Consistency, discipline, and role modeling: Examining the influence of school culture on student character in a rural vocational school
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64780/jole.v1i4.191Keywords:
Discipline Enforcement, Rural Vocational Education, School Culture, Student Character Development, Teacher Role ModelingAbstract
Background: Character formation in rural vocational schooling is shaped less by formal policies than by daily routines, teacher conduct, and the consistency of discipline. Where home based discipline is uneven, school culture becomes a key environment for internalizing values and learning attitudes.
Aims: This study examines how consistency in discipline enforcement and teacher role modeling, as core elements of school culture, influence student character, focusing on self confidence, positive values, and learning motivation in a rural vocational school.
Methods: A qualitative descriptive approach was applied. Data were collected through participatory observation, in depth interviews with students, teachers, and the principal, and document review of school rules and activity programs, enabling triangulation across sources.
Result: Teacher role modeling supported the internalization of responsibility, honesty, and respectful interaction, especially when teachers demonstrated punctuality, appropriate language, and empathy. Yet discipline was enforced inconsistently, creating a permissive climate that weakened students’ awareness of rules and accountability. Irregular non academic activities limited opportunities to develop cooperation, leadership, and civic mindedness. In addition, teacher centered classroom interaction reduced students’ confidence to express opinions and participate actively.
Conclusion: School culture shapes student character through repeated practice and visible adult example rather than written regulations alone. Strengthening discipline consistency, reinforcing teacher exemplarity, and widening participatory spaces through routine co curricular activities and more dialogic classroom interaction are essential for sustainable character development in rural vocational education.
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