Using think-aloud method in teaching reading skill

Abstract

Think-Aloud Method  is believed to assist language learners in improving their reading comprehension. The objective of this study is to know whether students’ reading comprehension particularly in identifying main idea and supporting details, identifying reference, making inference and interpreting vocabulary. The sample was the students of class eight-5 of of SMP Negeri 17 Banda Aceh. This study was one group pre-test and post-test design. Based on the findings, the mean score of pre-test was 38.15and post-test was78.89. The critical value of t-table 0.05. The significant levels was1.71, the t-test value is higher than the critical value of t-table (4.75>2.05). The reading aspects that were improved the most were detailed information, main idea and inference. For the other aspects, such as vcabulary and reference were also improved, but not as much as the three aspects above. It means that the use of Think-Aloud Method could significantly improve the ability of the second grade students of SMPN 17 Banda Aceh in reading, especially in descriptive text. In conclusion, Think-Aloud Method can be used to improve the student’s ability in reading.