Implementation of Contextual Teaching and Learning (CTL) as a Strategy to Strengthen Student Learning Motivation in Islamic Religious Education

Abstract

This study aims to describe the implementation of Contextual Teaching and Learning (CTL) as a strategy for strengthening students’ learning motivation in Islamic Religious Education, identify the contribution of CTL to the enhancement of learning motivation, and analyze the supporting factors and challenges in its implementation. This study employed a qualitative method with a descriptive approach. The research informants consisted of four teachers, namely M. Alifian Ferdi Ikhsan, Ratna Hidayah, Amin Makhruf, and Iing Ilham Kurniawan, as well as a supervisor, Didit Ariyanto Arifin. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, and were subsequently analyzed through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. Data trustworthiness was ensured through source and technique triangulation. The findings indicate that the implementation of CTL in Islamic Religious Education was carried out by connecting learning materials with students’ real-life experiences through questioning, discussion, collaboration, problem-solving, modeling, and reflection. The implementation of CTL contributed to strengthening students’ learning motivation by increasing their engagement, curiosity, confidence in expressing opinions, attention, and understanding of the relevance of Islamic Religious Education materials to their daily lives. The successful implementation of CTL was supported by teachers’ creativity and preparedness, students’ active participation, a conducive learning environment, and the availability of learning resources. However, several challenges were identified, including differences in students’ characteristics, limited instructional time, students’ readiness to participate in active learning, and difficulties in determining appropriate contexts for the learning materials. Therefore, CTL can serve as an effective learning strategy for creating meaningful Islamic Religious Education learning experiences while simultaneously strengthening students’ learning motivation.