<![CDATA[The Make a Match cooperative learning model has been widely applied in the learning process. However, empirical studies on the effect of this model on elementary school students’ motivation to learn Islamic Religious Education (PAI), particularly at SD Negeri 05 Kubang Putiah, remain limited. This study aimed to analyze the effect of the Make a Match cooperative learning model on the PAI learning motivation of fourth-grade students. The study employed a quantitative approach with a pre-experimental method and a one-group pretest–posttest design. The sample comprised 28 fourth-grade students selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through a learning motivation questionnaire and observation and subsequently analyzed using prerequisite tests, a paired-samples t test, and the coefficient of determination with the assistance of SPSS version 27. The results showed that the mean learning motivation score increased from 78 on the pretest to 87 on the posttest. Hypothesis testing yielded a value of p = .001 < .05, indicating a significant difference in learning motivation before and after the implementation of the Make a Match model. The coefficient of determination of 64.7% indicated the model’s contribution to the variation in students’ learning motivation, while the remaining 35.3% was associated with factors outside the study. These findings provide empirical evidence of the potential of Make a Match as an interactive cooperative learning model for enhancing elementary school students’ motivation to learn PAI. The study concludes that implementing this model can provide teachers with an alternative for creating more engaging PAI learning and encouraging students’ active participation.]]>
