Implementation of Positive Habits and Culture in Strengthening Student Character in Elementary Schools

Rifatul Mahfida, Surayanah Surayanah

Abstract


Character education is a fundamental component of elementary education that can be strengthened through consistent positive habits and a supportive school culture. This study aimed to describe the implementation of positive habits and school culture in strengthening students’ character, identify implementation challenges, and analyze changes in student behavior. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed at UPT SD Negeri Sawentar 04. Data were collected through observations, interviews with the principal and homeroom teachers, and documentation, then analyzed using data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings showed that character education was implemented through the Pagi Ceria program, religious activities, singing the national anthem, orderly lining up, class contracts, permission-seeking habits, character-based extracurricular activities, and collaboration with parents. These practices fostered religiosity, discipline, responsibility, politeness, cooperation, leadership, and nationalism. A positive school culture was reinforced through teacher role modeling, supervision, rewards, educational consequences, and continuous evaluation. Although limited funding, teachers’ workload, low student motivation, and minimal parental involvement remained challenges, the school addressed them through internal resource optimization, teacher coordination, parent communication, and regular evaluation. Overall, the program contributed to noticeable improvements in students’ discipline, responsibility, religiosity, and politeness.

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References


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ISSN: 2987-2448