Strengthening School Culture through Islamic Values in Student Character Formation: A Case Study at a Public Elementary School in Balikpapan

Abstract

This study aims to examine the strengthening of school culture through the internalization of Islamic values in student character formation at SD Negeri 014 Balikpapan Kota. This qualitative study employed a case study design involving the principal and vice principal as purposively selected informants. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation and analyzed using the interactive model of Miles and Huberman. The findings indicate that school culture was strengthened through teacher role modeling, routine habituation, environmental conditioning, curriculum integration, and continuous evaluation. Islamic values were reflected in religious habituation and prayer practices, and were integrated with character values such as discipline, responsibility, politeness, independence, cooperation, and respect. The findings also indicate observable changes in students’ discipline, responsibility, independence, self-confidence, and social behavior. The study concludes that school culture in a public elementary school can provide a context for internalizing Islamic and moral values through systematic habituation, role modeling, and collaboration among school stakeholders.