Reinforcing civic dispositions through a value analysis approach on civics education subjects in schools

This research aims at producing Civic Dispositions reinforcement strategies through a value analysis approach on Civics Education subjects in schools. The approach of value analysis emphasizes the development of students' analysing abilities concerning social values. If we are to compare this approach with the cognitive approach, the value analysis approach emphasizes discussing social problems which reflect particular moral values. The social problems highlighted in this study include issues on environment, education, poverty, traffic jams, moral degradation, drug abuse, crime, and human rights violations. The student's moral values include: religion, honesty, tolerance, hard-work, creativity, independence, democracy, curiosity, care for the environment and social life, friendliness, responsibility, love of country, peace of mind, and national spirit. This research was conducted at Junior High Schools in Surakarta City, and was designed with qualitative research methods using purposive sample technique. The subjects used in this research were 7th grade Civics teachers and students. The data collection was carried out through document study, interview, attitude assessment, and observation. The data analysis techniques applied data reduction, data presentation, drawing conclusions and verification. The study found that the value analysis approach reinforces students' Civics dispositions. This approach helps students learn decision making through systematic steps. The steps of value analysis approach involves: 1) identifying and explaining the related values; 2) collecting facts of the related issues; 3) testing the truth of facts concerning the issues 4) explaining the relationships between the related facts; 5) formulating temporary moral decisions; and 6) testing the moral principles applied in decision making.