Developing Consonant Cluster Reading Ability Using STAD Cooperative Learning and Folktales for Grade 1 Students.

Abstract

This research aims to : 1) compile and organize the folk tales of Bueng Phra Subdistrict to be used as reading materials for consonant clusters; 2) evaluate the effectiveness of teaching reading consonant clusters using the STAD cooperative learning approach with folk tales; 3) compare the reading ability of students learning through cooperative activities using folk tales before and after the lessons among first-grade students; 4) study the level of happiness of students towards the learning activities. The sample consisted of 8 first-grade students from Wat Mai Ratthasatharam School in Bueng Phra Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phitsanulok Province.

               The research was divided into two phases. The tools used in this study included: 1) a cooperative learning plan (STAD) using folk tales; 2) a reading ability assessment for consonant clusters; 3) a happiness assessment in learning. Data were analyzed using the mean (𝑥̅), standard deviation (S.D.), and effectiveness index (E.I.). The results showed that: 1) six folk tales from Bueng Phra Subdistrict were compiled for use as reading materials for consonant clusters; 2) the effectiveness of teaching reading consonant clusters using the STAD cooperative learning approach with folk tales for first-grade students had an effectiveness index (E.I.) of 0.80188, or 80.19%; 3) the reading skill scores before and after learning with the STAD cooperative learning method using folk tales revealed that students had a post-learning score of 𝑥̅ = 17.38, S.D. = 1.60, which was higher than the pre-learning score of 𝑥̅ = 6.75, S.D. = 1.83; 4) the overall level of happiness was at a high level, with an average of 𝑥̅ = 2.90, S.D. = 0.16.