Sophia Fithri Al-Munawwarah The Implementation of Cooperative Learning: Student Teams-Achievement Divisions Technique in Teaching Reading Comprehension (A Case Study in a Class of Eighth Grade Students at One Public School in Bandung) 82 THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COOPERATIVE LEARNING: STUDENT TEAMS-ACHIEVEMENT DIVISIONS TECHNIQUE IN TEACHING READING COMPREHENSION (A Case Study in A class of Eight Grade Students at One Public School in Bandung) Sophia Fithri Al-Munawwarah* SophiaFithri@yahoo.co.id *Graduated in from English Education Study Program of Indonesia University of Education Abstract: This study aims to investigate the benefits of implementing cooperative learning with STAD technique in teaching reading comprehension and the students’ responses toward the implementation of STAD technique. This study was conducted based on the assumption that STAD technique can be a recommended technique in teaching English for EFL students (Wichadee, 2006). The study employed case study approachand the data were collected through observation, interview, written documents, and dependent t-test to gain relevant data.The research findings of this study discover six benefits of STAD technique, as follows: (1) engaging students in reading activity; (2) increasing students’ motivation to practice actively in the learning process; (3) helping students to solve their problems in comprehending the texts; (4) developing students’ social skill; (5) creating enjoyable learning atmosphere; and (6) enhancing students’ reading comprehension skills. In addition, the students’ responses toward the implementation of STAD technique in teaching reading were positive. Thus, it is recommended that STAD technique be implemented in teaching reading comprehension. Keywords: Cooperative Learning, reading comprehension, STAD technique. Introduction According to school based curriculum (KTSP) (2006), reading is an essential basic skill which needs to be learnt by junior high school students in Indonesia. However, students seem to often meet difficulties in comprehending the text given. It is in line with Fitrawati (2009) who states that many learners face difficulty in understanding textbooks in English. It indicates that their reading comprehension needs to be improved. Dealing with that statement, it can be said that it is significant to make junior high school students accustomed to reading English texts. In view of this, it is necessary for the teacher to choose the appropriate method(s) that can be used for teaching English at secondary school in order to improve students’ reading ability.