TEACHERS’ EFFORTS TO BOOST STUDENTS’ MOTIVATION TO LEARN THROUGH ICE-BREAKING ACTIVITIES

Abstract

The low learning enthusiasm of elementary school students, particularly in second grade at MI Salafiyah Pasirsari 02, Pekalongan City, is due to uninteresting and monotonous learning. This situation requires teachers to take steps to increase student learning enthusiasm, one of which is implementing ice-breaking activities as a break from learning. The purpose of this study is to describe teachers' efforts, the obstacles they encounter, and their solutions to these obstacles in increasing learning enthusiasm through ice-breaking activities in second grade students at MI Salafiyah Pasirsari 02, Pekalongan City. This study used a descriptive qualitative approach with a field research method (Field Research) through data collection techniques such as interviews, observation, and documentation. Data analysis involved three stages: data condensation, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. Based on the results, it was concluded that teachers have made efforts to increase learning enthusiasm through ice-breaking activities by implementing responsive and strategic ice-breaking activities, selecting student-centered ice-breaking activities, and creating a conducive and enjoyable learning environment. Although teachers encountered several obstacles in implementation, such as time constraints, a lack of references and variations in icebreakers, and students' lack of enthusiasm and tendency to be passive, to overcome these obstacles, teachers found solutions through efficient time management, seeking references and developing variations, engaging passive students individually, and actively involving students in the learning process.