Implementation of the Character Education Curriculum in Cultivating Students' Morality at Raudhatul Athfal At Taufiq Salam Labuhanbatu Utara

  • Mursal Aziz STIT Al-Ittihadiyah Labuhanbatu Utara
  • Dedi Sahputra Napitupulu STIT Al-Ittihadiyah Labuhanbatu Utara
  • Dari Ayu Lestari STIT Al-Ittihadiyah Labuhanbatu Utara
Keywords: Character Education, Contextual Learning, Early Childhood Education, Moral Development, Moral Values, Teacher Role

Abstract

Purpose of the study: This study aimed to analyze the implementation of the character education curriculum at Raudhatul Athfal At Taufiq Salam Labuhanbatu Utara and its effectiveness in cultivating students' morality through early childhood education practices.

Methodology: This research employed a qualitative descriptive approach. Data were collected through observations, documentation, and interviews with teachers and school administrators. The study focused on how character values were embedded in daily school activities, thematic learning, teacher modeling, and school culture. Supporting literature and relevant documents were also analyzed to validate findings.

Main Findings: The findings revealed that character values such as religiosity, honesty, discipline, and social care were effectively instilled through an integrated approach. The main challenges included limited teacher understanding of character-based pedagogy, lack of synergy between school and parents, and inadequate facilities. Nonetheless, the character education practices at Raudhatul Athfal At Taufiq Salam contributed positively to students' moral development.

Novelty/Originality of this study: This study contributes to the field of early childhood education by highlighting the contextual implementation of character education within an Islamic preschool setting. It emphasizes the integration of moral values into routine learning, offering insights into best practices and practical challenges faced by educators in rural Indonesian schools.

Author Biographies

Mursal Aziz, STIT Al-Ittihadiyah Labuhanbatu Utara

Early Childhood Islamic Education Study Program, STIT Al-Ittihadiyah Labuhanbatu Utara, North Sumatra, Indonesia

Dedi Sahputra Napitupulu, STIT Al-Ittihadiyah Labuhanbatu Utara

Early Childhood Islamic Education Study Program, STIT Al-Ittihadiyah Labuhanbatu Utara, North Sumatra, Indonesia

Dari Ayu Lestari, STIT Al-Ittihadiyah Labuhanbatu Utara

Early Childhood Islamic Education Study Program, STIT Al-Ittihadiyah Labuhanbatu Utara, North Sumatra, Indonesia

References

M. Aziz, D. S. Napitupulu, and J. Siahaan, “Kartun Sebagai Media Pembelajaran Akhlakul Karimah Anak Usia Dini,” PELANGI: Jurnal Pemikiran dan Penelitian Islam Anak Usia Dini, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 57–71, Apr. 2024, doi: 10.52266/pelangi.v6i1.2613.

E. Mulyasa, Manajemen PAUD. Bandung: PT Remaja Rosdakarya, 2012.

M. Aziz, Z. Nasution, M. S. A. Lubis, Suhardi, and M. R. Harahap, “Tahfidzul Qur’an Curriculum Media Innovation in Islamic Boarding Schools,” Tafkir: Interdisciplinary Journal of Islamic Education, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 235–249, Apr. 2024, doi: 10.31538/tijie.v5i2.970.

M. Aziz, D. Sormin, M. R. Harahap, A. K. Siregar, Z. Nasution, and D. S. Napitupulu, “Early Childhood Education in the Perspective of the Koran,” International Journal of Early Childhood Special Education (INT-JECSE) , vol. 14, no. 3, pp. 1131–1138, 2022.

Y. Abidin, T. Mulyati, and H. Yunansah, Pembelajaran Literasi: Strategi Meningkatkan Kemampuan Literasi Matematika, Sains, Membaca dan Menulis. Jakarta: Bumi Aksara, 2021.

S. Herawati, W. Aprison, A. Mudinillah, R. Trisoni, E. Eliwatis, and R. Maimori, “Character and Morals Education in Era 4.0,” Darussalam: Journal of Psychology and Educational, vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 23–39, Jan. 2023, doi: 10.55849/djpe.v1i2.24.

M. Aziz, “Manajemen kurikulum dalam pengembangan budaya belajar di Madrasah Aliyah Mu’allimin Univa Medan,” Ittihad: Jurnal Pendidikan, vol. 1, no. 2, 2017.

A. Mappaenre, A. Hasanah, B. Samsul Arifin, Y. Nuraini, and R. Satria Wiwaha, “The Implementation of Character Education in Madrasah,” Attadrib: Jurnal Pendidikan Guru Madrasah Ibtidaiyah, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 166–181, Mar. 2023, doi: 10.54069/attadrib.v5i2.302.

Misrina, K. Nasir, and Diana, “Analisis Konsep dan Peran Pendidikan Karakter dalam Pengembangan Sikap Siswa: Studi Literatur dalam Konteks Madrasah,” AHDAF: Jurnal Pendidikan Agama Islam , vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 67–80, 2024.

M. Effendy, Hendarman, and D. Saryono, Konsep dan Pedoman Penguatan, Pendidikan, Karakter: Tingkat Sekolah Dasar dan Sekolah Menengah Pertama. Jakarta: Kemendikbud, 2018.

D. S. Napitupulu, “Nilai-Nilai Pendidikan Pada Kisah Nabi Adam AS,” TADRIS: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 243–256, 2017.

D. S. Napitupulu, A. Okatafera, D. Y. Lesmana, M. S. Humairoh, and S. R. Adawiyah, “Minat Peserta Didik pada Mata Pelajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam di Kabupaten Labuhanbatu Utara,” ISTIQRA: Jurnal Hasil Penelitian, vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 73–84, Jul. 2023, doi: 10.24239/IST.V11I1.1678.

L. Rusmin, S. Hasan, L. Rabani, M. M., and I. K. Suardika, “The Role of Civic Education in the Student Moral Development in Elementary School: A Descriptive Study,” Universal Journal of Educational Research, vol. 8, no. 12, pp. 6405–6414, Dec. 2020, doi: 10.13189/ujer.2020.081206.

S. Mustoip, “Analisis Penilaian Perkembangan dan Pendidikan Karakter di Kurikulum Merdeka Sekolah Dasar,” PANDU : Jurnal Pendidikan Anak dan Pendidikan Umum, vol. 1, no. 3, pp. 144–151, Aug. 2023, doi: 10.59966/pandu.v1i3.470.

H. S. Panggabean et al., “Upaya Guru PAI Menciptakan Suasana Pembelajaran yang Efektif,” Education & Learning, vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 6–11, Aug. 2021, doi: 10.57251/el.v1i2.52.

M. T. Yani, R. J. Rosyanafi, M. Hazin, B. Cahyanto, and F. Nuraini, “Profil Pelajar Pancasila dari Perspektif Persatuan Guru Nahdlatul Ulama (Pergunu) Kabupaten Kediri,” Jurnal Review Pendidikan Dasar : Jurnal Kajian Pendidikan dan Hasil Penelitian, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 1–8, Jan. 2024, doi: 10.26740/jrpd.v10n1.p1-8.

A. R. Azis, “Penanaman Pendidikan Karakter Anak Sekolah Dasar melalui Metode Mendongeng,” Cokroaminoto Journal of Primary Education, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 43–54, Apr. 2023, doi: 10.30605/cjpe.612023.2483.

N. Kurniati and M. Y. M. El-Yunusi, “Methods for Cultivating Students’ Personality and Morals Through Islamic Religious Education,” Bull Sci Technol Soc, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 25–30, Aug. 2023, Accessed: Jun. 01, 2025.

L. N. Sa’adah and I. Rindaningsih, “Analisis Pembelajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam dalam Membina Akhlak Siswa di SMA,” MODELING: Jurnal Program Studi PGMI, vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 1067–1079, 2024.

N. N. Hidayati and D. H. Nihayah, “A Comparative Study of Character Education Practices Across Nations: Lessons and Insights for Global Implementation,” Dewantara: Journal of Education Research, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 26–54, Jan. 2025, Accessed: Jun. 01, 2025.

D. Anurogo, D. S. Napitupulu, Khaerul, M. A. H. R., and Fadloli, Esensi Ilmu Pendidikan Islam Paradigma, Tradisi, dan Inovasi. Malang: Pustaka Peradaban, 2023.

J. Creswell, Riset pendidikan : Perencanaan, Pelaksanaan, dan Evaluasi Riset Kualitatif dan Kuantitatif . Yogyakarta: Pustaka Pelajar, 2015.

A. N. Hasudungan, “Paradigma Pedagogi Reflektif (PPR): Konstruksi Nilai-Nilai Karakter dalam Materi Sejarah Maritim Untuk Sekolah Menengah Atas,” Education & Learning, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 64–73, Aug. 2022, doi: 10.57251/el.v2i2.347.

W. Althof and M. W. Berkowitz, “Moral Education and Character Education: Their Relationship and Roles in Citizenship Education,” J Moral Educ, vol. 35, no. 4, pp. 495–518, Dec. 2006, doi: 10.1080/03057240601012204.

D. Narvaez and D. K. Lapsley, “Teaching Moral Character: Two Alternatives for Teacher Education,” The Teacher Educator, vol. 43, no. 2, pp. 156–172, Mar. 2008, doi: 10.1080/08878730701838983.

M. Muzakkir, Z. Hussin, and R. A. Razak, “Teachers’ Beliefs Towards Character Education Curriculum in Primary School: a Systematic Literature Review,” Educ 3 13, vol. 52, no. 8, pp. 1178–1192, Nov. 2024, doi: 10.1080/03004279.2022.2142478.

D. Ritonga and S. Napitupulu, “Implementasi Metode Pembelajaran Aktif dalam Meningkatkan Keterampilan Berpikir Kritis Siswa Sekolah Dasar,” Education & Learning, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 38–45, Mar. 2024, doi: 10.57251/el.v4i1.1292.

E. Yanti, “Dampak Pergaulan Bebas terhadap Kalangan Anak Remaja di Kecamatan Rantau Utara Kabupaten Labuhanbatu Tahun 2017,” CIVITAS (Jurnal Pembelajaran Dan Ilmu Civic), vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 9–15, Mar. 2017, doi: 10.36987/civitas.v1i1.1448.

I. Suciati, I. Idrus, H. Hajerina, N. Taha, and D. S. Wahyuni, “Character and Moral Education Based Learning in Students’ Character Development,” International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (IJERE), vol. 12, no. 3, p. 1185, Sep. 2023, doi: 10.11591/ijere.v12i3.25122.

A. Anisah, “Implementation Strengthening Education Character Student School Al-Anwar’s Foundations Through School Culture,” Assyfa Journal of Islamic Studies, vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 121–129, Dec. 2023, doi: 10.61650/AJIS.V1I2.296.

M. A. S. Siregar and A. S. Suboh, “Integrasi Kearifan Lokal dalam Pembelajaran Sejarah: Tinjauan atas Kurikulum Merdeka,” Education & Learning, vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 13–21, Feb. 2025, doi: 10.57251/el.v5i1.1596.

R. J. Damanik, S. A. Nababan, Pulung Sumantri, Muhammad Ricky Hardiyansyah, Muhammad Adika Nugraha, and Abdul Azis, “Implementasi Nilai-Nilai Kearifan Lokal dalam Pembelajaran Sejarah Sumatera Utara di Prodi Pendidikan Sejarah Universitas Islam Sumatera Utara,” Islamic Education, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 27–34, Jul. 2023, doi: 10.57251/ie.v3i1.1018.

A. Muthohar, “Implementation and Development Models of Character Education in School,” Tarbiyah Wa Ta’lim: Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan dan Pembelajaran, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 69–82, Jul. 2021, doi: 10.21093/TWT.V8I2.3236.

U. A. Mu’min, M. Al Azizah, B. M. Khutomi, and M. Waeno, “Strengthening Students’ Islamic Character Education at SMK Jamiyyatul Aulad Palabuhanratu by Cultivating Morals, Ethics and Culture,” EDUKASI: Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan Agama dan Keagamaan, vol. 23, no. 1, pp. 91–106, Apr. 2025, doi: 10.32729/edukasi.v23i1.2166.

S. Lestari and S. Sunarto, “Manajemen Pembelajaran Multikultural Untuk Menumbuhkan Nilai-Nilai Karakter Anak Melalui Konsep Tri N (Niteni, Nirokke, Nambahi) Di Kelompok Bermain Vanda Perta Rini Kalasan Sleman,” Media Manajemen Pendidikan, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 103–115, 2023.

A. Kusnadi, “Implementasi Kurikulum Merdeka Belajar dalam Pembinaan Akhlak Siswa di Sekolah Dasar Islam Al Azhar 13 Rawamangun, Jakarta Timur,” Al Qalam, vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 1–11, 2023.

I. Warsah, Destriani, R. Yudhi Septian, and Nurhayani, “Implementasi Kurikulum Tersembunyi Pada Mata Pelajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam di SMA Negeri 1 Rejang Lebong,” Al-Ikhtibar: Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 1–11, Jun. 2022, doi: 10.32505/ikhtibar.v9i1.3852.

Q. A’yun, M. B. A. Pamungkas, I. S. D. Agustin, I. Zahroh, R. G. Afandi, and Z. Zulkarnaen, “Penerapan Nilai Iman, Takwa dan Akhlak Mulia Profil Pelajar Pancasila dalam Membentuk Karakter Islami Siswa,” Tawazun: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 9–20, Mar. 2023, doi: 10.32832/tawazun.v16i1.8650.

Y. R. Nurhantara and R. D. Utami, “Implementasi Profil Pelajar Pancasila dalam Pembelajaran PAI dan Budi Pekerti Berbasis Merdeka Belajar,” Jurnal Elementaria Edukasia, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 736–746, Jun. 2023, doi: 10.31949/jee.v6i2.5142.

D. S. Napitupulu, “Implementasi Pendidikan Karakter pada Lembaga Pendidikan Islam,” ITQAN, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 67–80, 2018.

D. R. Ningsih, N. Ahyani, and M. J. Putra, “Implementasi Kurikulum Merdeka Belajar dalam Meningkatkan Strategi Pembelajaran dan Penguatan Pendidikan Karakter di SMA Negeri 2 Kikim Tengah,” AKADEMIK: Jurnal Mahasiswa Humanis, vol. 4, no. 3, pp. 1156–1167, Sep. 2024, doi: 10.37481/jmh.v4i3.1060.

S. Wiguna, N. Arafah, and R. A. Sulidana, “Implementasi Kurikulum Berkarakter dalam Pembentukan Akhlak Siswa Kelas VII SMP Negeri 5 Stabat,” JOEL: Journal of Educational and Language Research, vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 73–84, Sep. 2021, doi: 10.53625/joel.v1i2.351.

A. Rifa’i, N. E. Kurnia Asih, and D. Fatmawati, “Penerapan Kurikulum Merdeka pada Pembelajaran PAI Di Sekolah,” Jurnal Syntax Admiration, vol. 3, no. 8, pp. 1006–1013, Aug. 2022, doi: 10.46799/jsa.v3i8.471.

N. S. E. Putri, F. Setiani, and M. S. Al Fath, “Membangun Pendidikan Karakter Berbasis Kurikulum Merdeka Menuju Era Society 5.0,” Pedagogik: Jurnal Pendidikan, vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 194–201, Sep. 2023, doi: 10.33084/pedagogik.v18i2.5557.

M. Shalahuddin, L. Tansah, A. Hasanah, and B. S. Arifin, “Penanaman Nilai Akhlak Berbasis Pendidikan Islam Sebagai Landasan Teori Pendidikan Karakter di Sekolah,” PENDAS : Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan Dasar, vol. 9, no. 3, pp. 245–257, 2024.

T. Lickona, "Chapter IV: Educating for Character: A Comprehensive Approach," Teachers College Record, vol. 98, no. 6, pp. 45–62, 1997.

B. Wahyuni, Z. Zainuddin, M. Misbah, and M. B. Murshed, "Character-based physics learning module through generative learning model: Student conceptual understanding," Journal of Environment and Sustainability Education, vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 31–39, 2024.

Published
2025-06-13
How to Cite
[1]
M. Aziz, D. S. Napitupulu, and D. A. Lestari, “Implementation of the Character Education Curriculum in Cultivating Students’ Morality at Raudhatul Athfal At Taufiq Salam Labuhanbatu Utara”, Ind. Jou. Edu. Rsc, vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 312-320, Jun. 2025.
Section
Articles