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C. Limitation of the Problem
In reference to the background of the study and identification of the problem, the researcher and the teacher focus on the technique that is Peer
Assisted Learning Strategies PALS. The reason for the limitation is that the technique can be a
crucial case in students’ reading comprehension. Furthermore, PALS strategy is seen as a suitable technique to improve
students’ reading comprehension. It also has not ever been used by the teachers of SMP N 1 Jogonalan as a technique in teaching reading. In light of this view,
the researcher conducted a research study to fulfill his curiosity by focusing it on improving students’ reading comprehension by using PALS in SMP N 1
Jogonalan.
D. Formulation of the Problem
Based on what the writer has discussed in the background of the problems, identification of the problems, and the limitation of the problems, the problem
in this research can be formulated as follows: How is Peer Assisted Learning Strategies PALS used to improve the
student s’ reading comprehension
of grade 7C in SMP N 1 Jogonalan?
E. Objective of the Research
With the formulation of the problem above, the objective of the study is to describe how Peer Assisted Learning Strategies PALS can
improve students’ reading comprehension of grade 7C in SMP N 1 Jogonalan.
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F. Significance of the Study
1. Theoretical Significance of the Research
The findings of the research will enrich the study in Foreign Language Learning FLL and become a reference for the next relevant type of
research. 2.
Practical Significance of the Research a.
For Teachers This research can be used as a means to improve th
e students’ reading skill in English teaching-learning process. Teachers will be more aware
in creating suitable techniques for improving students’ reading
comprehension. Besides that, teachers will get easier to motivate students to read English texts since the teacher always monitor the
students to complete their reading. Teacher can control their reading comprehension improvement continuously.
b. For Grade VII Students of SMP N 1 Jogonalan
This research will facilitate students for a better knowledge about reading. By using peer-assisted learning strategies, students can be more
enthusiastic and interested in learning English reading skills. c.
For English DepartmentsSchools This study is expected to be a reference for the readers who want to
improve their comprehension skills.
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CHAPTER II REVIEW OF RELATED THEORIES
A. Theoretical Review
In the previous chapter, it is mentioned that the aim of this study is to improve students’ reading comprehension through
Peer Assisted Learning Strategies PALS
. Therefore, in this chapter the researcher describes some related theories on reading comprehension and
PALS
that will support this study. In this sub-chapter, there are some relevant theories that are presented.
Those are divided into eleven parts. They are definition of reading comprehension, components of reading comprehension, the process of reading
comprehension, strategies in reading comprehension, teaching reading comprehension, principles in teaching reading comprehension, teaching reading in
Junior High School, problems of teaching reading comprehension, assessing reading comprehension, component in the teaching and learning of reading, and
PALS
technique. The discussion of each part is presented below.
1. Definition of Reading Comprehension
Reading is an activity in which readers respond to and make sense of a text being read connected to their prior knowledge Spratt, Pulverness, and William;
2005: 21. The activity is done by the readers as they want to get information and knowledge from the text. In the process of getting information and knowledge, the
readers try to connect what they read in the form of written language to what they
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