IMPROVING THE STUDENTS’ READING COMPREHENSION ABILITYTHROUGH VISUALIZATION OF THE EIGHTH GRADESTUDENTS OF SMP NEGERI 1 PEDAN IN THE ACADEMICYEAR OF 2013/2014

摘要

The aim of this research is to improve reading comprehension ability through Visualization strategy at Eighth Grade students of SMP Negeri 1 Pedan. Based on the initial observation, the students had low motivation in reading text and got difficulty in understandingtext.udThis research is an Action Research, which consists of two cycles. In conducting the study, the researcher involved the English teacher, the collaborator (student of English Department of UNY), and the students of VIII D. The participants of the study were 30 students of VIII D of SMP Negeri1 Pedan in the academic year of 2013/2014.The data instruments were obtained from observing the teaching-learning process, taking pictures of the teaching-learning process in the class, interviewing (the students of VIII D, the English teacher and the collaborator), and holding discussion with the English teacher and the collaborator. The data were in the forms of field notes, reading test scores, pictures, and interview transcripts. The data validity was obtained by applying democratic validity, outcome validity, process validity, catalytic validity and dialogic validity.udThe study revealed that the uses of Visualization strategy in this study successfully improved the students’ reading comprehension ability. The students’ difficulties in reading can be solved by applying the Visualization strategy. With reference to the obtained data, the students were more enthusiastic and had a good motivation to read. As a result, they performeda better comprehension and tended not to make the same mistakes in their work. In conclusion, the use of Visualization strategycan improve the students reading comprehension ability in class VIII D.This study suggests that the English teacher may improve her teaching strategy by optimizing the use of a variation technique in school. The teacher should be creative in delivering materials in the class.