Increasing Adolescents' Interest in Learning through Group Counseling with Motivational Interviewing Techniques

Abstract

This study aims to determine the level of interest in learning among adolescents in Islamic boarding schools and to analyze the effectiveness of motivational interviewing techniques in increasing learning interest in these schools. The decrease in interest in learning experienced by MT adolescents is generally in the form of negative thoughts that appear repeatedly, are difficult to control, and trigger anxiety and concentration disorders. This condition is related to the background of trauma, social pressure, and previously unaddressed emotional instability. The study uses a quantitative, quasi-experimental, one-group pretest-posttest design. The instrument used was a Likert-scale questionnaire that measured interest in learning before and after the intervention. The data were analyzed by comparing pretest and posttest scores. The results showed a significant decrease in learning interest scores following a motivational interviewing intervention. This technique helps teens identify cognitive distortions, challenge irrational thoughts, and build more realistic and adaptive mindsets. Interventions also improve emotional regulation and self-control in the face of negative thoughts. This study concludes that motivational interviewing is an effective intervention strategy for reducing the decline in learning interest among MT adolescents.