THE USE OF DIGITAL BOOK LET’S READ IN IMPROVING READING COMPREHENSION FOR JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT

Abstract

Reading is an important skill for all students. It is the action of extracting meaning (the message) but in the case of language acquisition, language aspects (pronunciation, structure, spelling, and vocabulary) are also included. The purpose of this research was to find out the improving of students reading comprehension using digital book Let’s Read at eight grade students of SMPN 1 Beji. There are two classes which used in this research, they are 8E as a control group and 8H as an experimental group. There are 72 students and one English Teacher as a participant. This research used mixed-method approach which involved quantitative design. The data obtained from questionnaire, interview, and test. To evaluate reading activities in the classroom and to obtain student answers in the usage of Let’s Read, observations and questionnaires are distributed. A pre-test and post-test is also given to compare students ’ reading comprehension between students who used digital and paper books. Prior to the post-test, students are given skills to improve their reading comprehension. As supplementary data, interviews with teachers are collected. The result shows that most students are delighted with Let’s Read and like them as a valuable reading resource, they do not intended to prefer digital book  if offered the option of a digital and print edition of a specific book. It means that the use of digital books does not have enough effect on a person's reading comprehension level which can also be obtained even though using a printed book. Keywords: Digital Book, Reading Comprehension