Analysis of Learning Patterns in Shaping Student Character: A Comparative Study of Muhammadiyah ASEAN Elementary School and Batam State Elementary School

Abstract

This study aims to analyze and compare instructional approaches to character building at the primary education level, using a case study of two elementary schools in Batam City: SD Muhammadiyah ASEAN and SDN 004 Batu Aji. As an urban area with high social heterogeneity, fostering character in children from an early age presents both a challenge and a crucial necessity. Employing a qualitative approach with a comparative study design, data were collected through participant observation, in-depth interviews with principals, classroom teachers, and religious education teachers, as well as an analysis of curriculum documents from both partner institutions. The findings reveal that SD Muhammadiyah ASEAN implements a character-building approach based on "Theological-Spiritual Habitualization," wherein *Al-Islam* and *Kemuhammadiyahan* (AIK) values ​​are integrated into all aspects of instruction and reinforced through the habitual practice of intensive daily worship. Meanwhile, SDN 004 Batu Aji employs a "Structural-Civic Regulation" approach centered on the Project to Strengthen the Pancasila Student Profile (P5) within the *Kurikulum Merdeka* (Independent Curriculum), focusing on values ​​of inclusivity, nationalism, and religious tolerance in the public sphere. The primary distinction lies in the source of legitimacy for character reinforcement (theological-traditional versus juridical-national). The study concludes that both approaches possess complementary strengths; if synergized, they could form an ideal character education model for primary-school-aged children in industrial urban areas.