Literature Learning as A Medium for The Character Building of Students

Abstract

Literature learning has a crucial role in building students’ characters as there are values in literary works that are useful for developing students’ personality. Through literary works, students can learn from the experiences of the characters and reflect on them when facing real-life problems. Literature learning is extremely important to be given in elementary school or Madrasah Ibtidaiyah since it has an impact on the development of students’ reading habits which can ultimately increase their understanding of humans and humanity, help them recognize values and produce new ideas, and broaden their knowledge. This article aims to describe literature learning as a medium for building students’ characters. The discussion focuses on the selection of literary teaching materials and the management of literature learning as a medium for the character building of students at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Negeri 1 Jember. Meanwhile, the analysis applied a qualitative approach. The results showed that the selection of literary teaching materials as a medium for the character building of students at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Negeri 1 Jember is based on the following considerations: (a) being in accordance with core competencies and basic competencies, (b) containing educational themes, (c) having a simple storyline/plot, (d) using settings that are familiar to children, (e) involving characters whose characterizations show good examples, (f) having language style that is easy to understand, and (g) giving moral messages appropriate to child development level. In addition, it is also known that in managing literature learning as a medium for character building, the learning process is carried out interactively in an inspiring and fun manner as to challenge and motivate students to participate actively and sufficient space is provided for initiative, creativity, and independence in accordance with the talents, interests, and physical and psychological developments of students.