Utilization of Literacy Workshop to Improve Reading Ability of Elementary School Students

Abstract

Elementary school students in the Siosar shelter area experienced trauma and lagging behind learning, especially reading as effect of the Mount Sinabung disaster which often erupts. This action research is to improve the quality of reading learning for elementary school students affected by the Mount Sinabung disaster in the Siosar shelter area, Indonesia. Reading problems experienced by students include difficulty recognizing letters, spelling stammering, difficulty reading words, not paying attention to punctuation, not understanding the content of reading, and low motivation to learn. The action taken to solve the problem is to utilize a literacy workshop assisted by audio-visual media. This research method is an action study that refers to Mcniff's theory, which is carried out two cycles with two meetings each. Data collection techniques are carried out by tests, observations, analysis of documents and interviews. Data analysis techniques are carried out quantitatively & qualitatively. The results of this study showed that the quality and process of reading results improved before and after the action (the average initial condition of 52.23 increased to 81.06). The findings were reinforced by t-test results that showed there were significant differences in reading competence in pre-action and in the results of second cycle actions. It is recommended that special actions be taken in learning for students in disaster areas by utilizing various media, both through group and individual activities to be motivated in learning and traumatic reduction.