The Role of Simple Interactive Media in Elementary Students’ Engagement: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

This study examines the role of simple interactive learning media in enhancing elementary students’ engagement, which remains a critical issue due to the dominance of conventional, teacher-centered instruction. The objective of this research is to systematically analyze how various forms of simple interactive media contribute to students’ behavioral, emotional, and cognitive engagement. This study employs a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method following PRISMA guidelines, analyzing 14 relevant research articles published between 2022 and 2026. The findings reveal that simple interactive media such as puzzles, flashcards, board games, and spinner-based tools significantly improve student participation, motivation, and conceptual understanding. These media promote active involvement, create enjoyable learning environments, and support higher-order thinking skills through interactive and problem-solving activities. Additionally, the results indicate that simple interactive media can serve as effective and accessible alternatives in contexts with limited technological resources. The study highlights that well-designed interactive media not only enhance learning outcomes but also foster meaningful learning experiences aligned with student-centered approaches. Overall, this research provides empirical evidence supporting the integration of simple interactive media as an effective strategy to improve engagement and learning quality in elementary education.