Abstract
Students’ learning interest in Islamic Religious Education (PAI) remains relatively low when teachers apply conventional methods such as lecturing. Students tend to be passive, less enthusiastic, and easily lose focus during learning activities. This study aims to improve students’ learning interest through the implementation of the Crossword Puzzle (TTS) method on the topic of living a meaningful life by avoiding extravagant behavior, ostentation, self-praise, arrogance, and envy. The research employed a Classroom Action Research (CAR) approach conducted at SMA Plus Ar-Raudhah with tenth-grade students as the subjects. It was carried out in two cycles, each consisting of planning, action, observation, and reflection stages, using questionnaires, observation sheets, and documentation as instruments. The findings revealed a significant improvement in students’ learning interest after the implementation of the Crossword Puzzle method. Students became more active, motivated, and enthusiastic throughout the learning process. Furthermore, the use of varied questions, group collaboration, and reward systems fostered positive interaction and engagement among students. Therefore, the Crossword Puzzle method proved to be an effective and engaging alternative to enhance students’ learning interest in Islamic Religious Education