Integrating the 21st Century Character Values for Elementary School Students

Abstract

This study aims to reveal the integration of character values needed by elementary school students to face the challenges of the 21st century. This study used the explanatory sequential mixed method design starting from quantitative research and then linked to qualitative research. A sample of 654 students and 100 elementary school teachers is established using the stratified random sampling
technique based on district area, school status, and school accreditation category. The instrument measures six aspects of the character of the 21st century, namely mindfulness, curiosity, courage, resilience, ethics, and leadership. The results of the Multivariate Analysis of Variance show that there are significant differences in the integration of the character values of the 21st century in terms of the district area. Kulon Progo Regency is significantly higher in integration than other districts. The integration of the character values of the 21st century is carried out on three bases, namely class, school culture, and society. The positive impact of integration, namely: balanced cognitive abilities, sensitivity to the surrounding environment is built, self-confidence is formed, empathy is formed, a soul full of responsibility is built, and emotional intelligence is possessed.