<![CDATA[This study aims to describe the innovations employed by Islamic Religious Education (PAI) teachers to motivate students, the challenges encountered, and the solutions applied at SMA Negeri 1 Silau Kahean, Negeri Tani Village, Simalungun Regency. The study uses a qualitative field-research approach with a descriptive design. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, involving the principal, the PAI teacher, students, and school documents. Data credibility was examined through triangulation, while analysis consisted of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings reported in the source manuscript indicate that the teacher varied instructional methods by combining lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and game-based learning activities. These variations were intended to make lessons more engaging and encourage student participation. The challenges included students’ attitudes and individual characteristics, such as distraction, classroom disruption, and low enthusiasm. The proposed responses were to build positive relationships with students and select suitable learning methods. The study highlights the importance of instructional innovation alongside an understanding of students’ characteristics to support more active and meaningful Islamic Religious Education.]]>
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