Beyond Knowledge Transfer: the Multi-Faceted Role of Islamic Religious Education Teachers in Catalyzing Student Motivation

Students’ learning motivation is an important factor in effective learning, while Islamic Religious Education teachers have a strategic role in fostering motivation through pedagogical, motivational, and exemplary practices. This study aims to describe the planning and implementation of Islamic Religious Education teachers’ efforts to enhance students’ learning motivation and to analyze their outcomes in terms of student engagement, subject comprehension, religious attitudes, and character development. This research employed a qualitative approach with a case study design conducted at MTs Wahid Hasyim Dau Malang. The research subjects and data sources included 2 (two) Islamic Religious Education teachers, and 2 (two) administrative staff, and a class of students. Data were collected through observations, interviews, and documentation, and were analyzed using the Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña model through data condensation, data presentation, and conclusion drawing and verification, with data validity strengthened through cross-checking across sources and techniques. The findings show that teachers enhance learning motivation through systematic instructional planning, including the preparation of teaching modules, engaging learning activities, comprehensive assessment strategies, and adaptation of teaching methods to students’ characteristics. During implementation, teachers create a positive learning atmosphere through educational games, quizzes, discussions, question-and-answer sessions, group work, rewards, contextualization of learning materials, and regular content reviews. These efforts contribute to increased student participation, improved understanding of Islamic Religious Education materials, and the development of religious attitudes and character. The study recommends that teachers maintain varied and adaptive instructional strategies while strengthening students’ intrinsic motivation through meaningful learning experiences, positive reinforcement, role modeling, and collaboration between schools and parents.