The Effect of Interactive Learning Media Use on Student Engagement in the Learning Process at SMK Swasta Budi Agung Medan

Abstract

This study aims to examine the effect of interactive learning media use on student engagement in the learning process at SMK Swasta Budi Agung Medan. Student engagement is an important condition for effective learning, yet the contribution of the media used by teachers to engagement in vocational schools still needs empirical examination. The study employed a cross-sectional quantitative survey design with convenience sampling. Data were collected through a four-point Likert-scale questionnaire of 20 statements (10 on learning media and 10 on student engagement), distributed via Google Form to 31 Grade XII Marketing students. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, corrected item-total correlation, Cronbach's alpha, and simple linear regression. Students rated both learning media (M = 3.20) and engagement (M = 3.25) in the high category, with 97.58% of all responses falling into the “agree” and “strongly agree” options. In the regression using all 20 items, learning media had a positive and statistically significant effect on student engagement (B = 0.475; t = 2.390; p = 0.024) and explained 16.5% of the variance in engagement. However, this effect was not robust: only 10 of the 20 items met the validity criterion, and when only those items were used the correlation was no longer significant (r = 0.353; p = 0.052), although the Spearman correlation remained significant (ρ = 0.472; p = 0.007). The findings are therefore preliminary, and “effect” refers to a statistical effect rather than a causal one. The lowest engagement indicator was students' willingness to ask and answer questions. Teachers are therefore encouraged to strengthen the participatory features of the media, such as quizzes and digital discussions.