Designing an Interactive English Learning System to Enhance Student Engagement in Indonesian Primary Classrooms: A Design-Based Research

Tiarnita Siregar; Sumarno Sumarno; Wawan Bunawan

doi:10.59342/jgt.v5i1.1004

Authors

Tiarnita Siregar UNIMED
Sumarno Sumarno UNIMED
Wawan Bunawan UNIMED

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59342/jgt.v5i1.1004

Keywords:

student engagement; interactive learning; English learning; primary education; design-based research

Abstract

This study aims to design and implement an interactive English learning system to enhance student engagement in primary education at SDIT Generasi Madani. The study employed a Design-Based Research (DBR) approach through iterative cycles consisting of needs analysis, design, implementation, and evaluation and revision. The participants included 30 fourth- and fifth-grade students and one English teacher. Data were collected through observations, interviews, questionnaires, and documentation, and analyzed using qualitative methods supported by descriptive quantitative analysis. The findings revealed that students’ initial engagement level was relatively low, characterized by passive participation and low confidence in using English. After the implementation of the interactive learning system integrating multimedia, gamification, and contextual learning, students’ engagement significantly improved across behavioral, emotional, and cognitive dimensions. Furthermore, the study identified key design principles, including interactivity, immediate feedback, contextual relevance, student-centered learning, and gamification. These findings suggest that a contextually designed interactive learning system effectively enhances the quality of English learning in primary classrooms.

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