Background: The formation of Islamic character among elementary students with special needs requires contextual, structured, and consistent strategies across school and family settings. Objective: To analyze teachers’ strategies for shaping the Islamic character of ABK at Fatma Kenanga Elementary School, Bengkulu City, and to map enabling and hindering factors. Method: Qualitative case study; purposive sampling of teachers and the principal. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focused observations, and document analysis, and analyzed using Miles and Huberman’s framework. Results: Character building employed four approaches: (1) exemplary conduct embedded in lesson plans and daily routines; (2) reinforcement of habitual practices; (3) social modeling; and (4) educative disciplinary measures. Implementation occurred daily with monthly character targets. Observable outcomes included worship practices, environmental stewardship, honesty (with variability), and discipline (persistent challenges with neatness after breaks). Supporting factors included educator solidarity and the relative ease of habit formation; family and neighborhood influences were ambivalent. Conclusion: When applied consistently and aligned with parental support, the combined strategies effectively strengthen the Islamic character of students with special needs. Contribution: This study proposes an integrative, operational framework that merges modeling, behaviorist reinforcement, and social learning for inclusive Islamic character education in elementary schools, together with practical guidance (daily routines, monthly targets, reinforcement, and educative sanctions) and an empirical basis for evaluating and developing ABK-friendly school policies.

Background: Islamic boarding schools play a vital role in providing religious education and fostering character development among students. One of the main aspects of character building is discipline and independence. The Darussalam Islamic Boarding School in Bengkulu City, Bengkulu, implements a development strategy that aims to shape students who are independent and disciplined, despite facing challenges from environmental factors surrounding the boarding school. Objective: This study aims to analyze the strategies for developing discipline and independence implemented at the Darussalam Islamic Boarding School, and to evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies in shaping the character of students. Method: This study employs a qualitative approach, utilizing a case study method. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and documentation. Data analysis was conducted thematically. Results: Discipline and independence are fostered through educational sanctions, such as cleaning the environment and participating in physical activities. This guidance is practical in fostering student awareness, although it is influenced by internal and external factors, such as family background and the environment surrounding the boarding school. Conclusion: Guidance at Darussalam Islamic Boarding School is practical; however, challenges from the external environment require attention. Contribution: This study contributes to the development of a more modern and relevant character-building model in Islamic boarding schools.

Background: Local wisdom refers to the environmental and cultural knowledge passed down through generations, which exists within community life. In education, integrating local wisdom can enhance character education by instilling moral values grounded in the local culture. Objective: This study aimed to explore the strategies employed by principals and teachers to enhance the character education of SDN Kawunggading students through locally wisdom-based games. Method: This research is qualitative in nature and employs a descriptive method. The study was conducted at SDN Kawunggading during the 2023 school year, with students as the subjects. Data were collected from the Principal and Homeroom Teacher using observation and interview techniques. The data analysis employed a descriptive analytical method. Results: The findings indicated that character education at Kawunggading Elementary School is implemented through local wisdom-based games, which help foster values such as honesty, tolerance, discipline, hard work, independence, responsibility, and friendliness (communicativeness). Conclusion: The integration of local wisdom-based games effectively supports the cultivation of character education, making it more relatable and meaningful for students. These games play a key role in promoting positive behaviors and values in students, while also preserving cultural heritage. Contribution: This study contributes to the understanding of how local wisdom-based methods can be effectively incorporated into character education in schools, offering practical insights into the use of cultural games to reinforce moral values among students.

Background: The integration of 21st-century character education in mathematics learning is crucial for developing students' academic and personal skills, ensuring they are prepared for future challenges. Objective: This study aims to describe the implementation of 21st-century character education in mathematics learning for elementary school students, specifically focusing on how these values are integrated into the curriculum at SD Negeri 2 Sukorejo, Klaten. Method: The research used a descriptive qualitative approach, involving the principal, teachers, and students as subjects. Data was collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, with validity ensured through source triangulation. Data analysis followed the steps of collection, reduction, presentation, and conclusion drawing. Results: The study found that the implementation of 21st-century character education at SD Negeri 2 Sukorejo was effectively integrated into the Learning Implementation Plan (RPP). This integration helped promote essential character values such as responsibility, critical thinking, and collaboration within mathematics learning. Conclusion: The implementation of 21st-century character education at SD Negeri 2 Sukorejo demonstrates that integrating character values into mathematics lessons can enhance students' academic skills and moral development. This approach contributes to preparing students for the challenges of the modern world. Contribution: The findings of this study provide valuable scientific information for teachers on how to integrate 21st-century character education into mathematics learning for elementary school students. It serves as a useful reference for educators seeking to foster character development alongside academic achievement.

Background: Islamic boarding schools often teach entrepreneurship alongside religious studies, yet the concrete linkage between entrepreneurial practice and character formation is not always explicit or systematically documented. Objective: To determine how Islamic entrepreneurship education shapes independent and responsible character among santri in Islamic boarding schools. Method: Descriptive qualitative research conducted in 2024 at Manager Tholabie Islamic Boarding School, Buring, Malang. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. Credibility was ensured via triangulation of sources and techniques. Data analysis followed four stages: data collection, data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing/verification. Result: Entrepreneurship instruction is deliberately connected to religious knowledge and delivered through an integrated curriculum. This alignment embeds entrepreneurial practice in daily religious learning and school routines, fostering santri independence and responsibility. Conclusion: A values-aligned, curriculum-integrated model of Islamic entrepreneurship education effectively cultivates independent and responsible character in the pesantren context. Contribution: The study clarifies how religious values and entrepreneurial practice can be operationally integrated at the levels of curriculum, pedagogy, and institutional routines, and highlights practical design elements that educators can replicate to strengthen character outcomes.

Background: Character education plays a vital role in shaping students’ behavior and attitudes, particularly in the development of social character during adolescenceSocial Science, as a subject that discusses human relationships and social phenomena, serves as a strategic medium for internalizing character values. Objective: This study aims to examine the implementation of character education through integrated Social Science learning in shaping the social character of junior high school students. Method: A descriptive qualitative approach was employed in this study, which was conducted at Al Hasib Junior High School, Pakis District, Malang Regency in 2024. Data collection techniques included interviews, observations, and documentation. Data were analyzed using Miles and Huberman’s interactive model, which consists of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. Data validity was ensured through triangulation of time and technique. Result: The findings show that the implementation of character education at Al Hasib Junior High School is conducted through three main school programs: (1) curriculum development that integrates character values into learning materials; (2) extracurricular and school-wide activities designed to cultivate students' social behavior; (3) evaluation mechanisms to assess character development; and (4) the application of core character pillars. Overall, these efforts align with the guidelines issued by the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture. Conclusion: Integrated Social Science learning can be effectively utilized as a vehicle for character education, especially in fostering social character among junior high school students. The structured programs and institutional policies at Al Hasib Junior High School have successfully supported this educational goal. Contribution: This study provides practical insights for educators and school policymakers into how character education can be systematically implemented through subject-based learning. It serves as a reference for schools aiming to integrate character values into their curriculum and build a strong social foundation in their students.

Background: The rapid development of social media has significantly influenced adolescent behavior and moral development, raising concerns about their character formation in the digital era. Objective: This study aims to determine the contribution of parents in fostering moral character in adolescents who use social media. Method: A qualitative approach with a phenomenological method was used. The research was conducted in Pagar Dewa Village, Selebar District, Bengkulu City, in 2023. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, and analyzed using the Miles and Huberman model. Result: The findings reveal that parents play a significant role in shaping their children's moral character by providing education, modeling ethical behavior, and offering guidance and advice. Conclusion: Parents have a major influence on the moral development of adolescents, particularly in teaching values and setting examples in the context of social media use. Contribution: This study provides valuable insights into parental involvement in fostering moral character in adolescents, contributing to the body of knowledge on character education in the digital age.

Background; Character education supports Islamic values in schools, with congregational prayer viewed as a means to instill moral and spiritual principles. However, the implementation and impact of such programs on students’ character development remain underexplored. Objective: This study aims to examine the implementation of the congregational prayer program in strengthening the Islamic character of high school students, particularly focusing on the development of gratitude. Method: The research employed a qualitative approach with a phenomenological paradigm. It was conducted at SMA Muhammadiyah 4 Bengkulu in 2022. Data were collected through three primary techniques: (1) participant observation, (2) in-depth interviews, and (3) documentation. The analysis was carried out using the deduction, induction, and comparison methods. Result: The findings reveal that the implementation of Dhuha and Zuhur congregational prayers contributes significantly to shaping students' gratitude character. This development is evident in three dimensions: physical (behavioral discipline), psychological (emotional awareness and sincerity), and social (togetherness and mutual respect). Conclusion: The congregational prayer program effectively fosters Islamic character in students, particularly the value of gratitude. Routine practice and a supportive school environment play a critical role in reinforcing this character. Contribution: This research provides valuable insights into how religious practices, such as congregational prayer, can be integrated into school programs to support character education. It serves as a scientific reference for educators and policymakers aiming to strengthen Islamic values in educational institutions.

Background: Student interest in pursuing primary education has been declining in Anambra State, Nigeria, raising concerns about the future of foundational education and its role in national development. Understanding the root causes of this trend is essential for implementing effective interventions. Objective: This study aimed to explore the factors responsible for the waning enthusiasm for primary education among students in Anambra State and to propose strategies to address this issue. Method: A survey research design was adopted, targeting students enrolled in primary and early childhood education programs across tertiary institutions in Anambra State. Data were collected using a self-structured questionnaire administered via Google Forms. The instrument was validated by experts and tested for reliability. Responses from 100 participants were analyzed using SPSS, employing weighted mean scores to determine the perceived influence of various factors. Result: The analysis revealed that several interconnected factors contributed to the declining interest in primary education. These included poor educational infrastructure, insufficient funding, low levels of motivation among students and teachers, negative societal perceptions, and a shortage of qualified teaching staff. Conclusion: The findings indicate an urgent need for comprehensive reforms in primary education. Addressing these challenges through targeted investment, motivation initiatives, public perception campaigns, and strategic recruitment efforts is essential to revitalize student interest and strengthen the primary education system. Contribution: This study contributes to educational research by offering empirical insights into the specific challenges affecting primary education in Anambra State. It also provides practical recommendations for policymakers and education stakeholders aimed at improving student enrollment and interest in the field.

Background: This study aims to identify the challenges in implementing character education in Islamic Elementary Schools. Method: A qualitative research approach was used, conducted at MI Al-Ittihadul Islamiyah, Ampenan, in 2022. The research subjects included teachers and students. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The data analysis process involved three steps: data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing/verification. Result: The implementation of character education at MI Al-Ittihadul Islamiyah Ampenan has been relatively effective, integrating character education into school management, learning activities, and extracurricular programs. Conclusion: Character education in Islamic Elementary Schools can be successfully implemented through a holistic approach involving school administration, curriculum integration, and student engagement in extracurricular activities. Contribution: This study serves as a reference for future research on character education implementation, particularly in Islamic Elementary Schools.