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A 2026 study by Nukke Sylvia, Mira Zulia Suriastuti, and Edy Muladi from Universitas Mercu Buana reveals that the use of learning media significantly improves both motivation and comprehension among elementary school students. Published in Jurnal Multidisiplin Madani (MUDIMA), the research draws on data from teachers and students at SDN and SD Al Husna, showing that even simple teaching tools can transform classroom engagement when used effectively.
The findings are important as schools across Indonesia continue to adapt to evolving educational demands. With increasing attention on student-centered learning and digital transformation, the study highlights how learning media—both conventional and digital—can directly influence learning outcomes at the foundational level of education.
Background: Why Learning Media Matters in Modern Education
Elementary school is a critical stage where cognitive, emotional, and behavioral skills begin to develop systematically. At this level, students rely heavily on visual and concrete representations to understand abstract concepts.
Learning media—ranging from blackboards and textbooks to videos and digital applications—serve as a bridge between theory and real-world understanding. As classrooms shift toward more interactive and technology-driven models, the role of media has become increasingly central.
However, many schools still face challenges, including limited infrastructure, uneven access to digital tools, and gaps in teacher training. These barriers raise an important question: how effective are existing learning media in improving both student understanding and motivation?
Methodology: Combining Surveys, Observation, and Classroom Evidence
The research used a descriptive quantitative approach supported by qualitative observations.
- Participants: 47 respondents, including 19 teachers and 28 elementary students
- Location: SD Al Husna and related elementary school settings
- Questionnaires using a Likert scale
- Direct classroom observation
- Visual documentation of teaching practices
- Supporting literature review
The study analyzed how teachers use learning media, how students respond, and how these tools affect both cognitive understanding and emotional engagement.
Key Findings: Media Enhances Learning—but Gaps Remain
The results show clear benefits of learning media across both teacher and student perspectives.
1. Media Improves Understanding and Engagement
Teachers rated learning media as highly effective:
- Cognitive effectiveness score: 3.11 (very good category)
- Affective motivation score: 3.05
Teachers reported that media helps explain complex or abstract concepts more clearly and efficiently. It also reduces classroom monotony and keeps students engaged.
2. Students Show Strong Positive Responses
Student feedback highlights the real impact in classrooms:
- 89% of students said learning becomes more enjoyable with media
- 75% reported increased motivation to participate
- 75% found it easier to understand lessons
- 0% reported negative effects on understanding
These findings confirm that learning media plays a dual role: simplifying content and improving emotional engagement.
3. Visual and Interactive Media Are Preferred
Students showed a clear preference for more engaging formats:
- Digital media and posters/illustrations were the most preferred (25% each)
- Learning videos followed at 21.5%
- Traditional tools like blackboards ranked lowest in preference
Overall, more than 70% of students favored visual and interactive media, indicating a shift toward multimedia learning styles.
4. Conventional Tools Still Dominate Classrooms
Despite student preferences, classroom practices remain largely traditional:
- 100% of teachers still rely on whiteboards and markers
- 86% use textbooks
- 71% use posters or illustrations
- Around 40% have begun using videos
This gap shows that while teachers recognize the importance of media, implementation is still limited by available resources.
5. Teachers Show High Initiative but Need Support
The study highlights a strong commitment among educators:
- 74% of teachers create their own learning media
- 84% actively evaluate their teaching methods
- 89% express a need for additional training in interactive media
However, 26% of teachers reported inadequate or unavailable facilities, forcing them to rely on creativity rather than institutional support.
Implications: Bridging the Gap Between Potential and Practice
The study underscores that learning media is not just a supplementary tool—it is a core component of effective education.
For schools and policymakers:
- Investment in digital infrastructure is essential to meet modern learning needs
- Standardized access to technology can reduce disparities between schools
- Continued innovation in teaching methods is critical
- Professional development in digital and interactive media should be prioritized
For students:
- Access to engaging media can enhance both motivation and academic performance
- Interactive learning environments support deeper understanding and participation
The research also highlights a broader trend: today’s students are “visual learners” who respond better to dynamic, multimedia content than traditional lecture-based approaches.
Author Insight
Nukke Sylvia of Universitas Mercu Buana emphasizes that learning media plays a central role in reducing cognitive load and maintaining student engagement. The study shows that even in resource-limited settings, thoughtful use of media can significantly improve learning outcomes.
Author Profiles
- Nukke Sylvia, S.Pd., M.Pd. – Lecturer at Universitas Mercu Buana, specializing in educational media and instructional design.
- Mira Zulia Suriastuti, S.Pd., M.Pd. – শিক্ষা researcher at Universitas Mercu Buana focusing on student motivation and classroom innovation.
- Edy Muladi, S.Pd., M.Pd. – Education expert at Universitas Mercu Buana with expertise in teaching strategies and curriculum development.
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