KOMUNIKASI INTERPERSONAL GURU DENGAN MURID DALAM MEMBANGUN MOTIVASI BELAJAR SISWA BERKEBUTUHAN KHUSUS

Interpersonal communication is often used in learning activities in schools by applying classical and individual methods. Student learning motivation is formed due to the interpersonal communication process that exists between educators and students. The purpose of this study is to describe how interpersonal communication between teachers and children with special needs at SLB YPAC Surakarta in building learning motivation. The theory used in this study is the effectiveness of interpersonal communication according to Joseph A. Devito based on the characteristics of interpersonal communication, namely (openness, empathy, support, positivity, equality, appreciation, clarity, involvement, motivation). By using a qualitative descriptive method approach. The technique of taking informants uses a purposive sampling technique. The data collection technique uses triangulation of data sources (observation, interview, documentation). Based on the results of the research, interpersonal communication between teachers and ABK has gone well based on the theory from DeVito, this can be seen from Openness, students are able to tell stories openly with teachers, Empathy, students feel enthusiastic and motivated because they get attention from teachers, Support, students feel optimistic about the support given by teachers, Positive Feelings, students are able to build a sense of trust with teachers,  Equality, students do not hesitate with the teacher because the teacher is able to position themselves as friends and companions, Appreciation, students always feel proud and appreciated for their efforts because of the appreciation given by the teacher, Clarity, students always understand the teacher's instructions because they are given periodically until they are clear, Involvement, teachers always involve students in decision-making, Motivation, students can change their mindset and develop to achieve their potential.
 
Keywords: Interpersonal Communication; Children with Special Needs; Joseph A. DeVito; Learning Motivation