Yuyyun Nuriah; Supadi Supadi; Muhammad Najib
This study aims to analyse the paradigm change of character education in shaping national identity in secondary school through a qualitative approach. The unit of analysis of this study is a secondary school that implements character education as part of learning policies and practices. The research design uses descriptive qualitative studies, with the main data sources coming from principals, teachers, and students. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, observations of learning and school activities, and analysis of school curriculum and policy documents. Data analysis was carried out using inductive thematic analysis, accompanied by triangulation of sources and techniques to increase the validity of the findings. The results of the study show that the paradigm change in character education is no longer understood as teaching normative values alone, but as a contextual learning process that is integrated into school culture and educational management practices, thus contributing significantly to strengthening students' national identity. The contribution of this research lies in the enrichment of theoretical and practical perspectives on character education, particularly in demonstrating the importance of paradigm transformation and systemic integration of character education in the formation of national identity in secondary schools.