EKSPLORASI PENGALAMAN GURU DALAM MEMANFAATKAN MEDIA GAMBAR UNTUK MENINGKATKAN PEMAHAMAN MEMBACA SISWA KELAS RENDAH SEKOLAH DASAR

Abstrak

This qualitative study aims to explore and deeply describe the experiences of two (2) low-grade teachers (Grades 1 and 2) at SD Banyuajuh 3 in utilizing picture media to enhance students' reading comprehension. The research employed a phenomenological design, with primary data collected through in-depth interviews. The findings revealed three core themes that shape the relevant picture media to ensure alignment with students' cognitive needs; 2) Picture Media Integration Model, illustrating that picture media is dynamically positioned as a main aid (pre-reading) to connect visuals with the reading text, and is used to explicitly explain the relationship between the picture and the content of the text; and 3) Reflection and Difficulty Intervention, which highlights the teachers' experience in responding to struggling students, where providing students with the opportunity to retell the story with the help of pictures becomes the main strategy for assessment and addressing comprehension issues. Based on these findings, it is concluded that the teachers' utilization of picture media involves a series of highly strategic and adaptive decisions, making it a vital cognitive bridge for improving students' initial reading comprehension. Teachers' practical experiences: 1) Media Adaptation and Creativity Strategy, which shows that teachers maintain strict criteria for selecting pictures and proactively modify or self-produce.