The Relationship Between Learning Motivation and Student Engagement in Project-Based Learning
A Study in Economics Education
Abstract
Learning motivation plays a crucial role in fostering students’ active engagement throughout the instructional process. Economics instruction on the topic of wages in Grade XI at SMAN 2 Mranggen demonstrates low levels of student engagement when learning is conducted solely through theoretical, teacher-centered approaches. Students require an instructional model that is capable of simultaneously enhancing learning motivation and promoting active participation. This study aims to analyze the relationship between learning motivation and students’ learning engagement in Project-Based Learning (PjBL). A quantitative approach was employed, utilizing descriptive analysis and canonical correlation analysis. The findings indicate a strong and significant relationship between learning motivation and student engagement in project-based economics instruction, with a canonical coefficient of 0.839 in the first function. Multivariate analysis revealed significant results; however, partial correlations between individual variables did not demonstrate strong statistical significance. The learning motivation indicators showing the strongest relationships were perseverance in completing tasks and the ability to seek and solve problems. The most prominent indicators of learning engagement were listening activities and emotional activities. Descriptive analysis using word count of students’ responses to open-ended questionnaires concluded that student engagement was reflected in several key terms, namely: experiencing feelings of enjoyment, perceiving the learning as exciting, gaining broader insights, and improvement in public speaking skills. This study contributes to the enrichment of research on the relationship between learning motivation and learning engagement and serves as a foundation for teachers in designing innovative, contextual, and engagement-oriented economics instruction.
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Putri Wiladati, S. (2025). The Implementation of the Project Based Learning (PjBL) Model to Improve Learning Outcomes and Motivation in the Metamorphosis Topic of Natural Science for Third-Grade Elementary School Students. The Future of Education Journal, 4(6). https://journal.tofedu.or.id/index.php/journal/index
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Ridhuan Mat Dangi, M., Mohamed Shuhidan, S., & Mohd Noor, R. (2025). Students’ Perceptions on Extrinsic Motivation Strategies to Enhance Learning Experience and Fostering Academic Excellence: A Qualitative Study. https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS
Rizki, P., Nahri, A., & Fauzana, R. (2025). THE INFLUENCE OF PROJECT BASED LEARNING IMPLEMENTATION ON STUDENTS’ ENGLISH LEARNING MOTIVATION AT SMK PEMBANGUNAN BAGAN BATU. 16(2), 1–12. http://ejournal.uin-suska.ac.id/index.php/jealt
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Sardiman A.M. (2011). Interaksi & Motivasi Belajar Mengajar. Rajawali Pers.
Sardiman A.M. (2014). Interaksi & Motivasi Belajar Mengajar. Rajawali Pers.
Srichinda, J., Frenay, M., & Mecheri, H. (2026). Analyzing student engagement: a case study of active learning in two biology courses from a three-point perspective. Cogent Education, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2025.2604343
Tu Selpi Wahyuni, L., Gusti Ngurah Japa, I., & Wayan Rati, N. (2020). Correlation of Reading Interests and Learning Motivation Toward Science Learning Outcomes. Jurnal Ilmiah Sekolah Dasar, 4(3), 484–495.
Vidergor, H. E. (2022). Effects of Innovative Project-Based Learning Model on Students’ Knowledge Acquisition, Cognitive Abilities, and Personal Competences. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.14434/ijpbl.v16i1.31183
Warman, L. A. D., Hadriana, H., & Awang, Mohd. M. (2024). Project-Based Learning to Improve Students’ English Skills: Issues and Challenges. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 14(9). https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarbss/v14-i9/22843
Wijayanti, R. D., & Lestari, S. (2019). PENGARUH PENERAPAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN STUDENT TEAMS ACHIEVEMENT DIVISION TERHADAP KEAKTIFAN BELAJAR DAN HASIL BELAJAR PELAJARAN EKONOMI. Soedirman Economics Education Journal, 1, 60–78.
Wong, Z. Y., & Liem, G. A. D. (2022). Student Engagement: Current State of the Construct, Conceptual Refinement, and Future Research Directions. In Educational Psychology Review (Vol. 34, Number 1, pp. 107–138). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-021-09628-3
Xiong, X. (2025). Influence of teaching styles of higher education teachers on students‘ engagement in learning: The mediating role of learning motivation. Education for Chemical Engineers, 51, 87–102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ece.2025.02.005
Xu, Z. (2025). The predictive effect of extrinsic motivation on English online learning engagement. Frontiers in Psychology, 16. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1612002
Yasin, B., Yusuf, Y., Mustafa, F., Khairuddin, Safina, D., & Sarinauli, B. (2023). Introducing Contextual Teaching and Learning as a Transition from Textbook-Based Curriculum to the National Curriculum. European Journal of Educational Research, 12(4), 1767–1779. https://doi.org/10.12973/eu-jer.12.4.1767
Zaccone, M. C., & Pedrini, M. (2019). The effects of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation on students learning effectiveness. Exploring the moderating role of gender. International Journal of Educational Management, 33(6), 1381–1394. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEM-03-2019-0099
Zhang, L., & Ma, Y. (2023). A study of the impact of project-based learning on student learning effects: a meta-analysis study. In Frontiers in Psychology (Vol. 14). Frontiers Media SA. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1202728
Chidubem Precious, E., & Adewunmi Feyisetan, A.-V. (2020). Influence of Teacher-Centered and Student-Centered Teaching Methods on the Academic Achievement of Post-Basic Students in Biology in Delta State, Nigeria. Teacher Education and Curriculum Studies, 5(3), 120. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.tecs.20200503.21
Creswell John W., C. J. D. (2017). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (5th ed.). SAGE Publications.
Damar Wulan Wicaksono, M., Wahyu Lestari, F., Studi Bimbingan dan Konsling, P., & Ilmu Pendidikan, F. (2024). TINGKAT MOTIVASI BELAJAR SISWA KELAS X DI SMA NEGERI 2 MRANGGEN DI MASA PANDEMI. Edunesia Journal: Indonesian Educa1on Journal. https://doi.org/10.31316/edunesiajournal.v1i02.7449
Desiana Sari, H., Arifin, Z., Rose Mita Lukiani, E., Studi Pendidikan Ekonomi, P., Ekonomi dan Bisnis, F., & Nusantara Kediri, U. (2024). Seminar Nasional Manajemen, Ekonomi dan Akuntasi Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis UNP Kediri KEDIRI.
Erawati, N. K., & Adnyana, P. B. (2024). IMPLEMENTATION OF JEAN PEAGET’S THEORY OF CONTRUCTIVISM IN LEARNING: A LITERATURE REVIEW. Indonesian Journal of Educational Development (IJED), 5(3), 394–401. https://doi.org/10.59672/ijed.v5i3.4148
Ester, G., Walewangko, V., Usoh, E. J., Sonny, J., & Lengkong, J. (2024). KAJIAN PUSTAKA: INTERAKSI EDUKATIF DALAM KEGIATAN BELAJAR MENGAJAR. Journal Genta Mulia, 15, 254–259. https://ejournal.stkipbbm.ac.id/index.php/gm
Fakhri, N., Syarifuddin, N., Dewi, E. M. P., & Buchori, S. (2023). Learning Motivation and Student Engagement Among Senior High School Students. JURKAM: Jurnal Konseling Andi Matappa, 73–81. https://doi.org/10.31100/jurkam.v7i2.2851
Gan, Z., Liu, F., & Nang, H. (2023). The Role of Self-Efficacy, Task Value, and Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivations in Students’ Feedback Engagement in English Learning. Behavioral Sciences, 13(5). https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13050428
Gusti Sukma Ning Ayu, N. (2025). Hubungan Antara Motivasi Belajar dengan Keaktifan Siswa Pada Ekstrakurikuler Desain Grafis di SMP Negeri 4 Lubuk Alung. 418–425. https://doi.org/10.24036/jfe.v5i4.432
Hussein, B. (2021). Addressing collaboration challenges in project-based learning: The student’s perspective. Education Sciences, 11(8). https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci11080434
Intan, Y., & Gunawan, P. (2018). Pengaruh Motivasi Belajar terhadap Keaktifan Siswa dalam Mewujudkan Prestasi Belajar Siswa. www.journal.uniga.ac.id
Julita, E., & Armiati. (2025). INTEGRATION OF THE PROJECT-BASED LEARNING (PJBL) MODEL SUPPORTED BY WORDWALL INTERACTIVE MEDIA IN ECONOMICS EDUCATION: A LITERATURE REVIEW. JURNAL PENDIDIKAN GLASSER, 9(2), 226–238. https://doi.org/10.32529/glasser.v9i2.4260
Kamal, M. A. A., & Khaidzir, M. F. S. (2026). The impact of game-based learning on beginner english learners: Motivation, engagement, and anxiety. Multidisciplinary Reviews, 9(6). https://doi.org/10.31893/multirev.2026275
Katsarov, J., Andorno, R., Krom, A., & van den Hoven, M. (2022). Effective Strategies for Research Integrity Training—a Meta-analysis. Educational Psychology Review, 34(2), 935–955. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-021-09630-9
Mackatiani, C. I., Nungu, M., Gakunga, J., & Komo, D. (2018). Journal of Education and Practice www.iiste.org ISSN (Vol. 9, Number 18). Online. www.iiste.org
Maros, M., Korenkova, M., Fila, M., Levicky, M., & Schoberova, M. (2023). Project-based learning and its effectiveness: evidence from Slovakia. Interactive Learning Environments, 31(7), 4147–4155. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2021.1954036
Nkomo, L. M., Daniel, B. K., & Butson, R. J. (2021). Synthesis of student engagement with digital technologies: a systematic review of the literature. In International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education (Vol. 18, Number 1). Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-021-00270-1
Nuha, F. D., Anggriana, T. M., & Cristiana, R. (2022). Pengaruh Lingkungan Belajar dan Motivasi Belajar Terhadap Keaktifan Belajar Siswa Sekolah Dasar. TARQIYATUNA: Jurnal Pendidikan Agama Islam Dan Madrasah Ibtidaiyah, 1(2), 83–91. https://doi.org/10.36769/tarqiyatuna.v1i2.248
Pratiwi, N., Ahman, E., & Disman. (2023). Efektivitas Model Project Based Learning (PjBL) dalam Pembelajaran Ekonomi SMA pada Kurikulum Merdeka. Jurnal Neraca: Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Ilmu Ekonomi Akuntansi, 7(2), 143–154. https://doi.org/10.31851/neraca.v7i2.14313
Putri Wiladati, S. (2025). The Implementation of the Project Based Learning (PjBL) Model to Improve Learning Outcomes and Motivation in the Metamorphosis Topic of Natural Science for Third-Grade Elementary School Students. The Future of Education Journal, 4(6). https://journal.tofedu.or.id/index.php/journal/index
Raskita Enjelika Manik, Delima Hot Marito Hasugian, Herda Sitanggang, & Helena Turnip. (2024). Konsep Dasar Motivasi Belajar. Jurnal Budi Pekerti Agama Kristen Dan Katolik, 2(4), 358–368. https://doi.org/10.61132/jbpakk.v2i4.941
Ridhuan Mat Dangi, M., Mohamed Shuhidan, S., & Mohd Noor, R. (2025). Students’ Perceptions on Extrinsic Motivation Strategies to Enhance Learning Experience and Fostering Academic Excellence: A Qualitative Study. https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS
Rizki, P., Nahri, A., & Fauzana, R. (2025). THE INFLUENCE OF PROJECT BASED LEARNING IMPLEMENTATION ON STUDENTS’ ENGLISH LEARNING MOTIVATION AT SMK PEMBANGUNAN BAGAN BATU. 16(2), 1–12. http://ejournal.uin-suska.ac.id/index.php/jealt
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (1985). Self-Determination Theory and the Facilitation of Intrinsic Motivation, Social Development, and Well-Being Self-Determination Theory. Ryan.
Sardiman A.M. (2011). Interaksi & Motivasi Belajar Mengajar. Rajawali Pers.
Sardiman A.M. (2014). Interaksi & Motivasi Belajar Mengajar. Rajawali Pers.
Srichinda, J., Frenay, M., & Mecheri, H. (2026). Analyzing student engagement: a case study of active learning in two biology courses from a three-point perspective. Cogent Education, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2025.2604343
Tu Selpi Wahyuni, L., Gusti Ngurah Japa, I., & Wayan Rati, N. (2020). Correlation of Reading Interests and Learning Motivation Toward Science Learning Outcomes. Jurnal Ilmiah Sekolah Dasar, 4(3), 484–495.
Vidergor, H. E. (2022). Effects of Innovative Project-Based Learning Model on Students’ Knowledge Acquisition, Cognitive Abilities, and Personal Competences. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.14434/ijpbl.v16i1.31183
Warman, L. A. D., Hadriana, H., & Awang, Mohd. M. (2024). Project-Based Learning to Improve Students’ English Skills: Issues and Challenges. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 14(9). https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarbss/v14-i9/22843
Wijayanti, R. D., & Lestari, S. (2019). PENGARUH PENERAPAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN STUDENT TEAMS ACHIEVEMENT DIVISION TERHADAP KEAKTIFAN BELAJAR DAN HASIL BELAJAR PELAJARAN EKONOMI. Soedirman Economics Education Journal, 1, 60–78.
Wong, Z. Y., & Liem, G. A. D. (2022). Student Engagement: Current State of the Construct, Conceptual Refinement, and Future Research Directions. In Educational Psychology Review (Vol. 34, Number 1, pp. 107–138). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-021-09628-3
Xiong, X. (2025). Influence of teaching styles of higher education teachers on students‘ engagement in learning: The mediating role of learning motivation. Education for Chemical Engineers, 51, 87–102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ece.2025.02.005
Xu, Z. (2025). The predictive effect of extrinsic motivation on English online learning engagement. Frontiers in Psychology, 16. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1612002
Yasin, B., Yusuf, Y., Mustafa, F., Khairuddin, Safina, D., & Sarinauli, B. (2023). Introducing Contextual Teaching and Learning as a Transition from Textbook-Based Curriculum to the National Curriculum. European Journal of Educational Research, 12(4), 1767–1779. https://doi.org/10.12973/eu-jer.12.4.1767
Zaccone, M. C., & Pedrini, M. (2019). The effects of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation on students learning effectiveness. Exploring the moderating role of gender. International Journal of Educational Management, 33(6), 1381–1394. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEM-03-2019-0099
Zhang, L., & Ma, Y. (2023). A study of the impact of project-based learning on student learning effects: a meta-analysis study. In Frontiers in Psychology (Vol. 14). Frontiers Media SA. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1202728
Published
2026-04-20
How to Cite
UTAMI, Lastri; FERIADY, Muhammad; ARUMSASI, Diah.
The Relationship Between Learning Motivation and Student Engagement in Project-Based Learning.
Soedirman Economics Education Journal, [S.l.], v. 8, n. 1, p. 1-22, apr. 2026.
ISSN 2686-6277.
Available at: <https://jos.unsoed.ac.id/index.php/seej/article/view/19715>. Date accessed: 12 june 2026.
doi: https://doi.org/10.32424/seej.v8i1.19715.
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