EXAMINING THE ROLE OF P5 ACTIVITIES IN PROMOTING CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Abstract

This study analyses the positive impact of P5 (Projek Penguatan Profil Pelajar Pancasila) activities on character development in Group B children at TKIT Syeikh Abdurrauf, Banda Aceh. P5 is an innovative learning approach within the Merdeka Curriculum, designed to strengthen students' character based on Pancasila values through project-based learning. This research employs a qualitative descriptive method, using data collected through in-depth interviews and documentation, involving the school principal and three Group B teachers over four consecutive semesters from 2022-2024. The research participants consisted of four individuals selected through purposive sampling. Data analysis followed Miles and Huberman's model through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing, with validity ensured through source and method triangulation. The findings reveal that P5 implementation over the past two years has successfully developed six dimensions of the Pancasila Student Profile: faith and piety toward God Almighty, appreciation of global diversity, mutual cooperation, independence, critical thinking, and creativity. Critical thinking emerged as the most prominent characteristic, as evidenced by children's enhanced problem-solving abilities and independent decision-making skills. The positive impacts extend beyond individual child development to encompass multiple stakeholders: (1) children demonstrated significant improvements in cooperation, independence, critical reasoning, creativity, responsibility, and religious values; (2) the institution gained national recognition as a model school for P5 implementation, attracting educators from across regions for benchmarking visits and winning national-level project competitions; (3) parents showed increased confidence and enthusiasm in enrolling their children, evidenced by high retention rates among siblings; and (4) teachers enhanced their professional creativity in designing and implementing contextual learning activities. This study contributes valuable insights into how P5 can serve as an effective medium for character education in early childhood settings, particularly in the context of first-generation pilot schools implementing the Merdeka Curriculum. The research provides practical implications for PAUD institutions seeking to adopt project-based character education approaches aligned with Pancasila values and demonstrates the sustainability of character development through structured project-based learning