Abstract :
Reading is a crucial skill that should be taught for all levels of students in
learning English, included special education for mentally retarded students. Even
though, it is difficult to teach reading for them. The mentally retarded students of
SLB Negeri Cerme also have difficulties in learning English, even the teacher only
teaches English as an introduction and there is no more reading materials in the
textbook. To solve those problems, the researcher developed reading material
through PBL strategy using MASH. Project-Based Learning (PBL) strategy is
effective and important to build the students? ability in social and literacy skill.
Besides, MASH (Macromedia Flash) will support the material by showing pictures,
videos, and exercises related to the topics in order to the students will be more
interested and motivated in learning English, especially reading.
The Research and Development design uses ADDIE model with some
changes, those are: Analysis, Design, Development, validation, Implementation
(Try Out), Evaluation, and Final Product. The study was conducted in SLB Negeri
Cerme, involving 9 mentally retarded students. The researcher identified need
analysis by doing interview with English teacher and distributing questionnaire to
9 mentally retarded students. The result of the students? questionnaire related to the
target needs and learning needs showed that the students desired learning reading
to understand the text, increase vocabulary, and answer the questions of the exam
correctly. Moreover, the researcher did not find more reading material in the
textbook. Those results guided the researcher to develop reading material based on
their needs. The researcher created a design instruction called material prototype as
a framework that was used in developing syllabus and media. The activities of the
learning were involving the principle of PBL strategy; Essential questions, Plan,
Schedule, Monitor, Assess, and Evaluate. There were two experts to assess the
product which were an English teacher who assessed the material with the score
was 78% that identified in very good and an Informatic teacher who assessed the
media with the score was 74% that identified in good category. While, the result of
the students? response related to the product showed the total score was 79% that
the students agree with MASH media to be used in learning process.
The researcher gives some recommendations for further researchers who be
able to conduct the similar project with another media to develop more reading
materials and activities. Besides, this study can be as a reference to develop another
English skill through PBL or other strategies. The teacher also could create an
interesting media and simple reading material for mentally retarded students.