The Implementation of Big Books to Enhance Descriptive Text Reading Activities Among Fourth-Grade Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Students

Abstract

This research was motivated by the low level of reading activity of descriptive texts among fourth grade students at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Al Muhajirin Jambi City. Students tended to lack reading fluency, were less motivated, and the learning methods used were still conventional and monotonous. The objectives of this study were to describe the application of Big Book media in learning to read descriptive texts and to reveal the improvement in students' reading activities after the implementation of this media. The research employed Classroom Action Research (CAR) using the Kemmis and Taggart model, conducted in two cycles, each consisting of planning, action implementation, observation, and reflection. The research subjects were 25 fourth grade students. Data collection techniques included observation, interviews, documentation, and tests. The results showed that the application of Big Book media was carried out through preliminary, core, and closing activities with structured steps. Students' reading activities improved gradually from cycle to cycle. In Cycle I, the percentage of student activity reached 66.7% (good category) with a learning mastery of 68%. In Cycle II, the percentage of student activity increased to 87.5% (very good category) with a learning mastery reaching 92%. Thus, the application of Big Book media is effective in improving the reading activity of descriptive texts of fourth grade students.