Changes In Pupils’ Behaviour Through Character-Building Programmes In Primary Schools: An Analysis of Discipline, Responsibility, Religiosity and Politeness

Dhiya Nasywa (State University of Malang, Indonesia)
Surayanah Surayanah (State University of Malang, Indonesia)

Proceedings Series of Educational Studies
2026: International Conference of Research Innovation and Technology on Elementary Education (ICRITE

The development of character in primary school pupils requires an ongoing process through consistent experiences and habit-forming activities. Character-building programmes are one of the strategies schools use to help pupils internalise positive values so that these develop into part of their everyday behaviour. This study aims to describe the implementation of character-building programmes and to analyse changes in pupils’ behaviour in terms of discipline, responsibility, religious devotion and politeness. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach and was conducted at the Sawentar 04 State Primary School. Data were collected through observation, interviews with the headteacher and class teachers, and documentation. Data analysis was carried out through the stages of data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results of the study indicate that the character- building programme was implemented through ‘Pagi Ceria’ (Cheerful Mornings), religious practices, line-up activities, class contracts, the practice of asking for permission, cleanliness activities, the awarding of rewards and educational consequences, as well as character- based extracurricular activities. The consistent implementation of the programme demonstrated positive developments in pupils’ behaviour. A transformation in discipline was evident in the increased orderliness of pupils in participating in school activities and adhering to rules. A sense of responsibility developed through an awareness of completing tasks, looking after personal belongings, and maintaining a clean environment. Religious devotion was strengthened through the habit of praying and participating in religious activities, whilst politeness developed through the habit of greeting others, asking for permission, using polite language, and respecting teachers and peers. The research findings indicate that the transformation of pupils’ behaviour occurs gradually through a process of habit formation, role modelling, reinforcement, supervision and environmental support. Thus, a character- building programme implemented consistently can serve as a strategy for reinforcing positive behaviour among primary school pupils.