School Environment on the Character Building 

SUMMARY

Existing Knowledge:

• A positive school environment is essential for shaping students' behavior, particularly in developing discipline and politeness.

• Previous studies have shown that teachers play a critical role as role models in instilling these values in students through the school environment.

New Insights from this Study:

• This study confirmed that the school environment significantly influences the formation of disciplinary and polite behavior in primary school students.

• A linear regression analysis revealed that a conducive school environment positively impacts students' discipline and politeness, with a significance value of 0.001 (p < 0.05).

Putting Research into Practice:

• Teachers and schools should focus on creating a structured, positive learning environment that emphasizes obedience, respect, and polite behavior.

• Schools should implement practical strategies such as habitual routines, exemplary behavior, and structured rules to promote discipline and politeness in students.

A New Beginning at Maplewood Primary

At Maplewood Primary, Principal Hart had always believed that the school environment played a key role in shaping students' behavior. This year, she wanted to focus on two essential qualities: discipline and politeness. Inspired by a study she had read by Novi Rosita Rahmawati and colleagues, she set out to create an environment that would foster these traits in every student.

The study emphasized how the school environment—from teacher interactions to daily routines—had a profound impact on building student character. Principal Hart realized that every aspect of Maplewood’s culture needed to reinforce the values of respect and orderliness, not just in the classroom but throughout the entire school.

To begin, teachers were trained to model politeness in every interaction. Simple gestures like greeting students warmly in the morning and thanking them for their efforts were incorporated into daily routines. Mrs. Evans, one of the teachers, noticed how even small acts of politeness, like saying “please” and “thank you,” began to influence her third graders. Soon, the students were echoing these manners with one another.

Discipline was another area that needed strengthening. The study highlighted the importance of consistency in maintaining discipline across the school. Principal Hart worked with the staff to develop clear, school-wide expectations for behavior. Whether in the classroom, the lunchroom, or the playground, the same standards applied. Students were expected to be on time, follow rules, and show respect for their peers and teachers.

To reinforce these values, the school implemented a reward system where students were recognized for demonstrating both discipline and politeness. Every Friday, Principal Hart would call out students who had shown exceptional discipline in their studies or politeness in their interactions, and they would receive a special "Maplewood Manners" badge.

Over time, the school began to see real changes. Students were more punctual, followed rules more diligently, and interactions became noticeably more respectful. Teachers no longer had to remind students about basic manners, as these behaviors had become second nature.

Mrs. Evans reflected on the transformation she saw in her classroom. Her once energetic and chaotic group of students had grown into a more disciplined, respectful class. They were more focused during lessons and spoke kindly to one another, creating a positive learning environment for everyone.

By the end of the year, Maplewood Primary was proud of the progress they had made. Principal Hart’s focus on creating a supportive and structured school environment had helped build a foundation of discipline and politeness in every student. The lessons from Rahmawati's study had come to life, showing that with the right environment, schools could truly shape the character of their students for the better.

Reference:

Article Title: The Influence of School Environment on the Character Building of Discipline and Politeness of Primary School Students.

Authors: Novi Rosita Rahmawati, Prio Utomo, Aulia Rohmawati.

Journal: Indonesian Journal of Character Education Research. Year: 2023 

Key Terms: Character; Discipline; Politeness; School environment