USING SPEED READING AND EXTENSIVE READING ACTIVITIES TO IMPROVE STUDENTS' READING FLUENCY

Abstract: This study examines the implementation of Speed Reading and Extensive Reading activities to improve students’ reading fluency of students. Using a Classroom Action Research, Speed Reading and Extensive Reading activities was applied in 2 cycles with 2 x 45 minutes per week. Speed Reading and Extensive Reading activities were taught using three phase techniques: Pre-Reading, Whilst-Reading, and Post-Reading. Speed Reading was implemented through some techniques including scanning, skimming, and repeated reading. Meanwhile, Extensive Reading was applied by asking students to read a text at home. Assessment was conducted by giving a reading fluency test after each cycle to check the students’ progress. The other data: observation checklist, field notes, and questionnaire were utilized to complete the study. The result of the study indicated that Speed Reading and Extensive Reading activities benefited students by making them aware of using certain strategy to understand the meaning of text quickly. In the end of cycle 2, it was found that most of the students were successful to become fluent readers. In addition, students’ confidence increased and Speed Reading and Extensive Reading encouraged a positive attitude towards reading fluency. Key Words: speed reading, extensive reading, reading fluency Abstrak: Tujuan penelitian menginvestigasi penggunaan kegiatan Speed Reading dan Extensive Reading untuk meningkatkan kelancaran membaca siswa. Speed Reading dan Extensive Reading dilaksanakan dalam penelitian tindakan kelas terdiri 2 siklus dengan jangka waktu 2x45 menit per minggu. Speed Reading dan Extensive Reading diajarkan dengan teknik tiga tahap: pre-reading, whilst reading dan post-reading. Speed Reading dilaksanakan melalui beberapa teknik adalah scanning, skimming dan membaca berulang. Extensive Reading diaplikasikan dengan meminta siswa membaca sebuah teks di rumah. Penilaian dengan memberikan tes kelancaran membaca setelah masing-masing siklus selesai dilaksanakan untuk memeriksa perkembangan siswa. Data lain didapat dari: observasi, catatan lapangan, dan kuisioner untuk melengkapi hasil data utama. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan Speed Reading dan Extensive Reading bermanfaat bagi siswa untuk memahami arti teks dengan cepat. Pada akhir siklus 2 sebagian besar siswa berhasil menjadi pembaca lancar, kepercayaan diri siswa meningkat, dan penggunaan Speed Reading dan Extensive Reading memberi dampak positif terhadap perilaku siswa dalam kegiatan membaca lancar. Kata kunci: speed reading, extensive reading, membaca lancar