The Implementation Of The Novel “Of Mice And Men” As The Teaching Media In Reading Comprehension At The Fourth Semester Students Of Doktor Nugroho Magetan University

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the implementation of the novel Of Mice and Men as a teaching medium in reading comprehension and to identify the difficulties encountered by second-semester students of Doktor Nugroho Magetan University in understanding reading texts through the use of the novel. This research employed a descriptive qualitative approach. The population consisted of fourth-semester students of the English Department in the academic year 2016/2017, with 30 students selected as research subjects through purposive sampling. Data were collected through observation, documentation, and reading comprehension tests. The findings indicate that the use of the novel as a teaching medium contributed positively to the effectiveness of reading comprehension instruction. Students demonstrated measurable progress, as reflected in their individual test scores. Fourteen students achieved scores ranging from 60 to 79, representing 46.7% of the participants, which falls into the good category and constitutes the highest percentage among the score classifications. However, several difficulties were identified, including vocabulary limitations, challenges in understanding figurative language, and contextual interpretation issues. Overall, the implementation of literary works such as novels can enhance reading comprehension when supported by appropriate instructional strategies.