Improving Students Reading Skill Through Digital Storytelling Method At Tenth Grade of SMA Negeri 8 Padangsidimpuan

Abstract

This study aimed to improve students’ reading skills through the implementation of the Digital Storytelling (DST) method at the tenth grade of SMA Negeri 8 Padangsidimpuan. The background of this research was students’ low reading comprehension, limited vocabulary mastery, and minimal engagement during English reading lessons. The research employed Classroom Action Research (CAR) consisting of two cycles: planning, action, observation, and reflection. The participants were 35 tenth-grade students selected using total sampling. Data were collected through reading comprehension tests, observation sheets, and documentation. The findings revealed a significant improvement in students’ reading skills. The mean score increased from 57.34 in the pre-test to 65.75 in Cycle I and reached 80.69 in Cycle II. The percentage of students achieving mastery learning improved from 40% to 68.57% and finally 88.57%. The study concludes that Digital Storytelling is an effective instructional method to enhance students’ reading skills and classroom engagement.