THE EFFECTIVENESS OF KATAUNO MEDIA ON KATAKANA READING ABILITY OF EIGHTH-GRADE STUDENTS AT SMPS ASA CENDEKIA

Abstract

This study was based on students difficulties in reading Katakana characters during Japanese language learning, particularly in recognizing their sounds and distinguishing between characters with similar shapes. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the Katauno learning media on students' Katakana reading ability and to investigate students' responses to the use of Katauno in Japanese language learning. The research employed a quasi-experimental method with a nonequivalent control group design. The sample consisted of 30 students in each class. The experimental class used Katauno as the learning media, while the control class used flashcards. Data were collected through pretests, posttests, and a student response questionnaire. Then, the data was analyzed using SPSS version 27. The results showed that there was a significant difference in Katakana reading ability between the experimental and control classes. The N-Gain analysis of the pretest and posttest data from both groups indicated that the experimental group achieved an average N-Gain percentage of 56%, which was categorized as moderately effective, whereas the control group obtained an average N-Gain percentage of 28%, which was categorized as less effective. Furthermore, the results of the student response questionnaire yielded a percentage of 87.3%, indicating a very good level of student response. Therefore, it can be concluded that Katauno is moderately effective in teaching Katakana characters and received positive responses from the students.