This research was conducted to examine the impact of the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model on students’ motivation and academic achievement in the respiratory system topic for eighth-grade students at SMP Negeri 2 Jayapura. The study applied a quasi-experimental design using a pretest-posttest control group approach with purposive sampling. Data collection instruments included multiple-choice tests and a learning motivation questionnaire. The analysis of questionnaire data revealed that the PBL model positively influenced students' learning motivation, as indicated by the t-test result (t = 1.820), which exceeded the critical value (t = 1.670). Additionally, the learning outcome data demonstrated a significant effect of the PBL approach, as shown by the t-test result (t = 5.310 > t = 1.670), leading to the acceptance of the alternative hypothesis (H₁).
Rachmawati et al. (Wed,) studied this question.