READING COMPREHENSION BARRIERS AND TEACHER INTERVENTIONS :  A STUDY OF GRADE 7 STUDENTS AT SMP NEGERI 1 KANDANGSERANG

• Hana Wasilah

  UIN KH. Abdurrahman Wahid

  Author

• Naura Sofi Huwaida

  UIN KH. Abdurrahman Wahid

  Author

• Shania Pancagathi

  UIN KH. Abdurrahman Wahid

  Author

This study examines the reading comprehension barriers experienced by seventh grade students at SMP Negeri 1 Kandangserang and examines the efforts made by teachers to address these challenges. The research used a qualitative case study approach involving interviews, classroom observations, and documentation to obtain a complete picture of students’ difficulties. The findings show that students struggle mainly with limited vocabulary, weak grammatical understanding, difficulty identifying main ideas, lack of impactful reading strategies, and low motivation toward reading. These problems are reinforced by external factors, such as limited exposure to English outside the classroom, reading materials that do not match students’ ability levels, a translation-centered learning approach, limited access to learning media, and an unsupportive literacy environment at school and at home. The study also reveals that teachers have applied several strategies to overcome these obstacles, including the use of contextual reading materials, gradual vocabulary and comprehension support, small-group reading activities, visual and audio media, and emotional encouragement during learning. In addition, the study underlines the importance of combining productive teaching strategies, adequate learning resources, and a supportive reading environment to improve students’ reading comprehension and foster long-term literacy development.

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