Improving Students’ Motivation to Complete Assignments on Time through Project-Based Learning: A Classroom Action Research at SMA Negeri 3 Palu

Abstract

This study aims to improve student motivation in completing assignments on time through the application of the Project-Based Learning (PjBL) model to students in class XI C1 at SMA Negeri 3 Palu. This study is a Classroom Action Research (CAR) conducted in two cycles with stages of planning, implementation, observation, and reflection. Data were collected through observation sheets, field notes, and documentation of learning outcomes. The results of the pre-cycle stage showed that student motivation and discipline were still low, with only 32.4% of students achieving scores above the Minimum Passing Grade (KKM). After the Cycle I intervention was implemented through group text writing activities, the number of students who achieved passing grades increased to 65%. A more significant improvement occurred in Cycle II through creative poster-making projects and gallery walk presentations, where all students (100%) achieved scores above the Minimum Passing Grade with a score range of 75–90. These results indicate that the PjBL model is effective in increasing student motivation, active engagement, creativity, and responsibility in completing tasks on time. Thus, Project-Based Learning can be used as an alternative learning strategy relevant to improving the quality of the learning process and outcomes for students.