<![CDATA[ABSTRACT Teachers’ understanding of students’ characteristics is an important component of pedagogical competence because students differ in their abilities, interests, learning styles, and learning needs. Classroom conditions in Grade V at SD Negeri 077312 Sonahanose indicate that some students remain less active, pay limited attention during lessons, and experience learning difficulties. This study aimed to analyze teachers’ pedagogical competence in understanding the characteristics of Grade V students at SD Negeri 077312 Sonahanose. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach with a case study design. The principal and Grade V classroom teacher were purposively selected based on their direct involvement in the learning process, while all Grade V students were included as supporting informants. Data were collected through observation, interviews, documentation, and questionnaires and analyzed through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that the teacher identified students’ characteristics through diagnostic assessment, observation, analysis of learning outcomes, and interaction to identify differences in abilities, interests, and learning styles. Instructional adjustments were made through the use of simple language, examples, question-and-answer activities, and varied learning activities; however, systematic mapping of student characteristics and individualized responses to learning difficulties had not been implemented consistently. A total of 69.6% of students reported that the teacher understood their learning styles. The findings indicate the need to strengthen the mapping and utilization of student characteristics as a basis for more adaptive learning. ABSTRAK Pemahaman guru terhadap karakteristik peserta didik merupakan bagian penting dari kompetensi pedagogik karena setiap peserta didik memiliki kemampuan, minat, cara belajar, dan kebutuhan yang berbeda. Kondisi pembelajaran di kelas V SD Negeri 077312 Sonahanose menunjukkan masih terdapat peserta didik yang kurang aktif, kurang memperhatikan pembelajaran, dan mengalami kesulitan belajar. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis kompetensi pedagogik guru dalam memahami karakteristik peserta didik kelas V di SD Negeri 077312 Sonahanose. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif dengan desain studi kasus. Kepala sekolah dan guru kelas V dipilih secara purposif berdasarkan keterlibatan langsung dalam pembelajaran, sedangkan seluruh peserta didik kelas V dilibatkan sebagai informan pendukung. Data dikumpulkan melalui observasi, wawancara, dokumentasi, dan angket, kemudian dianalisis melalui reduksi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa guru mengenali karakteristik peserta didik melalui asesmen diagnostik, observasi, analisis hasil belajar, dan interaksi untuk mengidentifikasi perbedaan kemampuan, minat, dan cara belajar. Penyesuaian pembelajaran dilakukan melalui bahasa sederhana, pemberian contoh, tanya jawab, dan variasi kegiatan, tetapi pemetaan karakteristik serta respons individual terhadap kesulitan belajar belum konsisten. Sebanyak 69,6% peserta didik menyatakan guru memahami cara belajar mereka. Temuan menunjukkan perlunya penguatan pemetaan dan pemanfaatan karakteristik peserta didik sebagai dasar pembelajaran yang lebih adaptif.]]>
