ABSTRACT
This study aims to determine the strategies used by Islamic religious education teachers in increasing the interest of students in SMA Negeri 1 Sungai Aur during the covid 19 pandemic, and the factors that affect student learning interests, and how the strategies used by Islamic religious teachers (PAI) at SMA Negeri 1 Sungai Aur. The method that the researcher uses is the descriptive qualitative research method. While the data sources of this study were taken from Islamic Religious Education teachers, school principals, and students who were determined by the researchers. The results of the study showed that teachers carried out various strategies in increasing interest in learning Islamic Religious Education for students of SMA Negeri 1 Sungai Aur during the covid 19 pandemic, namely: using the WhatsApp application both in online assignments and in collecting assignments. In addition, the teacher gives praise, prizes for students who are fast and precise in spelling out the tasks given. Then provide punishment for students who do not collect assignments by memorizing short letters. The factors that influence the interest in learning Islamic Religious Education students of SMA Negeri 1 Sungai Aur during the Covid-19 pandemic are internal and external.