Educational Management
Vol. 14 No. 3 (2025): Educational Management

Transformational Leadership in Developing Student Character through Extracurricular Activities: A Case Study in an Indonesian Elementary School

Jamaludin (Universitas Negeri Semarang)
Inaya Sari Melati (Universitas Negeri Semarang)



Article Info

Publish Date
12 Dec 2025

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to construct a model of principal leadership in developing student character through extracurricular activities in resource-limited elementary schools. The method used was qualitative with an intrinsic case study design at SD Negeri Mendala 01, Brebes. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and documentary studies, then analyzed interactively. The results show that: (1) The principal's transformational leadership demonstrated through exemplary behavior, inspirational vision, teacher empowerment, and clinical supervision is the main driver of the character ecosystem; (2) Extracurricular activities (Scouting, Volleyball, Arts, Theater, Painting) function as a "field of practice" and "living laboratory" that integrates Lickona's character education trilogy (moral knowing, feeling, action) through experiential learning; (3) A transformational impact is evident in the significant improvement of student character (such as discipline, responsibility, self-confidence, cooperation, creativity, patience), proven by the transfer of values to academic and home contexts, and a shift in school culture towards greater collaboration and value orientation. In conclusion, this study reconstructs a synergistic character development ecosystem model, driven by transformational leadership and effectively mediated through value-based extracurricular activities.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

eduman

Publisher

Subject

Education

Description

Educational Management is a peer-reviewed journal which publishes original contributions on education administration, management and leadership in the widest sense: on the management of schools of all types, and of further and higher education institutions; on administration and policy at all levels ...