Service-Learning Instructional Strategies in Christian Religious Education: An Effort to Enhance Student Interest at SMK Negeri 1 Merek

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the implementation of service-learning instructional strategies in Christian Religious Education and their impact on enhancing students’ learning interest at State Vocational High School 1 Merek. The research employed a classroom action research design with a mixed-method approach, conducted over two learning cycles. The subjects of the study consisted of 68 eleventh-grade students from the Computer and Network Engineering as well as Online Business and Marketing departments. Data were collected through classroom observations, learning interest questionnaires, interviews, and documentation of service-learning projects. The findings revealed a significant increase in students’ learning interest, with the average score improving from 65.3 (fair category) in the pre-cycle to 78.7 (good category) in the first cycle and 89.2 (very good category) in the second cycle. Qualitative analysis indicated positive changes across four dimensions of learning interest: attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction. The implementation of service-learning through community service projects successfully integrated Christian values with practical experiences, enhanced students’ critical reflection skills, and strengthened the relationship between the school, the church community, and the broader society. This study concludes that service-learning strategies are an effective approach to revitalizing Christian Religious Education in vocational schools and contribute significantly to the development of students’ character in accordance with Christian values.