To Implement Reward and Punishment Methods for Cultivating Independent Character in Primary School Students: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study

Aims: This study aims to: 1) analyze the implementation of reward and punishment in forming the independent character of elementary school students? 2) mapping the forms  of reward and punishment used in forming the independent character of elementary school students. Study Design:  The study adopted a qualitative approach with a phenomenological design. Place and Duration of Study: The research was conducted in Primary School State 1 Terong Tawah, West Lombok, Indonesia, between January 2023 and August 2023. Methodology: The author conducted in-depth interviews with two people, namely the school principal and class teacher. Apart from that, the author also made observations. The analysis procedure follows the interactive analysis recommended by Miles, Huberman, and Saldana, encompassing data collection, data condensation, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. To ensure data validity, the study employs data triangulation, including source triangulation and technique triangulation. Additionally, member checks contribute to data validation. Results: The findings reveal: 1) The implementation of reward and punishment in shaping the independence character of primary school students involves two processes: (1) Planning or Preparation of Reward and Punishment; (2) Implementation of Reward and Punishment during Learning. 2) Various forms of rewards are applied, such as giving stars, expressing commendatory phrases, and providing additional grades. Meanwhile, the forms of punishment administered to primary school students vary according to the nature of the mistakes, including reprimands, advice, additional assignments, and motivational strategies that aid in character formation. Conclusion: The reward and punishment methods used can be considered as methods that accommodate humanist values. Teachers do not provide punishment in the form of violence that has physical and psychological impacts.