lose interest in reading. The lack of linguistic competence also played a role in comprehension breakdown when they come across complex sentences containing
complex noun phrases in the texts. The next problem is related to the teaching techniques implemented by the
teacher in the teaching and learning process. The teacher frankly mentioned that she faced difficulties in choosing the most appropriate way to transfer reading skill to the
students. She figured that the most difficult part in teaching is attracting students’
willingness to engage to the lesson. Though she had prepared various inviting materials, the students did not seem to bother interacting with the teacher and also
with one another. Most students remained passive regardless of teacher’s effort to engage them.
All of the problems mentioned above need to be solved in order to create effective teaching and learning process of reading within which the students can learn
best. Many alternatives can be implemented in order to achieve it.
C. Delimitation of the Problem
In reference to the identification of the problems above, problems encountered in the teaching and learning process are complex. It is not possible to solve each of
the problems at once. Therefore, the problems of the research are limited on improving reading comprehension by employing reciprocal teaching. The reason for
choosing the technique is that it promotes interactive learning activities supported by integration of four key reading strategies and it provides guidance for the students to
be independent readers as well. Bringing students to experience interactive in-class
activities is a potential solution for the problem. It increases students’ motivation in
reading and ensures equal students’ participation.
D. Formulation of the Problem
In line with the identification of the problem and the delimitation of the problem, the research focuses on improving reading comprehension of tenth grade
students at SMAN 1 Kasihan through implementing reciprocal teaching technique. Therefore, the formulation of the problem is presented as foll
ows “How can reciprocal teaching be employed to improve reading comprehension of grade X IIS 1
students at SMAN 1 Kasihan in the academic year of 20142015?”
E. Objective of the Study
The study aims at improving reading comprehension of grade X students at SMAN 1 Kasihan through implementing reciprocal teaching technique. It is expected
that the study solves the problems related to teaching techniques which occur in the context. Reciprocal teaching is believed to bring about improvements on stude
nts’ reading comprehension because it gives the opportunities for both teachers and
students to practice meaningful and purposeful communication about texts. Thus, modifying the teaching technique by implementing reciprocal teaching technique is
expected to attain better reading comprehension.
F. Significance of the Study
