Navigating challenges and strategies in implementing The Independent Curriculum: A multi-site case study of English language instruction in junior and senior high schools in Palopo
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53696/27753719.51263Keywords:
Independent Curriculum, English language instruction, teacher challenges, curriculum implementation, student-centered learningAbstract
The Independent Curriculum (Kurikulum Merdeka) represents a significant shift in Indonesia’s education system, promoting competency-based learning and student-centered instruction. However, its implementation has posed various challenges for English teachers, particularly in junior and senior high schools. This study explores the obstacles faced by teachers, the strategies adopted to overcome these challenges, and the impact of these strategies on student learning outcomes in five junior high schools and three senior high schools in Palopo. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with English teachers and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings reveal that teachers struggle with limited access to resources, inadequate professional training, increased workload, and student difficulties in adapting to independent learning. To address these issues, teachers implemented project-based learning, differentiated instruction, collaborative teaching, and digital learning integration, which enhanced student engagement, motivation, and critical thinking skills. However, many students, particularly in junior high schools, continued to struggle with self-directed learning due to lack of preparation for autonomous study habits. The study highlights the importance of ongoing teacher training, sufficient resource allocation, and gradual adaptation strategies to ensure effective curriculum implementation. These findings contribute to discussions on curriculum reform and English language teaching, emphasizing the need for stronger institutional support and instructional flexibility. Future research should explore longitudinal studies to assess the long-term impact of these teaching strategies.
Downloads
References
Anggini, P., Husna, H., Rambe, N. F. S., Nasution, A. K., Lubis, I. H., & Harahap, S. H. (2024). Independent Curriculum in Improving the Quality of Education. Education Achievement: Journal of Science and Research, 5(2), 366. https://doi.org/10.51178/jsr.v5i2.1872
Bituin, C. P. (2024). Communicative Competence and the Speaking Performance among Senior High School Students. International Journal of Social Science Humanity & Management Research, 3(11), 1439–1455. https://doi.org/10.58806/ijsshmr.2024.v3i11n07
Dasmo, Okyranida, I. Y., Fitrian, A., Mulyaningsih, N. N., Widiyatun, F., & Astuti, I. A. D. (2023). Level of Readiness for Implementation of the Independent Curriculum in Senior High Schools in Depok City, West Java. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 9(7), 4901–4908. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v9i7.4158
Edi, W. S., Saptono, B., Hastomo, A., Herwin, & Amalia Ardiansyah, R. (2023). The Challenges of Implementing the Independent Curriculum in Indonesian Language Learning in Elementary School High Classes. Jurnal Ilmiah Sekolah Dasar, 7(3), 536–545. https://doi.org/10.23887/jisd.v7i3.59167
Ekantini, A., & Damayanti, I. (2023). Exploring Students‘ Views on The Application Of Independent Curriculum For Elementary School In Natural Science Subject. Jurnal Pendidikan Dasar Islam, 10(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.24252/auladuna.v10i1a1.2023
Ginanjar, D., Fuad, F., Abduh, M., Mulyana, B. B., Rahman, A. M., & Nuraeni, H. (2024). Perkembangan Kurikulum di Indonesia: Adaptasi terhadap Perubahan Zaman dan Kebutuhan Masyarakat. Garuda Jurnal Pendidikan Kewarganegaraan dan Filsafat, 2(3), 296. https://doi.org/10.59581/garuda.v2i3.3980
Harmanto, H., Yulianto, B., Sholeh, M., Subekti, H., & Sueb, S. (2022). Strategies to Implement Independent Learning Programs: A Reflective Study on Ministerial Programs. Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research, 627, 346–352. https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.211229.054
Herlina, Pahrudin, A., Jatmiko, A., & Koderi. (2024). The Role of Teachers in Implementing Independent Curriculum Based Learning. Bulletin of Science Education, 4(3), 149–154. https://doi.org/10.51278/bse.v4i3.1463
Husnul, H., & Wakidi. (2024). Evaluation of the Implementation of the Merdeka Belajar Curriculum in Secondary Schools in the Digital Era. International Journal of Post Axial: Futuristic Teaching and Learning, 2(4), 215–228. https://journal.amorfati.id/index.php/postaxial
Isnaniah, R., Mariani, N., & Jumariati. (2021). Teaching Techniques Applied in Speaking Classes: Lecturers’ Voice of What and Why. Dvances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research/Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research. https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.211021.021
Jon, R. B., Purnama, B., Wad, A. S., & Embong, R. (2021). The Challenges of English Language Teaching in Indonesia. International Journal of English and Applied Linguistics (IJEAL), 1(2), 158–168. https://doi.org/10.47709/ijeal.v1i3.1157
Kusnawan, W. (2019). Inconsistent Curriculum Implementation in Various Schools in Indonesia. ISTAWA: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam (IJPI), 4(1), 13–28. https://doi.org/10.24269/ijpi.v4i1.1667
Ndari, W., Suyatno, Sukirman, & Mahmudah, F. N. (2023). Implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum and Its Challenges. European Journal of Education and Pedagogy, 4(3), 111–116. https://doi.org/10.24018/ejedu.2023.4.3.648
Okrianti, R., & Aufa. (2024). Analysis of Teacher Readiness and Performance in the Implementation of the Independent Curriculum. JP (Jurnal Pendidikan) : Teori Dan Praktik, 9(1), 76–87. https://doi.org/10.26740/jp.v9n1.p76-87
Pandia, R. N. E. S., Sari, R. P., & Nursamsu. (2023). Training on The Use of KIT Science Laboratory Equipment for Teachers and Students to Support The Implementation of The Independent Curriculum. Unram Journal of Community Service, 4(3), 101–107. https://doi.org/10.29303/ujcs.v4i3.476
Saputra, F. D., Yolanda, A., & Purwaningsih, D. I. (2024). Problems In Implementing The Independent Curriculum In English Subjects In Kubu Raya. Jurnal Sains Student Research, 2(3), 437–449. https://doi.org/10.61722/jssr.v2i3.1411
Stenly, Ndona, Y., & Gultom, I. (2024). Implementation of Independent Curriculum for Rural Schools from a Constructivism Perspective. Jurnal Pendidikan Sosiologi Dan Humaniora, 15(2), 520–525. https://doi.org/10.26418/j-psh.v15i2.86740
Susidamaiyanti, Mahriza, R., & Meutiar, C. I. (2023). The English Teacher Language Competency Enhancement: A Discussion of Models and Strategies. LingPoet: Journal of Linguistics and Literary Research, 4(1), 22–29. https://doi.org/10.32734/lingpoet.v4i1.10544
Utami, Y. T. (2024). Filosofi Pendidikan Inklusi Dalam Sistem Pendidikan Indonesia Menuju Merdeka Belajar. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/jmc26
Veliganio, J., Ellaga, E. C., Amang, D. J. R., & Genobiagon, C. B. G. (2024). Senior High School Curriculum Implementation: Challenges and Experiences of Teachers. International Multidisciplinary Journal of Research for Innovation, Sustainability, and Excellence (IMJRISE), 1(10), 441–451.
Wahyuningsih, R. S., Zahro, F., Anggrestia, N. V., Khasanah, M. P., & Mardliyah, A. A. (2024). Analisis Implementasi Kebijakan Kurikulum Merdeka Belajar pada Jenjang Sekolah Menengah Pertama. Jurnal Motivasi Pendidikan Dan Bahasa, 2(2), 276–285. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.59581/jmpb-widyakarya.v2i2.3616
Waloyo, E., Magfiroh, V. A., & Umaemah, A. (2023). The Implementation of Independent Curriculum at Senior High Schools: English Teachers Perspectives. Al-Tarbiyah: Jurnal Pendidikan (The Educational Journal), 3(2), 154–166. https://doi.org/10.24235/ath.v33i2.16638
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Husnaini
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
The authors certify that:
- if the manuscript is co-authored, they are authorized by their co-authors to enter into these arrangements.
- the work described has not been formally published before in a registered ISSN or ISBN media, except in the form of an abstract or as part of a published lecture, review, or thesis.
- it is not under consideration for publication elsewhere,
- its publication has been approved by all the author(s) and by the responsible authorities – tacitly or explicitly – of the institutes where the work has been carried out.
- they secure the right to reproduce any material that has already been published or copyrighted elsewhere (it does not infringe on the rights of others).
- they agree to license and copyright agreement.
All articles published are licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
- Authors retain copyright and other proprietary rights related to the article.
- Authors retain the right and are permitted to use the substance of the article in their own future works, including lectures and books.
- Authors grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License (CC BY-NC 4.0) that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post or self-archive their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work.
