This study investigates the specific strategy used of Collaborative Strategic Reading (CSR) in a junior high school setting and explores how the students perceive of its methods on their reading comprehension. CSR integrates four stages preview, clicks and clunks, get the gist, and wrap-up designed to enhance reading engagement and understanding. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through classroom observations, student questionnaires, and interviews with both students and teachers at a school in Sukoharjo during the 2023/2024 academic year. Results indicate that CSR effectively enhancing vocabulary growth, active participation, and collaborative learning. Students appreciated group discussions and using context clues but faced challenges, including low motivation, vocabulary difficulties, and dependency on teacher guidance. Despite these challenges, most students perceived CSR as beneficial in improving their reading skills. The study highlights the need for adaptive strategies to foster independent learning and suggests integrating interactive techniques to sustain student interest. These findings contribute to the understanding of CSR's application in Indonesian classrooms and provide actionable recommendations for enhancing its effectiveness.
