Integrating Jawi Language curriculum and character education in Thai Primary Schools: A qualitative case study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35719/educare.v6i2.385Keywords:
Character Education, Jawi Language Curriculum, Contextual Integration, Transformative LearningAbstract
The lack of effective integration between the Jawi language curriculum and character education in Thai primary schools; challenges in teachers’ pedagogical adaptation; limited contextual learning materials; difficulties in students’ internalization of character values; the role of teacher autonomy and institutional support in implementation; the influence of socio-cultural context and community involvement on the sustainability of character education. This qualitative single-case study at Santiwitiya School, Thailand, examined Jawi curriculum integration in character education. Data were collected via classroom observations, interviews with principal, teacher, and student, and document analysis, then thematically analyzed using an interactive model, with trustworthiness ensured through triangulation, member checking, and ethical procedures. The findings indicate that Jawi-based character education at Santivitiya School is influenced by curriculum institutionalization, teacher autonomy, pedagogical capacity, and socio-cultural context. Lesson plans and worksheets ensure consistency but may limit flexibility. Effective character formation requires teacher autonomy, institutional support, community involvement, and active, contextual learning to address linguistic challenges. This study highlights the importance of balancing curriculum standardization with teacher autonomy and socio-cultural engagement, providing insights for effective Jawi-based character education and informing policy, pedagogy, and community collaboration.
References
Alhamad, B. M., & Aladwan, R. (2019). Balancing centralization and decentralization management at University of Bahrain. Quality Assurance in Education, 27(2), 237–250. https://doi.org/10.1108/QAE-01-2018-0005
Al-Harbi, S. S. (2024). Language development and acquisition in early childhood. EDULEARN, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.11591/edulearn.v14i1.14209
Ali, Z., Ullah, N., Yaqoob, N., & Saba, F. (2023). Teachers' perceptions of curriculum change and the need of professional development for effective teaching practices. SSRN. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5164465
Almeida, F., & Morais, J. (2024). Non-formal education as a response to social problems in developing countries. E-Learning and Digital Media, 22(2), 122–138. https://doi.org/10.1177/20427530241231843
Amin, M., & Ritonga, A. D. (2024). Diversity, local wisdom, and unique characteristics of millennials as capital for innovative learning models: Evidence from North Sumatra, Indonesia. Societies, 14(12), 260. https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14120260
Ammar, M., Al-Thani, N. J., & Ahmad, Z. (2024). Role of pedagogical approaches in fostering innovation among K-12 students in STEM education. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 9, 100839. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2024.100839
Anderson-Butcher, D., Bates, S., Lawson, H. A., Childs, T. M., & Iachini, A. L. (2022). The community collaboration model for school improvement: A scoping review. Education Sciences, 12(12), 918. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci12120918
Assalihee, M., Bakoh, N., Boonsuk, Y., & Songmuang, J. (2024). Transforming Islamic education through lesson study (LS): A classroom-based approach to professional development in southern Thailand. Education Sciences, 14(9), 1029. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14091029
Azoulay, R., Hirst, T., & Reches, S. (2025). Large language models in computer science classrooms: Ethical challenges and strategic solutions. Applied Sciences, 15(4), 1793. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15041793
Banha, F., Flores, A., & Coelho, L. S. (2022). Quantitizing qualitative data from semi-structured interviews: A methodological contribution in the context of public policy decision-making. Mathematics, 10(19), 3597. https://doi.org/10.3390/math10193597
Bingham, A. J. (2023). From data management to actionable findings: A five-phase process of qualitative data analysis. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 22, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069231183620
Biwer, F., oude Egbrink, M. G. A., Aalten, P., & de Bruin, A. B. H. (2020). Fostering effective learning strategies in higher education–A mixed-methods study. Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition, 9(2), 186–203. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jarmac.2020.03.004
Burhanudin, J. (2022). Two Islamic writing traditions in Southeast Asia: Kitab Jawi and Kitab Kuning with reference to the works of Da’ud al-Fatani and Nawawi al-Bantani. Al-Jami’ah: Journal of Islamic Studies, 60(1), 1–28. https://doi.org/10.14421/ajis.2022.601.1-28
Chen, H.-H., & Yuan, Y.-H. (2021). The study of the relationships of teacher’s creative teaching, imagination, and principal’s visionary leadership. SAGE Open, 11(3), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440211029932
Cheong, H., Lyons, A., Houghton, R., & Majumdar, A. (2023). Secondary qualitative research methodology using online data within the context of social sciences. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 22, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069231180160
Cohen, J., & Grossman, P. (2016). Respecting complexity in measures of teaching: Keeping students and schools in focus. Teaching and Teacher Education, 55, 308–317. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2016.01.017
Cojorn, K., & Sonsupap, K. (2024). A collaborative professional development and its impact on teachers' ability to foster higher order thinking. Journal of Education and Learning (EduLearn), 18, 561–569. https://doi.org/10.11591/edulearn.v18i2.21182
Coluzzi, P. (2020). Jawi, an endangered orthography in the Malaysian linguistic landscape. International Journal of Multilingualism, 19(4), 630–646. https://doi.org/10.1080/14790718.2020.1784178
Coombs, H. (2022). Case study research: Single or multiple [White paper]. Southern Utah University. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7604301
de Jong, L., Meirink, J., & Admiraal, W. (2022). School-based collaboration as a learning context for teachers: A systematic review. International Journal of Educational Research, 112, 101927. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2022.101927
Diah, N. M., & Mat Zin, N. A. (2011). Digital training tool framework for Jawi character formation. In H. Badioze Zaman et al. (Eds.), Visual informatics: Sustaining research and innovations. IVIC 2011. Lecture notes in computer science (Vol. 7066), pp. (151–160). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-25191-7_16
Do, H. N., Do, B. N., & Nguyen, M. H. (2023). 3How do constructivism learning environments generate better motivation and learning strategies? The Design Science Approach. Heliyon, 9(12), e22862. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22862
Dursun, F., & Aykan, A. (2025). Exploring teachers’ narratives: Challenges and strategies for enhancing the teaching process. SAGE Open, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440251332557
Ebneyamini, S., & Moghadam, M. R. S. (2018). Toward developing a framework for conducting case study research. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 17(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1177/1609406918817954
El Zaatari, W., & Maalouf, I. (2022). How the Bronfenbrenner bio-ecological system theory explains the development of students’ sense of belonging to school? SAGE Open, 12(4). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440221134089
Elsayed, W. (2024). Building a better society: The vital role of family's social values in creating a culture of giving in young children's minds. Heliyon, 10(7), e29208. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29208
Filipe, J., Baptista, M., & Conceição, T. (2024). Integrated STEAM Education for Students’ Creativity Development. Education Sciences, 14(6), 676. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14060676
Finders, J., Wilson, E., & Duncan, R. (2023). Early childhood education language environments: considerations for research and practice. Frontiers in psychology, 14, 1202819. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1202819
Ghalebi, R., Sadighi, F., & Bagheri, M. S. (2020). Vocabulary learning strategies: A comparative study of EFL learners. Cogent Psychology, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311908.2020.1824306
Hanaysha, J. R., Shriedeh, F. B., & In'airat, M. (2023). Impact of classroom environment, teacher competency, information and communication technology resources, and university facilities on student engagement and academic performance. International Journal of Information Management Data Insights, 3(2), 100188. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jjimei.2023.100188
Haniah, A. R., Aman, A., & Setiawan, R. (2020). Integration of strengthening of character education and higher order thinking skills in history learning. Journal of Education and Learning (EduLearn), 14(2), 183–190. https://doi.org/10.11591/edulearn.v14i2.15010
Hegseth, W. M., & Miller, A. F. (2024). Taking a stance: A comparative study of education systems in environments. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.3102/01623737241296900
Hennessy, S., D’Angelo, S., McIntyre, N., Koomar, S., Kreimeia, A., Cao, L., Brugha, M., & Zubairi, A. (2022). Technology use for teacher professional development in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review. Computers and Education Open, 3, 100080. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeo.2022.100080
Herlinawati, H., Marwa, M., Ismail, N., Junaidi, Oktavia Liza, L., & Situmorang, D. D. B. (2024). The integration of 21st century skills in the curriculum of education. Heliyon, 10(15), e35148. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35148
Hossain, K. I. (2024). Reviewing the role of culture in English language learning: Challenges and opportunities for educators. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 9, 100781. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2023.100781
Howson, C. K., & Kingsbury, M. (2021). Curriculum change as transformational learning. Teaching in Higher Education, 28(8), 1847–1866. https://doi.org/10.1080/13562517.2021.1940923
Javaid, M., Haleem, A., Singh, R. P., Khan, S., & Khan, I. H. (2023). Unlocking the opportunities through ChatGPT tool towards ameliorating the education system. BenchCouncil Transactions on Benchmarks, Standards and Evaluations, 3(2), 100115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tbench.2023.100115
Jones, R., Kreppner, J., Marsh, F., & Hartwell, B. (2024). Supporting behaviour and emotions in school: an exploration into school staff perspectives on the journey from punitive approaches to relational-based approaches. Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties, 29(1–2), 82–98. https://doi.org/10.1080/13632752.2024.2354021
Kelty, N. E., & Wakabayashi, T. (2020). Family engagement in schools: Parent, educator, and community perspectives. SAGE Open, 10(4). https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244020973024
Kuhail, M. A., ElSayary, A., Farooq, S., & Alghamdi, A. (2022). Exploring immersive learning experiences: A survey. Informatics, 9(4), 75. https://doi.org/10.3390/informatics9040075
Kuo, Y.-K., Batool, S., Devi, S., Tahir, T., & Yu, J. (2024). Exploring the impact of emotionalized learning experiences on the affective domain: A comprehensive analysis. Heliyon, 10(1), e23263. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23263
Lim, W. M. (2024). What is qualitative research? An overview and guidelines. Australasian Marketing Journal, 33(2), 199–229. https://doi.org/10.1177/14413582241264619
Medford, J. A., & Brown, T. (2022). Newly appointed principals' challenges in learning and adjusting to school culture. Heliyon, 8(9), e10542. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10542
Mercer, N., Hennessy, S., & Warwick, P. (2019). Dialogue, thinking together and digital technology in the classroom: Some educational implications of a continuing line of inquiry. International Journal of Educational Research, 97, 187–199. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2017.08.007
Mhlongo, S., Mbatha, K., Ramatsetse, B., & Dlamini, R. (2023). Challenges, opportunities, and prospects of adopting and using smart digital technologies in learning environments: An iterative review. Heliyon, 9(6), e16348. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16348
Mohammadi, M., Valizadeh, M., Zohdi Jalal, P., & Xodabande, I. (2024). University students’ academic vocabulary development through mobile-assisted learning: Exploring the impacts on receptive and productive knowledge. Heliyon, 10(7), e28103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28103
Montt-Blanchard, D., Najmi, S., & Spinillo, C. G. (2023). Considerations for community engagement in design education. She Ji: The Journal of Design, Economics, and Innovation, 9(2), 234–263. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sheji.2023.05.004
Mu, G. M., Gordon, D., Xu, J., Cayas, A., & Madesi, S. (2023). Benefits and limitations of partnerships amongst families, schools and universities: A systematic literature review. International Journal of Educational Research, 120, 102205. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2023.102205
Muhammad, N. P. H. binti, & Bakar, D. O. (2013). Implementation of the “integrated education system” in Brunei Darussalam: Issues and challenges. Journal of Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies (in Asia), 7(4), 97–120. https://doi.org/10.1080/19370679.2013.12023234
Muryadi, Y., & Hashim, S. H. M. (2025). Interactive learning of Jawi for children using gamification and artificial intelligence. Journal of Information Systems Engineering and Management, 10(33s), Article 5548. https://doi.org/10.52783/jisem.v10i33s.5548
Nadmilail, A. I., Matore, M. E. E., & Maat, S. M. (2024). Grasping the ideas of community engagement into teaching context. Recent Research Advances in Arts and Social Studies, 4, 81–93. https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rraass/v4/7339C
Nguyen, V. D., Tran, D. N., Tran, V. D., Trung, D., & Duong, T. H. (2025). Integrating local educational content into experiential activities for students of ethnic boarding schools in Vietnam. Multidisciplinary Science Journal, 7(11), 2025501. https://doi.org/10.31893/multiscience.2025501
Nwafor, I. N., & Ololube, P. N. (2024). The impact of bureaucratic structures on the performance of school principals in public secondary schools. International Journal of Environment, Engineering and Education, 6(2), 96–106. https://doi.org/10.55151/ijeedu.v6i2.135
Othman, J. (2024). Academic vocabulary learning in EMI classrooms: Challenges and strategies. Arab World English Journal, 15(2), 3–18. https://doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol15no2.1
Postholm, M. B. (2018). Teachers’ professional development in school: A review study. Cogent Education, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2018.1522781
Prayitno, H. J., Markhamah, Nasucha, Y., Huda, M., Ratih, K., Ubaidullah, Rohmadi, M., Boeriswati, E., & Thambu, N. (2022). Prophetic educational values in the Indonesian language textbook: Pillars of positive politeness and character education. Heliyon, 8(8), e10016. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10016
Premsrirat, S., & Burarungrot, M. (2022). Multilingualism, bi/multilingual education and social inclusion: A case study in southern Thailand. Manusya: Journal of Humanities, 24(3), 373–389. https://doi.org/10.1163/26659077-24030006
Puntub, W., & Greiving, S. (2022). Advanced operationalization framework for climate-resilient urban public health care services: Composite indicators-based scenario assessment of Khon Kaen City, Thailand. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(3), 1283. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031283
Puspitasari, M. (2024). Navigating classroom challenges and curriculum changes: A qualitative study of an English Teacher’s journey in the Indonesian education system. Power and Education, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/17577438241275799
Reilly, A. H. (2017). Using reflective practice to support management student learning: Three brief assignments. Management Teaching Review, 3(2), 129-147. https://doi.org/10.1177/2379298117719686
Rosen, M. L., Hagen, M. P., Lurie, L. A., Miles, Z. E., Sheridan, M. A., Meltzoff, A. N., & McLaughlin, K. A. (2020). Cognitive stimulation as a mechanism linking socioeconomic status with executive function: A longitudinal investigation. Child development, 91(4), e762–e779. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.13315
Sahasewiyon, K. (2004). Working locally as a true professional: Case studies in the development of local curriculum. Educational Action Research, 12(4), 493–514. https://doi.org/10.1080/09650790400200265
Sailer, M., Schultz-Pernice, F., & Fischer, F. (2021). Contextual facilitators for learning activities involving technology in higher education: The C♭-model. Computers in Human Behavior, 121, 106794. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2021.106794
Sakti, S. A., Endraswara, S., & Rohman, A. (2024). Revitalizing local wisdom within character education through ethnopedagogy approach: A case study on a preschool in Yogyakarta. Heliyon, 10(10), e31370. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31370
Salgado, D., Bernal, A., Dabdoub, J. P., Berkowitz, M. W., & Bier, M. C. (2025). Character education formation program as an epiphany and transformational experience for educational principals in México. Research in Human Development, 1–33. https://doi.org/10.1080/15427609.2025.2524298
Savolainen, T. (2023). A safe learning environment from the perspective of Laurea University of applied sciences safety, security and risk management students and staff. Heliyon, 9(3), e12836. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e12836
Shah, S. F. A., Mazhar, T., Shahzad, T., Khan, M. A., Ghadi, Y. Y., & Hamam, H. (2024). Integrating educational theories with virtual reality: Enhancing engineering education and VR laboratories. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 10, 101207. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2024.101207
Shrestha, R. P., Chaweewan, N., & Arunyawat, S. (2017). Adaptation to climate change by rural ethnic communities of Northern Thailand. Climate, 5(3), 57. https://doi.org/10.3390/cli5030057
Simatupang, E. C. M., & Supri, I. Z. (2024). Fusing translanguaging with speaking technology in the hospitality industry: Improving English communicative competence. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 10, 101166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2024.101166
Ssemugenyi, F. (2023). Teaching and learning methods compared: A pedagogical evaluation of problem-based learning (PBL) and lecture methods in developing learners’ cognitive abilities. Cogent Education, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2023.2187943
Sugiarti, T., Purba, J. T., & Pramono, R. (2024). Enhancing human resource quality in Lombok model schools: A culture-based leadership approach with tioq, tata, and tunaq principles. Societies, 14(12), 251. https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14120251
Sulis, G. (2024). Exploring the dynamics of engagement in the language classroom: A critical examination of methodological approaches. Research Methods in Applied Linguistics, 3(3), 100162. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rmal.2024.100162
Suud, F. M., Agilkaya-Sahin, Z., Na’Imah, T., Azhar, M., & Kibtiyah, M. (2024). The impact of family social support on academic resilience in Indonesian and Turkish students: the mediating role of self-regulated learning. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 29(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/02673843.2024.2361725
Toikka, T., & Tarnanen, M. (2024). A shared vision for a school: developing a learning community. Educational Research, 66(3), 295–311. https://doi.org/10.1080/00131881.2024.2361412
Tomaszewski, L. E., Zarestky, J., & Gonzalez, E. (2020). Planning qualitative research: Design and decision making for new researchers. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 19, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1177/1609406920967174
Tsehay, S., Belay, M., & Seifu, A. (2024). Challenges in constructivist teaching: Insights from social studies teachers in middle-level schools, West Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia. Cogent Education, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2024.2372198
Vasel, H. (2025). Factors shaping the implementation of educational organizational change: An analysis of Lewin's model in the context of teaching innovations. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 11, 101599. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101599
Wallwey, C., & Kajfez, R. L. (2023). Quantitative research artifacts as qualitative data collection techniques in a mixed methods research study. Methods in Psychology, 8, 100115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.metip.2023.100115
Walsh, M. E., & Matsumura, L. C. (2025). negotiating ideologies of learning and learner ability in teacher reflection: Examining growth and tension in dialogic classroom discussion quality. Cognition and Instruction, 1–39. https://doi.org/10.1080/07370008.2025.2523758
Wangkamhan, Y., Nachaisin, K., & Surapinit, T. (2024). Integrating local wisdom into the Thai curriculum: Enhancing student engagement and cultural awareness. Journal of Buddhist Education and Research (JBER), 10(3), 173–183. https://so06.tci-th
Widiawati, D., & Savski, K. (2020). Primary-level English-medium instruction in a minority language community: any space for the local language? Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, 44(4), 275–287. https://doi.org/10.1080/01434632.2020.1817044
Zhao, C., Liao, L. X., Chen, G., & Chao, H.-C. (2025). Condensation of data and knowledge for network traffic classification: Techniques, applications, and open issues. Sensors, 25(8), 2368. https://doi.org/10.3390/s25082368
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Wanida Salaeh, Ammar Salem Khan

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Copyright Notice
Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under an Attribution-Share-Alike (CC BY-SA) license. that allows others to Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format, Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially.
![]()
This work is licensed under a Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0).
EDUCARE: Journal of Primary Education
Published by Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training, Kiai Haji Achmad Siddiq State Islamic University of Jember, East Java, Indonesia


1.png)






