to achieve the game objectives. At the same time, the fun and engaging atmosphere boosted their confidence in speaking English without fear or worry, making the language learning experience more meaningful.
One of the facilitators, Azimudin Sabarudin said that “I can see a lot of them participated in the activities with enthusiasm. The students had a great time engaging with the activities”.
We like to extend our appreciation to Ms. Aida Razali, the English teacher of Sekolah Indera Shahbandar Pahang, for her invaluable support in ensuring the success of this programme.
Last but not least, the VocaBoost programme successfully achieved its intended goals by enhancing pupils’ confidence in using English, while also strengthening collaboration between the university and the school. The organisers hope similar initiatives can be expanded to other schools to benefit more pupils.
Written by: Siti Norzaimalina Abd Majid, Dr. Ruhil Amal Azmuddin & Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zuraina Ali