International Journal of Technology and Education Research
Vol. 4 No. 02 (2026): International Journal of Technology and Education Research (IJETER)

The Effect of Problem-Based Learning on the First-Grade Students' Reading Comprehension at SMK GKPI 2 Pematangsiantar

Kris Jhon Fidelis Simbolon (Department of English Education, Universitas HKBP Nommensen Pematangsiantar, Indonesia)
Bernieke Anggita Ristia Damanik (Department of English Education, Universitas HKBP Nommensen Pematangsiantar, Indonesia)
Dumaris E. Silalahi (Department of English Education, Universitas HKBP Nommensen Pematangsiantar, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 May 2026

Abstract

This research discusses the effect of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) on students’ reading comprehension at SMK GKPI 2 Pematangsiantar. This research used a quantitative method with a quasi-experimental design. The population of this research consisted of the first-grade students of SMK GKPI 2 Pematangsiantar in the academic year 2025/2026. The sample consisted of 31 students divided into two groups: 16 students in the experimental class and 15 students in the control class. The experimental class was taught using Problem-Based Learning, while the control class was taught using the conventional teaching method. The instrument used in this research was a reading comprehension test consisting of multiple-choice and short-answer questions. The data were collected through pre-test and post-test. The results showed that the students in the experimental class experienced greater improvement in reading comprehension compared to the control class. The statistical analysis using the Mann–Whitney U Test indicated that there was a significant difference between the post-test scores of the experimental and control groups. Therefore, the alternative hypothesis (H₁) was accepted and the null hypothesis (H₀) was rejected. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that Problem-Based Learning has a significant effect on students’ reading comprehension.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

IJETER

Publisher

Subject

Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Other

Description

International Journal of Technology and Education Research( IJETER) is  a peer-reviewed journal which welcomes submissions involving a critical discussion of policy and practice, as well as contributions to conceptual and theoretical developments in the field. It includes articles based on ...