The Role of Religious Teachers as Learning Resources in Enhancing Student Motivation at SD Negeri 096137 Bah Gunung, Kec. Bandar Huluan, Kab. Simalungun

Abstract

Teaching and learning activities are essentially an interaction or reciprocal relationship between the teacher and the students in an educational setting, where there is an element of take and give (giving and receiving), both for the teacher and the students themselves. The teaching and learning interaction process fundamentally depends on both the teacher and the students. Therefore, teachers are required to have patience, perseverance, and an open attitude, in addition to the ability to create a more active learning environment. On the other hand, students are expected to be enthusiastic and have the drive to learn. However, students are sometimes faced with issues of boredom and a lack of concentration on the material being taught, which can result in suboptimal learning motivation. In this context, the role of the teacher as a facilitator is crucial to enhancing student motivation to absorb and understand the material being taught. Based on the background above, this study addresses the following research questions: 1) Does the religious teacher serve as a learning resource for students at SD Negeri 096137 Bah Gunung? 2) How is the learning motivation of students at SD Negeri 096137 Bah Gunung? 3) Is there a relationship between the role of the religious teacher as a learning resource and student learning motivation at SD Negeri 096137 Bah Gunung?. The results of this study show that student motivation towards Islamic Education at SD Negeri 096137 Bah Gunung is considered to be fairly good. This is evident from the students' discipline in arriving on time for Islamic Education lessons, and there are almost no students skipping these lessons. The role of the Islamic Education teacher (PAI) in improving student motivation is divided into two categories: medium motivation, where the teacher conducts quizzes, assigns tasks, and gives grades. For students with low motivation, rewards are provided, interest is nurtured, and the end goal of the lesson is explained. Efforts made by the PAI teacher include giving grades, providing rewards, assigning tasks, and offering feedback for students with medium motivation.