Memahami Jati Diri Bangsa: Peran Identitas Nasional dalam Membentuk Karakter Siswa di Sekolah

Abstract

National identity plays a crucial role in shaping students' characters within the school environment. This study aims to explore the extent of students' understanding of national identity, understand the role of teachers in integrating national identity values into education to shape students' characters, examine the influence of the understanding of national identity on students' social behavior in the school environment, and unearth the significant role of national identity in developing the nation's identity in the younger generation. The research utilizes a descriptive-qualitative approach, collecting data through observation, questionnaires, and document analysis. The average percentage of students' responses to Understanding National Identity: The Role of National Identity in Shaping Student Character at School at Santa Maria Middle School Class VIII-2 was 13.96% with a positive value and 1.04% with a negative value. So the students' responses were included in the very good category. Results indicate that the formation of students' characters in schools is highly influenced by their understanding and experiences related to national identity. National identity not only enriches historical, cultural, and local values but also serves as a foundation for cultivating patriotism, tolerance, and social responsibility. In this context, the role of educators and the school curriculum becomes pivotal in facilitating the understanding and internalization of national identity among students. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of the relationship between national identity and students' characters in schools and provides a basis for improving educational policies to strengthen the positive influence of national identity in shaping a generation with strong character and personality.