The effect of interactive magnetic board media on reading interest and reading skills of elementary school students.

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of interactive magnetic board media on elementary students’ reading interest and reading skills. The purpose of the research is to address the low reading motivation and underdeveloped reading abilities often found among lower-grade primary school students. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating both quantitative and qualitative techniques. The research was conducted on first-grade students at SD Negeri Tlogowungu 02, with additional trials involving inclusive second-grade students at SD Negeri Trangkil 06. Data collection instruments included classroom observation, guided interviews, and analysis of students’ work. Quantitative data focused on changes in students’ reading skills before and after the intervention, while qualitative data were gathered through observations of students’ engagement and interest in reading activities. The findings revealed a significant positive effect of the interactive magnetic board media in enhancing both reading interest and reading skills among regular and inclusive students. The media’s use of colorful images, numbers, and letters proved effective in capturing students’ attention 
and sustaining their engagement during reading tasks. These results suggest that the interactive magnetic board is a child-friendly and inclusive instructional tool that can support literacy development in early primary education. The study contributes to the field by presenting an innovative, visually stimulating medium that can be integrated into classroom practice to foster student motivation and improve foundational reading competencies.