Title: Implementing Story Mapping Strategy to Enhance Students' Reading Comprehension of Narrative Texts Based on Indonesian Folktales
Authors: Wahyu Agustin Azizah, Indri Astutik, Dwi Suwita Kurniyanti
Volume: 9
Issue: 9
Pages: 100-107
Publication Date: 2025/09/28
Abstract:
This research is oriented towards enhancing students' reading comprehension by utilizing a story mapping strategy with Indonesian folktales in learning English narrative texts. Initial identification results revealed limitations of grade X-3 students at SMA Negeri Pakusari in understanding the elements, structure, content, and moral messages in reading. This Classroom Action Research (CAR) took place in two cycles, each consisting of the plan, act, observe, and reflect stages. Through a combination of reading comprehension tests, observation sheets, field notes, and questionnaires, the research findings indicated quite striking progress from the pre-cycle to cycle II. The average student achievement in the pre-cycle was 63.5, which increased to 76.2 in cycle I, and finally reached 82.9 in cycle II. Improvements were seen primarily in aspects of text organization, such as students' skills in identifying plots, understanding characters, determining settings, and interpreting moral messages. In addition to improved grades, students appeared more enthusiastic about participating in learning because of the use of local folktales that are closely related to their cultural context. This connection motivated them to explore the text's content thoroughly, not just superficially. Thus, the integration of story mapping with local folktales as a learning medium was successful in improving students' reading comprehension, but was also able to strengthen their cultural identity.