The Implementation of Readers’ Theater in Teaching Reading Comprehension

Abstrak

This study aimed to determine whether Readers’ Theater affects students’ reading comprehension and to explore their perceptions of learning through this technique. Using a quasi-experimental design, eighth-grade students of SMP Negeri 20 Kendari were divided into control and experimental groups. Data were collected through pre-tests and post-tests consisting of 20 multiple-choice items on narrative texts, along with a 20-item questionnaire on students’ perceptions. Analysis using SPSS 22 involved descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that Readers’ Theater significantly improved students’ reading comprehension, as reflected in higher post-test scores for the experimental group (M = 77.34, SD = 13.97) compared to the control group (M = 41.25, SD = 21.48). Questionnaire results also indicated positive perceptions in cognitive, affective, and conative aspects, showing that students found the technique enjoyable, motivating, and engaging for developing reading comprehension.

Kata kunci

• Comprehension
• Keywords: Readers’ Theater
• Reading Comprehension
• Students’ Perception