Boosting Elementary Students’ Narrative Reading Comprehension Through Speed Reading in Indonesian Language Learning

Abstract

This study aims to improve students’ reading comprehension skills of narrative texts in Indonesian language learning through the application of the speed reading method. The background of this research is the low reading comprehension ability of fourth-grade students at SDN Balimester 03 Petang, particularly in understanding narrative texts, such as identifying the main idea, extracting key information, recognizing characters, plot, setting, conflict, and the moral message conveyed in the text. This research employed a Classroom Action Research (CAR) model developed by Kemmis and McTaggart, carried out in three cycles. The subjects of the study were 28 students consisting of 14 boys and 14 girls. Data collection techniques included learning outcome tests, observation sheets, field notes, and interviews, which were analyzed using descriptive quantitative and qualitative methods. The findings show a significant improvement in students’ reading comprehension skills, as evidenced by the increase in their average scores from the pre-cycle (64.17) to Cycle I (69.82), Cycle II (76.50), and Cycle III (83.50). These results indicate that the implementation of the speed reading method is effective in enhancing students’ understanding of narrative texts, while also fostering learning motivation and literacy skills.