AN OVERVIEW OF READING CORNER UTILIZATION IN SUPPORTING STUDENTS' READING LITERACY AT SDN 4 DAWUAN

Abstract

Reading literacy among Indonesian elementary school students remains below international standards, while classroom reading corners as part of the School Literacy Movement (GLS) have received limited attention at the classroom level, particularly among upper-grade students. This study aims to describe the reading literacy of Grade IV–VI students at SDN 4 Dawuan, Cirebon Regency, and the utilization of the classroom reading corner in terms of design, book availability, time management, and student participation. A descriptive qualitative approach supplemented by simple descriptive quantitative data was employed, involving one principal, two teachers, and 15 students. Data were collected through a reading literacy test based on Barrett’s Taxonomy, semi-structured interviews, structured observations, a four-point Likert-scale questionnaire, and documentation. Data were analyzed through reduction, display, and conclusion drawing, with validity established through source and method triangulation. Results showed reading literacy scores ranging from 37 to 100, with a mean of 67.53. All four comprehension indicators were in the strong category, with appreciation highest and evaluation lowest. Reading corner utilization received positive responses ranging from 65% to 88% across all aspects. The main obstacles were limited book collections, simple facilities, and budget constraints.