Improving Students' Reading Comprehension through Authentic Materials for Seventh Grade Students of SMP Negeri 3 Kota Ternate

Abstract

This study aimed to improve the reading comprehension of eighth-grade students at SMP Negeri 3 Kota Ternate through the use of authentic materials. The research employed Classroom Action Research (CAR) consisting of two cycles, with each cycle including the stages of planning, acting, observing, and reflecting. The participants were 24 students of class VII B. The instruments used to collect the data were reading comprehension tests, observation sheets, and documentation. The reading tests were administered as a pre-test and post-tests to measure students’ progress, while observation sheets were used to examine students’ participation and engagement during the teaching and learning process. The findings revealed a significant improvement in students’ reading comprehension after the implementation of authentic materials. The mean score increased from 55.12 in the pre-test to 70.28 in Cycle I, accompanied by an increase in the percentage of students achieving the Minimum Mastery Criterion (KKM). Classroom observations also showed that students became more active, motivated, and confident in participating in reading activities. After further improvements in Cycle II, the success criteria of the study were achieved, indicating that authentic materials effectively enhanced students’ reading comprehension by providing meaningful, contextual, and engaging learning experiences.