THE EFFECTIVENESS OF WORD SEARCH PUZZLES ON READING COMPREHENSION ABILITY AT MTs JUNJUNGAN SAYYID HAMIM

Abstract

The title of this study is "Effectiveness of Word Search Puzzles on Reading Comprehension Ability at MTs Junjungan Sayyid Hamim ." This research was presented as a thesis submitted to the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education at Prima Bangsa Institute in July 2024. The study focuses on the use of word search puzzles as a tool to enhance students' reading comprehension skills. The purpose of this research is to find empirical evidence regarding the effect of using word search puzzles on students' ability to understand reading. The study was conducted on students at MTs Junjungan Sayyid Hamim , utilizing an experimental research method. The entire population of this research comprises students at MTs Junjungan Sayyid Hamim , with a sample of 80 students. The sample was divided into two groups: the experimental group and the control group. The experimental group consisted of 40 students from class VIII A, while the control group consisted of 40 students from class VIII B. The data collection instruments used in this research included tests and observations. The tests were employed to measure students' reading comprehension ability, while the observations were used to examine the implementation of the word search puzzles strategy in the learning process. After data collection was completed, the data were analyzed to determine the effect of using word search puzzles on students' reading comprehension ability. The results of the data analysis indicated that the obtained value was 2.21, while the table value was 1.994. Therefore, the obtained value was higher than the table value, indicating a significant influence of using the word search puzzle strategy on students' reading comprehension ability. This research provides an important contribution to the field of education, especially in seeking innovative ways to enhance students' literacy skills. By using games like word search puzzles, students can become more engaged and motivated in learning, which, in turn, can improve their ability to comprehend reading texts. The study also suggests that teachers in other schools consider using similar strategies in their teaching, especially in improving  students'  reading  and  comprehension  abilities.  With  strong empirical evidence, it is hoped that this strategy can become part of the learning curriculum in schools. Further research is also needed to explore the long-term impact of using this strategy and to see if similar results can be achieved in different contexts or with different student populations.