THE EFFECT OF BUSUU APPLICATION ON READING COMPREHENSION SKILL OF EIGHTH GRADE STUDENTS OF SMP NEGERI 1 WELAHAN JEPARA IN ACADEMIC YEAR 2025/2026

Reading comprehension is still a big challenge for many EFL learners. They often find it hard to identify main ideas, understand vocabulary, and use reading strategies effectively. While earlier studies examined Busuu’s role in vocabulary and speaking, little attention has been given to its potential in improving reading comprehension. This study investigates the effect of Busuu on eighth-grade students at SMP Negeri 1 Welahan Jepara. A quasi-experimental design was employed to compare two student groups: one taught conventionally and the other using Busuu. Data were collected through reading comprehension tests and analyzed using descriptive statistics, normality and homogeneity checks, paired-samples t-tests, ANCOVA, and normalized gain (N-gain). Results showed that the experimental group achieved higher post-test scores (M = 87.06) compared to the control group (M = 82.4), with ANCOVA confirming a significant treatment effect (F = 6.40, p = 0.014). These findings indicate that Busuu can serve as an effective mobile-assisted learning tool to strengthen reading comprehension in EFL contexts. In addition to statistical improvement, the study shows that Busuu’s interactive tasks provide practical guidance for teachers and students in integrating digital resources into classroom instruction.