THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SMALL GROUP INTERACTION IN IMPROVING STUDENTS’ READING COMPREHENSION (Mixed Method Study at the Seventh Grade of a Junior High School in Cilacap)

Abstract

This study deals with the investigation of the significant improvement on students’ reading comprehension ability utilizing small group interaction and the students’ perceptions on the use of small group interaction to improve students’ reading comprehension. This study used mixed-method research in which case study, as a type of qualitative paradigm, was employed to collect the data from participants consisting of 21 students as the sample. Moreover, pretest, posttest and questionnaire were the instruments in collecting quantitative data. The data obtained from those instruments were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Based on the first research question, it is found that the value of t-observed (1.686) is higher that t-table (1.774) indicating that there is the significant difference. It is assumed that small group interaction was helpful and effective for improving students’ reading comprehension. Moreover, the result of second research questions reveal that the students found the use of small group interaction effective in improving students’ reading comprehension text. Besides, the use of small group interaction made the students enjoy in learning the material of reading. The students were motivated and got new challenges in improving their reading comprehension.