Character education serves as a crucial foundation in shaping student behavior at the elementary school level. Research conducted by Andi Agusniati, A. Rizal, Nurwidyayanti, and Burhan from Universitas Bosowa in May 2026 evaluates the effectiveness of the "Found Box" program as a habituation strategy to instill the values of honesty and social care.
Background and Objectives
As an educational institution, schools are responsible not only for academic intelligence but also for moral development. The Found Box program was designed as a school-based initiative to habituate students to act honestly when finding items belonging to others and to foster a sense of social care. This study aims to describe the implementation of the program and its impact on school culture.
Research Methodology
This research employs a descriptive qualitative method, with data collected through:
- Participatory observation.
- In-depth interviews with school stakeholders.
- Documentation analysis. The study was conducted over one semester at UPT SPF SD Negeri Kompleks IKIP I, Makassar.
Key Findings
The study demonstrates that the Found Box program successfully yielded positive impacts on students:
- Habituation of Honesty: The obligation to deposit found items into a designated box and record them in a logbook gradually builds students' integrity by discouraging them from taking items that do not belong to them.
- Strengthening Social Care: The program creates a school culture where students are more sensitive and responsible toward the interests of others.
- Positive School Culture: Consistent implementation has transformed honesty from a forced compliance into an ingrained part of the students' daily school culture.
Implications for Educational Practice
The authors suggest several steps for the success of similar programs in other schools:
- Consistency of Habituation: Character education is most effective when conducted through continuous habituation, rather than mere theory.
- Exemplary Modeling: Teachers and school staff must serve as primary models by demonstrating honest and caring behavior, providing students with tangible references.
- Structured Systems: Providing physical facilities (the Found Box) and clear recording systems significantly helps students understand the proper procedures to follow when they find lost items.
Author Profile:
- Andi Agusniati, Universitas Bosowa.
- A. Rizal, Universitas Bosowa.
- Nurwidyayanti, Universitas Bosowa.
- Burhan Universitas Bosowa.
Research Source: Agusniati, A., Rizal, A., Nurwidyayanti, & Burhan. (2026). "Strengthening Honest and Caring Character through the Found Box Program at UPT SPF SD Negeri Kompleks IKIP I". Journal of Educational Analytics (JEDA), 5(2), 616-625.
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