Students' Perception of the Role of Ice Breaking Activities in Seventh Grade Students of SMP Plus Aisyah SAMAWA

Abstract

English plays a crucial role in the educational context of Indonesia, especially in enhancing students’ communication abilities. However, many students, particularly in Islamic boarding schools, often face difficulties in mastering English due to limited practice time, teaching methods, and lack of motivation. This research aimed to explore students’ perceptions of the implementation and benefits of ice breaking activities in English learning. The study employed a qualitative descriptive method and was conducted at SMP Plus Aisyah Samawa, involving seventh-grade students. Data were collected through classroom observations, questionnaires distributed to twenty-seven students, and semi-structured interviews with seven selected respondents. The findings revealed that students held very positive perceptions toward ice breaking activities. They considered ice breaking to be enjoyable, motivating, and helpful in reducing anxiety, increasing vocabulary retention, and creating a more engaging classroom atmosphere. Students also reported feeling more confident and enthusiastic in participating during lessons. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that ice breaking activities have a significant positive impact on both the emotional and cognitive aspects of students in English language learning. The implications of this study suggest that teachers should thoughtfully incorporate ice breaking activities into their instructional strategies to foster student engagement and improve learning outcomes in English classes.