<![CDATA[This study was motivated by the existence of various obstacles affecting students' interest in learning Islamic Religious Education (IRE) at SD Muhammadiyah 1 Trenggalek. Learning interest plays a crucial role in supporting successful learning outcomes; however, several challenges still cause students to be less active and enthusiastic during IRE lessons. This study aimed to analyze the obstacles experienced by students in improving their interest in learning IRE and to identify the efforts made by the school and teachers to overcome these obstacles. This research employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive research design. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation involving the principal, the Islamic Religious Education teacher, and four fifth-grade students selected via purposive sampling. The data were analyzed through the stages of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings revealed that the dominant obstacles stemmed from internal factors, namely physical fatigue and decreased concentration caused by dense religious habituation routines, as well as external factors such as the dominance of monotonous lecture methods. Students explicitly expressed a preference for visual media like colorful mind maps and educational games to make learning more engaging. Efforts undertaken by teachers to address these obstacles included integrating ice-breaking activities, utilizing audiovisual media, accommodating diverse student learning styles, and strengthening communication with parents. ABSTRAK Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh masih ditemukannya berbagai kendala yang memengaruhi minat belajar siswa pada mata pelajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam (PAI) di SD Muhammadiyah 1 Trenggalek. Minat belajar merupakan faktor penting dalam mendukung keberhasilan pembelajaran, namun dalam praktiknya masih terdapat hambatan yang menyebabkan siswa kurang aktif dan antusias mengikuti pembelajaran PAI. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis kendala yang dialami siswa dalam meningkatkan minat belajar PAI serta mengidentifikasi upaya yang dilakukan sekolah dan guru untuk mengatasinya. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan jenis penelitian deskriptif. Data dikumpulkan melalui observasi, wawancara mendalam, dan dokumentasi dengan melibatkan kepala sekolah, guru PAI, dan empat siswa kelas V yang dipilih secara purposive sampling. Analisis data dilakukan melalui tahapan reduksi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kendala dominan bersumber dari faktor internal berupa kelelahan fisik dan penurunan konsentrasi akibat padatnya kegiatan pembiasaan ibadah di sekolah, serta faktor eksternal berupa dominasi metode ceramah yang monoton. Siswa menyatakan membutuhkan media visual seperti mind map berwarna dan metode permainan edukatif agar materi PAI tidak terkesan membosankan. Upaya yang dilakukan guru untuk mengatasi kendala tersebut meliputi integrasi metode ice breaking, pemanfaatan media audiovisual, penyesuaian gaya belajar siswa, serta penguatan komunikasi berkala bersama orang tua. ]]>
