Implementation of Character Education in Citizenship Education (PKn) Learning in Elementary Schools

Abstract

Character education is an essential component in shaping the personality of elementary school students. Civics Education (Citizenship Education / Civics) plays a strategic role in instilling character values such as nationalism, responsibility, tolerance, and integrity. This study aims to analyze the concepts, strategies, and challenges of implementing character education through Civics learning in elementary schools. The research method employed is a literature review by examining relevant academic journals, books, and scholarly works. Data analysis was conducted using a thematic approach by categorizing findings based on the focus of the study. The results indicate that character education can be effectively integrated through contextual learning, teacher role modeling , value-based learning models, and social project activities. However, the implementation of character education still faces several challenges, including limited instructional time, the dominance of cognitive-oriented assessment, and teachers' lack of understanding in integrating character values. Therefore, curriculum support, improvement of teachers' competencies, and a supportive school culture are required to optimize the strengthening of students' character.