IMPROVING READING ABILITY FOR AUTISM STUDENTS BY USING READING GUIDE METHOD IN SLB NEGERI 1 MAKASSAR

Abstract

This study aimed to find out the improvement in reading comprehension of autism students by using the Reading Guide Method, especially on the main ideas and supporting ideas in reading texts for ninth grade autism students at SLB Negeri 1 Makassar. This researcher used Classroom Action Research (CAR) which consisted of two cycles, and each cycle consisted of 4 meetings, the subjects in this study were the 9th grade Autism Students at SLB Negeri 1 Makassar which consisted of 4 autistic male students, the researchers obtained the results data using reading test and observation.  The results of this research showed that the use of the Reading Guide Method is very helpful for students in improving students' literal comprehension in Class 9 SLB Negeri 1 Makassar. This can be seen from how much the improvement in student scores. Before the application of the Reading Guide Method, the D-Test value showed 6.5, after the application of the Reading Guide Method from the D-Test to the cycle I the average value became 7.125 (19.16%) and from the cycle I to the cycle II it became 7.75 (17.56%). The occurrence of this significant increase in literal comprehension is because the Reading Guide Method itself can improve students' literal comprehension, making students more active, interesting and motivated in learning reading English. Therefore, based on these results, it is recommended to use the Reading Guide Method on reading comprehension, especially in literal comprehension.