The Effectiveness of TikTok Content in Improving English Idiom among High School Students

Abstract

This study investigated the effectiveness of TikTok content, especially from the account @englishwithlakhan, in improving English idiom acquisition among high school students. It also explored how students perceived TikTok as a learning tool. A quantitative pre-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test design was used, involving 23 students from class XI.1 at SMA Ahmad Yani 2 Baureno. The instruments included an idiom test and a 10-item questionnaire. Over four weeks, students watched selected TikTok videos that explained English idioms. Their scores before and after the treatment were compared using a paired sample t-test, and student perceptions were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Questionnaire reliability was tested with Cronbach’s Alpha. The results showed a significant improvement in students’ idiom understanding. The average score increased from 22.31 to 72.17. The t-test result (p = 0.000 < 0.05) confirmed that the improvement was statistically significant. Students also responded positively to TikTok as a learning platform, finding it interesting, helpful, and easy to understand. The questionnaire reliability score was 0.929, indicating good consistency. In conclusion, TikTok content is effective in supporting English idiom learning and enhancing student motivation. Teachers are encouraged to incorporate short educational videos as learning media. Further research can explore comparisons with other platforms or include control groups for more comprehensive analysis.