Analysis of the implementation of psychological foundations in strengthening character in elementary school students

Abstract

This study is motivated by the importance of strengthening students’ character through psychological approaches within a boarding school environment. The aim of this study is to analyze the implementation of psychological foundations in strengthening students’ character at SD El-Ma’arif Boarding School, West Pasaman Regency. This study employed a qualitative approach with a case study design. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, and analyzed using data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing techniques. The findings indicate that character strengthening is implemented through the integration of academic and dormitory activities over a 24-hour period, including congregational prayers, Qur’an memorization (tahfidz), discipline, and structured social interactions. Educational psychology approaches, particularly behaviorism, social learning, and humanistic perspectives, play a significant role in shaping students’ religious, disciplined, and responsible character through habituation, modeling, and reinforcement. However, the implementation faces several challenges, including student fatigue, social conflicts, and the influence of the digital era. This study implies the need for a more holistic approach by integrating meaningful habituation, role modeling, emotional support, and digital literacy within Islamic education to foster students’ internal awareness in practicing Islamic values.

Abstrak

Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh pentingnya penguatan karakter siswa melalui pendekatan psikologis dalam lingkungan pendidikan berbasis boarding school. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis implementasi landasan psikologis dalam penguatan karakter siswa di SD El-Ma’arif Boarding School Kabupaten Pasaman Barat. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan jenis studi kasus. Data dikumpulkan melalui observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi, serta dianalisis menggunakan teknik reduksi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penguatan karakter siswa dilakukan melalui integrasi kegiatan pembelajaran dan kehidupan asrama selama 24 jam, yang diwujudkan melalui pembiasaan ibadah berjamaah, tahfidz Al-Qur’an, kedisiplinan, serta interaksi sosial yang terarah. Pendekatan psikologi pendidikan, khususnya behavioristik, sosial, dan humanistik, berperan dalam membentuk karakter religius, disiplin, dan tanggung jawab melalui mekanisme pembiasaan, keteladanan, dan penguatan. Namun demikian, implementasi tersebut masih menghadapi tantangan berupa kejenuhan siswa, konflik sosial, serta pengaruh perkembangan era digital. Penelitian ini berimplikasi pada pentingnya penguatan pendekatan yang lebih holistik melalui integrasi pembiasaan yang bermakna, keteladanan, pendampingan emosional, dan literasi digital dalam pembelajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam.