IMPROVING READING COMPREHENSION THROUGH CROSSWORD PUZZLE FORTHE 11TH GRADE STUDENTS OF SMA PGRI 4 DENPASARIN ACADEMIC YEAR 2022/2023

Abstract

This study aims to improve students' reading comprehension using crossword puzzles and the best implementation in their application. Reading comprehension is one of the essential things in teaching and learning activities. Therefore, researchers used innovation with crossword puzzles and discovery learning methods. The subjects of this study were class XI students at SMA PGRI 4 Denpasar and homeroom teachers who were to be studied. The techniques used to obtain data were tests, interviews and observations. As a result, students' observations about their reading comprehension problems were found; based on the identification results, it was found that SMA PGRI 4 Denpasar students had difficulties in vocabulary, lacked specific detailed information, and lacked motivation.
Interviews with teachers also supported the data. Based on the results of teacher interviews, students have problems with reading comprehension. The students' problems in reading comprehension were lack of vocabulary, lack of motivation, and boredom. In terms of reading explanatory texts, students showed the following problems: a lack of understanding of grammar and competence to find key information and specific information in reading. To overcome the difficulties, the researcher implemented six stages using crossword puzzle media and the discovery learning method as the best implementation for overcoming students' reading comprehension difficulties.