Eksploration of Factors Causing Low Basic Literacy Abilities in Grade III Students at SDN Karawaci 7 Tangerang City

Abstract

This study aims to explore reading ability, forms of reading difficulties, and factors related to low reading ability in grade III B students of SDN Karawaci 7, Tangerang City. This study used a descriptive qualitative method with an exploratory approach. The research participants consisted of five students identified as having reading difficulties, who were selected purposively, and their homeroom teachers as supporting informants. Data collection was carried out through reading and reading comprehension tests using the text entitled "Sahabat" and interviews with students and homeroom teachers. Data validity was checked through technical triangulation, while data analysis referred to the Miles and Huberman model which includes data reduction, data presentation, as well as drawing conclusions and verification. The results showed that the reading difficulties experienced by students were diverse, including difficulties in recognizing letters, combining letters into words, pronouncing words correctly, reading fluency, using punctuation, and understanding the content of the reading. Factors related to these conditions include reading habits, learning assistance at home, concentration, self- confidence, and the implementation of reading guidance at school. This study shows that reading fluency is not always followed by the ability to understand the content of the reading comprehensively. Therefore, gradual, continuous reading support is needed, tailored to the needs of each student, as well as collaborative support between teachers and parents.