Interactive teaching methods and their impact on student motivation

Mustafa Džafić

Contemporary teaching is increasingly moving away from traditional methods and shifting toward interactive approaches that make students active participants in the learning process. Interactive methods, based on collaboration, dialogue, and critical thinking, enable multidirectional communication and contribute to greater student engagement and motivation. This paper is of a review nature and relies on a qualitative analysis of the literature. The methodological framework involved a systematic search of scientific sources in Google Scholar, ERIC, and ResearchGate, conducted from January to March 2025. Keywords were used in English and Bosnian/Croatian (interactive teaching methods, student motivation, active learning, cooperative learning, engagement). Studies published in the last 20 years (2004–2024) were considered, with exceptions for classical authors (e.g., Bonwell & Eison, 1991). After reviewing more than 60 sources, 27 met the criteria of scientific rigor, relevance, and methodological validity. The analysis was conducted using a qualitative approach through thematic grouping and comparative interpretation of findings. The analysis identified significant interactive methods: case study, role-playing, debate, brainstorming, simulation, Socratic dialogue, gamification, and project-based learning. These methods substantially contribute to the development of intrinsic and social motivation among students through engagement, collaboration, autonomy, and content relevance. However, their implementation also brings challenges, such as increased preparation demands, organizational difficulties, and potential uneven student participation. Interactive methods represent an effective tool for enhancing student motivation and learning quality. Their successful implementation requires continuous professional development for teachers and institutional support. Only through systematic application and strengthening educator competencies can interactive teaching become an integral part of daily pedagogical practice.