Upaya Guru Meningkatkan Keaktifan Belajar Siswa melalui Pemberian Reward pada Pembelajaran Matematika

This study aims to describe and analyze teachers’ efforts to improve students’ learning activeness through the implementation of reward strategies in mathematics learning for fifth-grade students at SDN 066038 Medan. The study employed a Classroom Action Research (CAR) approach using a qualitative method conducted in two learning cycles. The research subjects consisted of one classroom teacher and seven students who initially showed low levels of learning activeness. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, and were analyzed thematically through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The results indicate that the implementation of rewards in the form of stars given to students who successfully completed mathematics problems correctly, as well as prizes awarded at the end of the learning period, effectively increased students’ learning activeness, motivation, and participation. Students became more confident in answering questions, more actively involved in group discussions, and showed greater enthusiasm in completing mathematics tasks. In addition, the reward strategy fostered a healthy competition and created a positive and supportive learning environment, making students feel appreciated and motivated. Therefore, the reward-based strategy can be considered an effective alternative instructional approach to enhance students’ learning activeness in mathematics learning at the elementary school level.