IMPROVING THE STUDENTS’ READING COMPREHENSION THROUGH COOPERATIVE LEARNING AT GRADE VIII G OF SMPN 1 SEWON IN THE ACADEMIC YEAR OF 2012/2013

The objective of this action research was to improve the students’ reading comprehension of the eighth grade students of G class at SMPN 1 Sewon in the academic year of 2012/2013 through the use of cooperative learning. This action research was conducted in two cycles involving cooperative learning methods such as pair-read, think-pair-share, numbered heads together, round table brain storming and group discussion followed by quiz as the main activities. Giving various reading tasks, interesting media, handouts of the materials, and reward were the complement of the main activities. The data were obtained by observing the teaching and learning process, interviewing the students and collaborators, holding discussions with the collaborators, and taking pictures of the teaching and learning process. The instruments used in this research were observation guidelines, interview guidelines, and digital camera. The data collected were qualitative data. Data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing and verification were used to analyze the data. Furthermore, this research applied time triangulation and investigator triangulation to get trustworthiness. The results show that the students’ reading comprehension improved through the use of cooperative learning. The students made a good improvement in some aspects of reading skills such as finding the main ideas, finding the required information, guessing the meaning without using dictionary, skimming and scanning during their reading. The cooperative learning was also to improve the students’ reading interest. It was shown that the students seemed to be more enthusiastic and active in the teaching and learning process. The students easily learnt the materials in groups. They were more confident in reading the text and had more chances in sharing their idea and knowledge about their reading to the others. The various activities made the class atmosphere enjoyable. The group work activities improved the students’ understanding towards the materials and the teacher’s classroom management