Indonesian Journal of Character Education Studies
Vol. 3 No. 1 (2026): Indonesian Journal of Character Education Studies 3(1) 2026

21st Century Character Education in Mathematics Learning for Elementary School Students

Desti Rahayu (Sekolah Dasar Negeri 2 Sukorejo, Klaten)
Sabar Narimo (Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta)
Achmad Fathoni (Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta)



Article Info

Publish Date
05 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background: Character education has become an essential component of 21st-century learning, emphasizing not only cognitive achievement but also the development of students’ moral values, responsibility, collaboration, and critical thinking. Mathematics learning at the elementary school level provides opportunities to integrate these character values through problem-solving and cooperative learning activities. Objective: This study aims to describe the implementation of 21st-century character education in mathematics learning for elementary school students. Method: This study employed a descriptive qualitative research design. The research was conducted at SD Negeri 2 Sukorejo, Klaten, in 2022. The participants included the principal, teachers, and students. Data were collected through classroom observation, interviews, and documentation. The validity of the data was ensured through source triangulation, while the data analysis process involved data collection, reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. Results: The findings indicate that 21st-century character education in mathematics learning is integrated into the Learning Implementation Plan (RPP) and classroom practices. Character values such as discipline, responsibility, cooperation, and critical thinking were embedded in learning activities and student interactions. Conclusion: Integrating character education into mathematics learning supports both academic understanding and character development among elementary students. Originality/Value: This study offers empirical novelty in the field of primary education and mathematics pedagogy by revealing the structured integration mechanism of 21st-century character values (discipline, responsibility, cooperation, and critical thinking) into lesson plans (RPP) and classroom interactions concerning the synergy between cognitive achievement and moral development within the context of elementary school mathematics learning, an area that has remained insufficiently documented. These findings enrich empirical evidence and serve as a strategic reference for designing character-infused mathematics teaching modules and teacher professional development programs.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

ijces

Publisher

Subject

Education

Description

Indonesian Journal of Character Education Studies (IJCES) (Online ISSN 3063-0401 - Print 3063-1513) is a peer-reviewed, open-access academic journal dedicated to advancing and disseminating state-of-the-art knowledge in the field of character education. The journal aims to serve as a platform for ...