STUDENTS’ READING COMPREHENSION DIFFICULTIES OF SMPN 31 SAMARINDA IN ACADEMIC YEAR 2022/2023

Abstract

Tira Neliyani. 2023. “Students’ Reading Comprehension Difficulties of SMPN 31 Samarinda in Academic Year 2022/2023”. Thesis, English Education Department, Teacher Training and Education Faculty, State Islamic University Sultan Aji Muhammad Idris Samarinda. This research is under the guidance of Mrs. Rostanti Toba, M.Pd as the first advisor and Mrs. Nadia Sya’ya, M.Pd., M.TESOL as the second advisor.

Discussion about reading comprehension in teaching English as a foreign language was interesting. In reality, there are various problems faced by students, one of which is an environment that is less supportive. Other problems faced are the inappropriate use of smartphones and reading habits that are not trained from an early age. Based on this phenomenon, the researcher aimed to reveal what the students’ reading comprehension difficulties are and the solutions to solve these problems.

This research used a qualitative descriptive method. The subjects of this research were 5 students at SMPN 31 Samarinda. Data collection was carried out by interview and observation. Then the data were analyzed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldana. Data validity techniques were carried out using data triangulation.

Based on the data results, the researcher found that the students’ reading comprehension difficulties faced are related to vocabulary and inability to understand techniques in reading comprehension. The students’ main difficulties were influenced by their weaknesses in mastering various vocabulary. Therefore, students found it difficult to understand reading texts. The possible solution for students is by providing awareness of vocabulary knowledge to improve their reading comprehension.