ENHANCING READING PROFICIENCY UTILIZING BRAIN-BASED LEARNING STRATEGIES IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING (ELT) CLASSES

Abstract

Reading is a crucial skill for learning English as a foreign language, impacting personal enrichment, economic sustainability, career ease, social interactions, recreational activities, and cultural identity. However, it can be challenging to master. This research focuses on the application of brain-based learning mechanisms in the reading classroom to boost students' reading abilities. We used a one-group pretest-posttest design to evaluate reading comprehension among 33 students from Lembaga Bahasa STAI Rakha Amuntai in 2023–2024. The study found that the pretest mean score was 3.84, and the posttest mean score improved to 4.48, indicating better comprehension after the treatment. The data ranged from 50 to 77 in the pretest and 61 to 87 in the posttest. Normality tests confirmed that the data followed a normal distribution. The results suggest that brain-based learning enhances reading competence by promoting confidence, relaxation, and engagement, aligning with individual learning styles, and consolidating information. This approach helps consolidate information and forms connections between learning and the brain, creating a pleasant and effective learning experience.