Character education is an important foundation for preparing preservice teachers. However, the internalization of moral values does not necessarily entail the ability to make ethical decisions in professional practice. This article aims to synthesize the conceptual relationships among character education, moral development, professional identity, and professional ethics among preservice teachers and formulate a framework for strengthening teacher education. The study employed an integrative literature review involving targeted searches for major theoretical works and scholarly articles on character education, moral reasoning, teachers’ professional ethics, and preservice teacher education. The literature was analyzed thematically by comparing theoretical foundations, research contexts, findings, and pedagogical implications. The synthesis indicates that the transition from personal character to professional ethics is a nonlinear process integrating five mechanisms: recognition of values and moral sensitivity, role modeling, reasoning through ethical dilemmas, guided reflection during field placements, and an institutional culture consistent with ethical values. The synthesis also identifies a gap between ethical knowledge and the ability to apply moral concepts explicitly when considering conflicts between values. These findings underscore the need for ethics education that connects an understanding of norms with reasoning practice and reflection on professional experiences. This article proposes a Character–Professional Ethics Transition Model linking value internalization, moral reasoning, professional identity formation, and accountable ethical action. In practical terms, the framework may guide the integration of learning based on ethical dilemmas, reflection on field placements, and the strengthening of institutional culture into preservice teacher education. The proposed model requires empirical testing, particularly through longitudinal research in Indonesian teacher education contexts.
Although Kurikulum Merdeka promotes flexible, student-centered learning, the implementation of Natural and Social Sciences (IPAS) instruction in elementary schools continues to face various challenges. This study aimed to describe the challenges in implementing IPAS instruction under Kurikulum Merdeka in Grade V at SD Negeri 005 Desa Baru, Kampar Regency. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach involving two fifth-grade teachers and six purposively selected students. Three students had IPAS scores above 75, and three had scores below 75. Data were collected through nonparticipant observation, structured interviews, and documentation and analyzed through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. Data trustworthiness was assessed through triangulation of sources and data collection techniques. The findings identified three domains of challenges related to students, teachers, and learning assessment. Student-related challenges were the most prominent, including differences in understanding, declining attention after approximately 15–20 minutes of lecturing, interest that depended on the type of activity, uneven participation, dependence on external motivation, inconsistent task management, and varying levels of learning readiness. Teacher-related challenges included the breadth of integrated science and social studies content and classroom management during group activities. Assessment involved oral quizzes and student worksheets, supplemented by remedial instruction and enrichment. Achievement scores ranged from 60 to 96, with a mastery threshold of 75. These findings underscore the need for differentiated instruction, concrete and contextually relevant instructional media, clearly assigned group roles, time management, and the use of assessment results to improve instruction. This study provides a contextual account of challenges in IPAS instruction and the need to adapt fifth-grade teaching practices. Its restriction to one school and a focused observation period highlights the need for further research covering more lessons and IPAS topics.
