IMPROVING THE STUDENTS’ READING COMPREHENSION SKILL BY USING THE GRAPHIC ORGANIZER FOR GRADE VIIID AT SMP N 1 BERBAH IN THE ACADEMIC YEAR OF 2014/2015

Abstract

This research aimed to improve the students’ reading comprehension skill by using the graphic organizer for grade VIIID at SMP N 1 Berbah in the academic year of 2014/2015.

This research was an action research. It consisted of two cycles. The data were obtained from the classroom observation during the teaching and learning process, the students’ interview, the teacher’s interview, the questionnaire, and supported by the score of the students’ reading comprehension tests. The data were analyzed qualitatively and the scores were analyzed quantitatively using descriptive statistics. The results of this research suggested that the graphic organizer improved the students’ reading comprehension skill for grade VIIID at SMP N 1 Berbah. The qualitative data analysis showed that the students were able to comprehend the texts better by using the graphic organizer. There were also some changes on their behavior. They could focus their attention on the teaching and learning process by the implementation of the graphic organizer. Based on the quantitative data analysis, the total score and the average score in the posttest I increased 10% from those of the pretest. Meanwhile, the total score and the average score in the posttest II increased 9% from those of the posttest I. The quantitative data supported the qualitative data stating that the graphic organizer could be used to improve the students’ reading comprehension skill.