The Effect of Using Game-Based Learning Model in History Learning on Students' Interest and Motivation in Athirah Bukit Baruga Islamic High School

Abstract

History learning in high school often suffers from low student interest and motivation because of teacher-centered, conventional methods that fail to engage the digital generation. This study aims to examine the effect of the Game-Based Learning (GBL) model on students' learning interest and motivation in history at Athirah Bukit Baruga Islamic High School. A quantitative pre-experimental approach with a One-Group Pretest-Posttest Design was employed on 30 purposively selected Class X students. Data were collected using a five-point Likert-scale questionnaire and observational instruments, then analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test, and a paired-samples t-test (α = 0.05) in SPSS. Results showed a significant increase in learning interest (M = 55.73 to M = 85.37) and motivation (M = 57.50 to M = 88.20), both with p = 0.000. Observations confirmed heightened student enthusiasm, collaboration, and interaction. Game-based learning is found to be effective in enhancing students' interest and motivation in history learning.