IMPROVING STUDENTS’ CRITICAL READING ABILITY: COOPERATIVE LEARNING STRATEGY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31316/eltics.v6i1.539Abstract
Learning strategy applied in the teaching of Critical Reading course at English Study Program,
Brawijaya University. By using that strategy, it is expected that the problem in Critical
Reading class can be solved and students’ ability in critical reading will, in turn, be improved.
The design of the study is Classroom Action Research (CAR) since the study is aimed at
improving the students’ critical reading ability and solving the classroom’s problems on the
teaching of reading. Based on its characteristics, the classroom action research is done
repeatedly until those problems can be solved. Dealing with the classroom setting, the study is
directed to develop the teaching strategy in order to find out a solution to the classroom’s
problem in the teaching of reading. This study reveals that Cooperative Learning strategy has
successfully improved students’ critical reading ability. In doing so, there are stages conducted
namely, having cooperative work organization, using appropriate media, having creativity (for
teachers), monitoring teaching and learning processes closely, and giving students feedback on
their work. In conclusion, Cooperative Learning can be beneficial for students’ learning in
critical reading as it can make students active and enjoy the classroom activities. However, it
also has weaknesses such as time consuming and less appropriate for classes with bigger
number of students. Despite the weaknesses, teachers are still recommended to apply this
strategy in critical reading classes.
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