Panda Lucu (DALU) Media: The Effect of the Make-a-Match Model on Improving Beginning Reading Skills of First-Grade Students at SDN 2 Wonokerso

Abstract

This study aims to determine the effect of the make a match learning model, assisted by flashcard media featuring a picture of a Panda Lucu (Dalu), on improving the initial reading ability in learning the  Indonesian language for first-grade students of SDN 2 Wonokerso. The background of this study is the low initial reading ability of first-grade students of SDN 2 Wonokerso, with the highest score of 40, the minimal use of media in the learning process, and less interesting learning, which causes students to feel bored quickly, are the problems in this study. This research approach is quantitative with a quasi-experimental type. Data collection techniques in this study, in the form of tests, participant observation, and document studies, are used as measures of students' initial reading ability. The tests used are a pretest and a posttest. The population in this study was two classes in first-grade SDN 2 Wonokerso, namely the control class and the experimental class. The sampling technique used was random sampling with a sample of 32 students in class I, and it was divided into two classes, namely the experimental class of 16 students and the control class of 16 students. The appropriate hypothesis in this study is  is accepted and  is rejected. Data analysis used normality test, homogeneity test, and hypothesis test (t-test). Based on the results and discussion, it can be explained that there is an influence of the experimental class average of 51% and the control class 44%. This study also experienced a significant increase in the average number of pretests for the experimental class, namely 55.13, and posttests, namely 83.25, while the control class pretest was 52.82 and posttest was 76.25. Thus, it can be concluded that there is an influence and increase in the initial reading ability in Indonesian language learning of students in the experimental class that applies the make a match learning model assisted by flash card media with pictures of Panda Lucu (Dalu), which is superior compared to the control class that uses conventional learning models without any media.