EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERACTIVE DIGITAL CROSSWORD MEDIA FOR READING SKILLS COMPREHENSION OF HISTORICAL STORIES

Abstract

This research aims to prove the effectiveness of using Interactive Digital Crossword media in improving reading skills and comprehension of historical stories in elementary school students. In the current digital era, educational technology has become an integral part of the learning process, and various types of digital media have been used to help students understand historical texts which are often complex and full of details not only related to 5W1H elements. This research used a quasi-experimental approach, with one control group and one experimental group. The research participants consisted of fifth grade elementary school students in Surakarta City. The experimental group was given access to Interactive Digital Crossword media specifically designed to help them understand historical stories, while the control group used traditional textbook-based learning methods. The results of this research show that the group that used the Interactive Digital Crossword media experienced a significant increase in their reading skills and comprehension of historical stories compared to the control group. This improvement can be seen in students' ability to identify 5W1H information and posttest in understanding historical texts. The results of this research indicate that the Interactive Digital Crossword media can be an effective tool in improving reading skills, understanding historical stories, as indicated by scores. Fine amounting to 0.5889 in the quite effective category. The implication of these findings is that an educational approach that combines digital technology with history learning can provide significant benefits in increasing students' understanding of historical material.

Keywords: Interactive Digital Crossword Media, Reading Skills, Understanding Historical Stories, Experiments, History Education