IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COOPERATIVE INTEGRATED READING AND COMPOSITION (CIRC) MODEL TO ENHANCE EIGHTH-GRADE STUDENTS’ READING COMPREHENSION IN NARRATIVE TEXTS AT SMPN 7 TARAKAN
This research aimed to enhance students' reading comprehension of narrative texts through the implementation of the Cooperative Integrated Reading and Composition (CIRC) learning model. This research used a Classroom Action Research (CAR) design conducted in two cycles, each consisting of planning, action, observation, and reflection stages. The research subjects were 32 students of class VIII-1 at SMP Negeri 7 Tarakan in the 2024/2025 academic year. The data were collected through reading comprehension tests and observation sheets of teacher and students' activities. The results showed an improvement in students' reading comprehension from Cycle I to Cycle II. In Cycle I, only 37% of students achieved the Learning Objective Achievement Criteria (KKTP) score of 74, which increased to 62% in Cycle II. Student activity increased from 92% to 96%, and teacher performance improved from 91% to 96%. The increase in student activity reflected higher engagement in key CIRC activities, including reading, group discussion, and writing. Teacher performance also improved as the CIRC steps were implemented more effectively, supporting students' engagement in reading activities. Thus, the CIRC model is effective in enhancing students' reading comprehension of narrative texts.