Enhancing Students’ Learning Interest and Learning Outcomes in Christian Religious Education and Character Education at SMP Negeri 1 Tigabinanga through the Use of Instructional Media
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Abstract
This study aims to examine the improvement of students’ learning interest and academic achievement in Christian Religious Education and Character Education through the use of instructional media at SMP Negeri 1 Tigabinanga. The research was conducted using a Classroom Action Research (CAR) design consisting of two cycles. The subjects of the study were 30 eighth-grade students at SMP Negeri 1 Tigabinanga. Data were collected through multiple techniques, including classroom observation, questionnaires, achievement tests, and interviews. The findings reveal that the integration of instructional media such as educational videos, interactive PowerPoint presentations, and learning games significantly enhanced students’ engagement and learning outcomes. Students’ interest in learning, which was initially categorized as low with an average score of 65.7% in the pre-cycle, increased to a high category with an average score of 85.3% in the second cycle. Similarly, students’ learning outcomes demonstrated substantial progress, with the average score rising from 68.5 in the pre-cycle to 82.7 in the second cycle. The percentage of students achieving classical mastery also increased from 53.3% to 90%. These results suggest that the effective and varied use of instructional media fosters both motivation and achievement in Christian Religious Education and Character Education. The use of multimedia resources provides a more dynamic and interactive learning environment, which encourages student participation, sustains their interest, and facilitates deeper understanding of the subject matter. Moreover, the incorporation of educational games and interactive presentations helps address diverse learning styles, making the learning process more meaningful and enjoyable. This study emphasizes that the strategic integration of instructional media plays a crucial role in enhancing students’ learning interest and academic performance. Therefore, teachers are encouraged to adopt innovative and varied instructional media to improve the quality of learning, particularly in Christian Religious Education and Character Education.
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