The Effect of Problem-Based Learning on the First-Grade Students' Reading Comprehension at SMK GKPI 2  Pematangsiantar

Kris Jhon Fidelis Simbolon; Bernieke Anggita Ristia Damanik; Dumaris E. Silalahi

doi:10.63922/ijeter.v4i02.3962

Kris Jhon Fidelis Simbolon Department of English Education, Universitas HKBP Nommensen Pematangsiantar, Indonesia
Bernieke Anggita Ristia Damanik Department of English Education, Universitas HKBP Nommensen Pematangsiantar, Indonesia
Dumaris E. Silalahi Department of English Education, Universitas HKBP Nommensen Pematangsiantar, Indonesia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.63922/ijeter.v4i02.3962

Keywords: Problem-Based Learning, Reading Comprehension, Experimental Research

Abstract

This research discusses the effect of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) on students’ reading comprehension at SMK GKPI 2 Pematangsiantar. This research used a quantitative method with a quasi-experimental design. The population of this research consisted of the first-grade students of SMK GKPI 2 Pematangsiantar in the academic year 2025/2026. The sample consisted of 31 students divided into two groups: 16 students in the experimental class and 15 students in the control class. The experimental class was taught using Problem-Based Learning, while the control class was taught using the conventional teaching method. The instrument used in this research was a reading comprehension test consisting of multiple-choice and short-answer questions. The data were collected through pre-test and post-test. The results showed that the students in the experimental class experienced greater improvement in reading comprehension compared to the control class. The statistical analysis using the Mann–Whitney U Test indicated that there was a significant difference between the post-test scores of the experimental and control groups. Therefore, the alternative hypothesis (H₁) was accepted and the null hypothesis (H₀) was rejected. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that Problem-Based Learning has a significant effect on students’ reading comprehension.

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