Transforming Boredom into Curiosity: Interactive PowerPoint and The Joy of Learning Indonesian

Abstract

This study aims to examine the effect of using interactive PowerPoint media on students’ interest in learning the Indonesian language. The study was motivated by students’ low learning interest, as reflected in their lack of attention, involvement, and enthusiasm during Indonesian lessons. A quasi-experimental method with a Non-Equivalent Control Group Design was employed. The sample consisted of 59 students: 30 in the experimental group using interactive PowerPoint and 29 in the control group using conventional methods. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and documentation, with a Likert-scale learning interest questionnaire as the main instrument. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test and the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test. The findings revealed a significant increase in learning interest among students in the experimental group. The average post-test score of the experimental group was 42.00, higher than the control group’s 39.03. The Mann-Whitney U test showed a significance value of < 0.001 (p < 0.05), indicating a significant difference between the groups. Additionally, the Wilcoxon test showed that 26 out of 30 experimental group students experienced increased learning interest, while only 9 in the control group improved. Thus, interactive PowerPoint media significantly enhances students’ interest in learning Indonesian.