Integrating collaborative learning in cyclic learning sessions to promote students’ reading comprehension and critical thinking

Abstract

The advancement of technology requires higher skill in obtaining information due to the rapid flows of information in this recent globalization era. Consequently,  reading comprehension becomes an important language skill for students to nurture. In classroom practices, Indonesian students still encounter problems in English reading comprehension. The present classroom action study dealt with improving reading comprehension through collaborative learning. This is due to some studies revealed that collaborative learning is an effective learning strategy to improve students' learning achievement. The data were collected by administering a pre-test in reading comprehension prior to the teaching cycle and two post-tests at the end of every teaching cycle. The results showed that collaborative learning is significantly effective to improve students' reading comprehension and critical thinking. This study implies that teachers should consider the integration of collaborative learning in teaching reading comprehension.