THE ROLE OF ETNOPEDAGOGICAL APPROACH IN ENHANCING STUDENTS; WORKING MEMORY OF ENGLISH VOCABULARY

This descriptive qualitative research aims to analyze the role of etnopedagogical approach in supporting working memory strategies and vocabulary transfer to long-term memory in elementary school students. Data was collected thru in-depth interviews with teachers, classroom observations, and student recall interviews at an elementary school that integrates local Toraja culture into English language learning. The findings indicate that the etnopedagogical approach is highly effective due to three main themes: 1) Visual and Contextual Encoding, where images of local culture (such as Pa’piong and Tongkonan) serve as strong memory anchors; 2) Memory Reinfocement Thru Gamified Recall, where game-based activites and visual repetition facilitate transfer to long-term memory, and 3) Phonological challenges overcome with intersive Auditory Repetition. This study concludes that cultural relevance enhances, facilititas vocabulary encoding, and results in ,measurable memory retention.