Phonological Awareness Profiles of Early Readers: Evidence of Weak Phonemic Skills in First-Grade Students

Ihda Khairun Nisa; Adi Atmoko; Ratna Ekawati

doi:10.51276/edu.v7i3.1633

Authors

Ihda Khairun Nisa Universitas Negeri Malang
Adi Atmoko Universitas Negeri Malang
Ratna Ekawati Universitas Negeri Malang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51276/edu.v7i3.1633

Keywords:

Decoding , Early Reading , Phonemic Skills , Phonological Awareness

Abstract

This study aims to map the phonological awareness profile of first-grade students as a basis for planning early reading instruction at SDN 1 Sidorahayu. A quantitative descriptive design was employed involving 28 students in the 2025/2026 academic year selected through total sampling. Data were collected using a phonological awareness test based on Gillon’s model, covering rhyme, alliteration, syllables, onset–rime, phoneme isolation, phoneme blending, phoneme segmenting, and phoneme manipulation. The 25-item instrument used a 0–3 scoring scale, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including means, standard deviations, frequencies, percentages, and component-level scores. Results showed a moderate phonological awareness level (M = 1.72, SD = 0.83). Fourteen students (50.0%) were categorized as high, six (21.4%) as moderate, and eight (28.6%) as low. Syllable awareness was the strongest component (M = 3.00), whereas phoneme blending and manipulation were the weakest (M = 1.25). These findings support early screening and differentiated phonemic instruction to strengthen early reading readiness.

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Author Biographies

Ihda Khairun Nisa, Universitas Negeri Malang

She earned her Master’s degree in English Education from Universitas Islam Malang (2023) and is pursuing a doctoral degree in Elementary Education at Universitas Negeri Malang. She teaches at SDN 1 Sidorahayu and PKBM Bintang Bangsa. Her research interests include ICT-based instructional design, educational media, and materials development.

Adi Atmoko, Universitas Negeri Malang

He is a Professor of Educational Psychology at Universitas Negeri Malang. His expertise includes educational psychology, guidance and counseling, education, and assessment instrument development. His research focuses on learning motivation, resilience, social support, self-esteem, academic stress, cognitive-behavioral counseling, and the use of AI in learning.

Ratna Ekawati, Universitas Negeri Malang

She is an academic and researcher at Universitas Negeri Malang. Her research interests include learning assessment, physics and science education, instructional materials, learning media, and digital instructional design. Her work also focuses on students’ literacy and conceptual understanding, including mathematical literacy and project-based learning in elementary education.

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