Fostering Mathematics Motivation in Elementary School Through Concrete and Gamified Joyful Learning
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22460/pej.v10i1.6889Keywords:
Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract, Gamification, Joyful Learning, Mathematics MotivationAbstract
Mathematics is often perceived as a difficult and tedious subject, creating a negative impact on elementary school students' motivation. This study aims to analyze the implementation of Joyful Learning in fostering mathematics motivation and to explore the pedagogical challenges related to differentiation. Using a qualitative phenomenological design at SD Negeri Banaran 02, data were collected through participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. Data trustworthiness was established through triangulation, and analysis followed the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldana. The findings reveal that: (1) The application of Joyful Learning through a humanistic approach successfully transformed students' perceptions by eliciting a positive affective-motivational response; (2) The integration of the Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract (CPA) strategy with gamification effectively triggered enthusiasm and active student engagement; and (3) Teachers faced complex pedagogical challenges in managing the learning pace gap between fast and slow learners during game-based activities. It is concluded that although Joyful Learning is effective in strengthening student motivation, its sustainability hinges on the teacher's readiness to implement adaptive classroom management.
References
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Wang, J., Kaufman, T., Mastrotheodoros, S., & Branje, S. (2025). Longitudinal associations between academic motivation and school-related stressors in adolescents transitioning to secondary school. Learning and Instruction, 98(April), 102144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.learninstruc.2025.102144
Wicaksono, S. R. (2020). Joyful Learning in Elementary School. International Journal of Theory and Application in Elementary and Secondary School Education, 2(2), 80–90. https://doi.org/10.31098/ijtaese.v2i2.232
Wigfield, A., & Eccles, J. S. (2020). Chapter Five - 35 years of research on students’ subjective task values and motivation: A look back and a look forward. In A. J. Elliot (Ed.), Advances in Motivation Science (Vol. 7, pp. 161–198). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.adms.2019.05.002
Xu, Z., Wang, Y., & Qian, Y. (2025). The design and application of in-depth interviews in primary care research. Chinese General Practice Journal, 2(2), 100062. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cgpj.2025.100062
Yonanda, D. A., Islahuddin, I., Ramadhani, F. A., Febriyanto, B., Saputra, D. S., Yuliati, Y., & Nurhidayat, E. (2024). Improving Motivation and Learning Outcomes of Elementary School Students with Multimedia-Based Interactive Media. Profesi Pendidikan Dasar, 11(3), 197–210. https://doi.org/10.23917/ppd.v11i3.5761
Aldridge, J. M., & Blackstock, M. J. (2024). Assessing students’ perceptions of school climate in primary schools. Learning Environments Research, 27(3), 579–602. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10984-024-09492-2
Ananda, E. R., & Wandini, R. R. (2022). Analisis Perspektif Guru dalam Mengatasi Kesulitan Belajar Siswa pada Pembelajaran Matematika Sekolah Dasar. Journal Basicedu, 6(3), 4173–4181. https://doi.org/10.31004/basicedu.v5i4.1230
Azkiya, H., & Istiqomah, S. (2025). Penerapan Metode Joyful Learning dalam Meningkatkan Motivasi Belajar Siswa. Jurnal Basicedu, 9(2), 401–414. https://doi.org/10.31004/basicedu.v9i2.9770
Bertrand, M. G., & Namukasa, I. K. (2020). STEAM education: student learning and transferable skills. Journal of Research in Innovative Teaching and Learning, 13(1), 43–56. https://doi.org/10.1108/JRIT-01-2020-0003
Bowden, J., Tickle, L., & Naumann, K. (2019). The four pillars of tertiary student engagement and success: a holistic measurement approach. Studies in Higher Education, 46, 1207 - 1224. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2019.1672647.
Conesa, P. J., Duñabeitia, J. A., Onandia-Hinchado, I., & González-Cutre, D. (2023). Satisfying students’ psychological needs in the classroom: Benefits of an online intervention to help primary school teachers during a pandemic academic year. Teaching and Teacher Education, 133(August). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2023.104281
Hidayati, Y. M., Kusuma, A. A. S., Wibosono, M. E. W., & Safitri, S. I. (2023). Unlocking Math Skills: The Argeo Math App for Enhanced Mathematical Problem-Solving. Profesi Pendidikan Dasar, 10(2), 82–97. https://doi.org/10.23917/ppd.v10i2.2837
Hurriyati, D., Rosada, M., Tama, M. M. L., & Ramdhani, M. I. (2022). Metode Joyfull Learning Dapat Meningkatkan Minat Belajar Matematika Pada Anak Sekolah Dasar. SELAPARANG: Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Berkemajuan, 6(1), 119. https://doi.org/10.31764/jpmb.v6i1.7205
Kaltsum, H. U. (2017). Pemanfaatan Alat Peraga Edukatif Sebagai Media Pembelajaran Bahasa Inggris Sekolah Dasar. University Research Colloquium, 19–24. https://journal.unimma.ac.id/index.php/urecol/article/view/1559)
Konrad, S. Č., Vodopivec, J. L., & Štemberger, T. (2024). Classroom Climate and Student–Teacher Relationship: A Study Among Students and Teachers in Slovenia Sonja. European Journal of Educational Research, 13(3), 1411–1420. https://doi.org/doi.org/10.12973/eu-jer.13.3.1411
Liu, Y., Cho, G., & Liu, X. (2025). The influence of positive parenting and positive teacher-student relationships on learning engagement of Korean middle school students-the mediating role of grit. BMC Psychology, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-02718-9
Luarn, P., Chen, C. C., & Chiu, Y. P. (2023). Enhancing intrinsic learning motivation through gamification: a self-determination theory perspective. International Journal of Information and Learning Technology, 40(5), 413–424. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJILT-07-2022-0145
Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M., & Saldana, J. (2014). Qualitative Data Analysis. SAGE Publications. https://books.google.co.id/books?id=3CNrUbTu6CsC
Purnawan, D. (2021). Analysis and Methods of Overcoming Mathematics Learning Difficulties in Elementary School Students: Literature Review. Social, Humanities, and Education Studies (SHEs): Conference Series, 4(5), 1353–1364.
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2020). Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation from a self-determination theory perspective: Definitions, theory, practices, and future directions. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 61, 101860. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cedpsych.2020.101860
Sari, R. M., Rusnilawati, R., & Ali, S. R. (2023). Flipped Learning with Nearpod Media: Enhancing Digital Learning Outcomes in Primary Mathematics. Profesi Pendidikan Dasar, 10(2), 159–173. https://doi.org/10.23917/ppd.v10i2.4511
Schukajlow, S., Rakoczy, K., & Pekrun, R. (2023). Emotions and motivation in mathematics education: Where we are today and where we need to go. ZDM - Mathematics Education, 55(2), 249–267. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11858-022-01463-2
Suryaningsih, T., Nisa, K., Widiyanto, R., Latip, A. E., & Siron, Y. (2025). Enhancing Elementary Students’ Numeracy Skills Through The Concrete Pictorial Abstract (CPA) Approach. Journal of Integrated Elementary Education, 5(1), 224–236. https://doi.org/10.21580/jieed.v5i1.25383
Syafira, P., Novaliza, S., Indah, T., Sulistianingsih, R., & Yanti, E. Y. S. (2024). Analisis Faktor-Faktor yang Mempengaruhi Rendahnya Motivasi Siswa Sekolah Dasar dalam Mengerjakan Pekerjaan Rumah di SDN Kemuning 3. INNOVATIVE: Journal Of Social Science Research, 4(3), 16541–16553.
Tavakol, M., & Sandars, J. (2025). Twelve tips for using phenomenology as a qualitative research approach in health professions education. Medical Teacher, 0(0), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1080/0142159X.2025.2478871
Tiana, A., Krissandi, A. D. S., & Sarwi, M. (2021). Peningkatan Motivasi dan Hasil Belajar Siswa Melalui Media Game Quizizz Pada Mata Pelajaran Matematika. Jurnal Pendidikan Indonesia, 2(6), 943–952. https://doi.org/10.36418/japendi.v2i6.189
Wang, J., Kaufman, T., Mastrotheodoros, S., & Branje, S. (2025). Longitudinal associations between academic motivation and school-related stressors in adolescents transitioning to secondary school. Learning and Instruction, 98(April), 102144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.learninstruc.2025.102144
Wicaksono, S. R. (2020). Joyful Learning in Elementary School. International Journal of Theory and Application in Elementary and Secondary School Education, 2(2), 80–90. https://doi.org/10.31098/ijtaese.v2i2.232
Wigfield, A., & Eccles, J. S. (2020). Chapter Five - 35 years of research on students’ subjective task values and motivation: A look back and a look forward. In A. J. Elliot (Ed.), Advances in Motivation Science (Vol. 7, pp. 161–198). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.adms.2019.05.002
Xu, Z., Wang, Y., & Qian, Y. (2025). The design and application of in-depth interviews in primary care research. Chinese General Practice Journal, 2(2), 100062. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cgpj.2025.100062
Yonanda, D. A., Islahuddin, I., Ramadhani, F. A., Febriyanto, B., Saputra, D. S., Yuliati, Y., & Nurhidayat, E. (2024). Improving Motivation and Learning Outcomes of Elementary School Students with Multimedia-Based Interactive Media. Profesi Pendidikan Dasar, 11(3), 197–210. https://doi.org/10.23917/ppd.v11i3.5761
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