USE OF AUTHENTIC MATERIALS IN IMPROVING STUDENTS’ READING COMPREHENSION

Abstract

This study aims to know whether or not the use of authentic materials can improve reading comprehension of the eighth grade students of SMP Negeri 1 Palu. This research used a quasi-experimental research design. The research population was the eighth grade students of SMP Negeri 1 Palu which consisted of 311 students. The sample was selected by using a purposive sampling technique. The number of the sample was 27 students of class VIII E as the experimental group and 26 students of class VIII K as the control group. The data were collected through pre-test and post-test about reading. The students were assigned some tasks consisting of 10 multiple-choices and 5 essay questions. The result of this research showed the mean deviation score of the experimental group was 14.66 and 5.08 for control group. Therefore, the t-counted value (4.74) is higher than the t-table value (1.66). It is proved that the hypothesis is accepted in which there is development of the students after getting the treatment. It means that the use of Authentic Materials can improve students Reading comprehension. The implication of this finding is that the teachers need to use authentic material as the media in teaching reading.