This study examines the effects of integrating authentic materials into instructional practices on students’ intrinsic motivation and listening skills. A mixed-method research design was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a comprehensive analysis. The participants consisted of 70 junior high school students from an Islamic private school in Batam, with 30 students selected purposively for detailed investigation. Quantitative data were collected through structured instruments measuring motivation and listening performance, while qualitative data explored students’ perceptions and experiences.

The findings reveal that the use of authentic materials significantly enhances students’ intrinsic motivation and improves their listening skills. Authentic materials provide meaningful and contextually relevant input, which encourages active student engagement in the learning process. This increased engagement contributes to both motivational and cognitive development. Therefore, integrating authentic materials into the curriculum can be considered an effective strategy for improving student motivation and strengthening listening competencies in English language learning contexts