Embedding Honesty in School Culture: Local Wisdom, Habituation, and Character Education in an Indonesian Madrasah

Abstract

Character education develops pupils’ integrity and responsibility. Local wisdom can contextualize moral values, but translating them into honest behavior remains challenging. This study examines how local-wisdom-based education fosters honesty at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Misbahul Huda, Probolinggo, Indonesia. A qualitative case study explored implementation practices and contextual influences in this setting. Interviews, observations, and documents were systematically analyzed through data condensation, display, conclusion drawing, and verification, supported by triangulation. Findings show that cooperation, trustworthiness, responsibility, respect, and local etiquette inform lessons, routines, teacher modeling, and school culture. These values are linked to behaviors such as independent work, admitting mistakes, and returning found belongings. Habituation, guidance, and positive recognition are used to reinforce honesty. Nevertheless, copying and inaccurate explanations persist, showing that moral instruction does not guarantee consistent conduct: leadership commitment, religious culture, and teacher modeling support implementation. Conversely, inconsistent home-school expectations and a lack of written guidance constrain it. The study proposes a framework linking local values, curriculum, habituation, family–community collaboration, and behavioural monitoring. It links cultural values with observable indicators of honesty. Practically, the findings support coordinated guidance and systematic monitoring; future research should test the framework across settings and over time.