Implementation of Character Management Through an Ethnopedagogical Approach at SMPN Satap Kalama

Character education often feels rigid if it is not connected to the local culture where students live. SMPN Satap Kalama has a significant opportunity to shape student character through local wisdom values (ethnopedagogy) so that students are not only academically intelligent but also possess conduct that aligns with their regional identity.

This study aims to determine how the school plans, implements, and evaluates character education based on culture and local wisdom at SMPN Satap Kalama using qualitative methods. The researcher collected data through interviews with teachers and the school principal, direct observations at the school, and by documenting school activity records related to culture.

The research findings indicate that:

1.      Planning: The school incorporates local cultural values into classroom learning materials.

2.      Implementation: Student character is formed through daily habituation, such as the use of polite regional language and mutual cooperation (gotong royong) activities within the school environment.

3.      Evaluation: Teachers monitor changes in student behavior through direct observation and communication with parents.

The implementation of character education management using an ethnopedagogical approach at SMPN Satap Kalama is proceeding effectively. This approach enables students to better appreciate their own culture while still keeping pace with modern developments.