SMK Desa Murni, Sungai Dua 13800 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang

An Action Research on Improving Reading

Skills Through the SQ3R Approach
By Sharifah Binti Che Hassan
Abstract Findings
We found that students showed great interest in answering questions. This
This action research was conducted with the aim of helping to improve
achievement is a sign to us that this approach helps them to answer the
English reading skills among form Sixth students. A total of 21 6BPS
questions well and the ability to answer 800/3 (Reading) papers is needed
students participated in this survey. Preliminary surveys were conducted
because it carries 40% of MUET papers. We do not set the time in other
through observation, interviews and student background surveys. Survey
words, not forcing them to answer within the stipulated time. This gives
results showed that almost all of these students did not respond well to
them a better understanding of the questions in reading 800/3 (reading).
English reading materials. This shows that the most student of this school is
Previously, students who were not interested in MUET would be quiet, not
facing this problem. This is due to the socioeconomic situation and the
giving attention but now they are able to ask questions and trying hard to
background of students comprising those who are not exposed to English
answer. The result of a brief interview with some students, they agreed that
Language, support and assistance in learning English Language since
the SQ3R approach could provide an opportunity for them to improve their
childhood. Therefore, a systematic planning should be implemented to
self-confidence when answering questions during the Post Test (2017 STPM
minimize this problem. This periodic program can at least attract students to
Trial Examination). There are students who say that it is hard to understand
read even if the reading has been determined by a particular topic or themes
but is able to solve the problem of confusion when choosing the best answer
to be followed. The titles given are closely related to the everyday life of the
in the 800/3 (Reading) paper.
students and at least the students can respond to same issues even after they
have left school or at least helped in their 800/3 Reading Paper later. The 20
conclusions from the surveys and the monitoring showed a positive change 18
towards their English Language especially in reading. 16

14

Keywords: action research, reading skills, form six, MUET 12

10
Pass
8
Objective 6
Fail

General Objective: to increase the scoring percentages at 70% for 800/3 4

(Reading) papers among 6 BPS students during Muet Trial Exam September 2

2017. 0
Pre Post Pre-Trial 2018

Specific objective: i. Improve the skills of answering paper

Comparison of Results Between Pre Trial 2017, Trial 2017
800/3 (Reading) and Pre Trial 2018
ii. Improve understanding of facts in reading materials
iii. Avoid confusion in choosing the right and
reasonable answers
Understanding SQ3R?
iv. Attract students to add vocabulary in English through
reading comprehension.

Proposed Intervention Action

Mastery of reading skills in English through the SQ3R Approach among 6 BPS
students:
1. The student answers the questions spoken by the teacher verbally to identify
the existing level of knowledge of the student on a subject (discovering
existing knowledge)
2. Questions contain 1 essay and 7 objective questions are given to students.
3. Students answered the questions relying only on existing knowledge.
4. Teachers give correct answers and students make corrections for questions
in activity 2.
5. Students answer 1 essay and 7 questions given by the teacher (questions are
SQ3R. SQRRR or SQ3R is a reading comprehension
from the same theme as in activity 2) method named for its five steps: survey, question, read, recite, and
6. 6. Students record what they read or seen when looking for answers to the review. The method was introduced by Francis P. Robinson,
questions. Examples like important names, events, numbers, and terms. an American education philosopher in his 1946 book Effective Study.

7. Students exchange answers with their next friends. Acknolwledgments

Principal of SMK Desa Murni : En Baharuddin Bin Hashim
MUET Department
Students of Class 6 BPS 2017
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