Problems Encountered by English Teachers in Applying the Merdeka Curriculum in Primary Education

Lailatus Sa'adah

doi:10.071025/mse0y845

Authors

Lailatus Sa'adah Universitas PGRI Jombang Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.071025/mse0y845

Keywords:

Challenges, curriculum implementation, English teachers

Abstract

This study explores the challenges faced by elementary school English teachers in implementing the Merdeka Curriculum in Indonesia and the strategies they use to overcome them. Using a qualitative descriptive case study, data were collected through questionnaires from teachers with experience in applying the curriculum. The findings show that teachers face difficulties in developing teaching modules, carrying out lessons, using media, managing classrooms, assessing students, and accessing training. Limited resources and unequal support between schools make these challenges more complex. However, teachers respond with creativity and resilience by collaborating with colleagues, using low-cost teaching aids, adjusting lesson strategies, and trying new forms of assessment. The study concludes that while the Merdeka Curriculum provides more flexible and student-centered learning, its success depends on continuous teacher training, fair resource distribution, and stronger institutional support. Suggestions are offered for teachers, schools, policymakers, and future researchers to help improve English teaching and ensure the goals of the Merdeka Curriculum are achieved.

References

Awaliyah, S., & Tiarina, Y. (2023). An Analysis of English Teachers’ Difficulties and Strategies in Implementing Merdeka Curriculum on the Seventh Grade at SMPN 1 Panyabungan Selatan. Journal of English Language Teaching, 12(4).

Baker, J., & Westrup, H. (2000). The English Language Teacher’s Handbook. Continuum.

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2023). Toward good practice in thematic analysis: Avoiding common problems and be(com)ing a knowing researcher. International Journal of Transgender Health, 24(1), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1080/26895269.2022.2129597

Cahyani, H., & Cahyono, B. Y. (2012). Teachers’ Attitudes and Technology Use in Indonesian EFL Classroom. Edunesia: Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan, 3(3). https://doi.org/10.15639/teflinjournal.v23i2/130-148

Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2018). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (4th ed.). Sage Publications.

Fachmi, M., Mustafa, M., & Ngandoh, A. M. (2021). The Role of Motivation and Professional Competence in Improving Teacher Performance. Journal of Digital Learning and Education, 1(01), 39–46. https://doi.org/10.52562/jdle.v1i01.14

Fitria, S., & Tiarina, Y. (2023). An Analysis of English Teachers’ Challenges in Implementing Merdeka Curriculum at Sman 3 Solok Selatan. Journal of English Language Teaching, 12(3).

Lambert, V. A., & Lambert, C. E. (2012). Qualitative descriptive research: An acceptable design. Pacific Rim International Journal of Nursing Research, 16(4).

Madani, A. K. (2024). English Teachers’ Problems in Implementing Merdeka Curriculum at Tenth Grade of SMK Negeri 1 Tonjong Brebes Regency. UIN Prof. K. H. Saifuddin Zuhri.

Maryani, I., Irsalinda, N., Jaya, P. H., Sukma, H. H., & Raman, A. L. (2024). Teachers’ professional competence profile dataset during implementation of Merdeka curriculum. Jurnal Fundadikdas (Fundamental Pendidikan Dasar), 7(1), 51–59.

Merriem, S. B., & Tisdell, E. J. (2016). Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation (4th ed.). Jossey Bass.

Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M., & Saldana, J. (2014). Qualitative Data Analysis, A Methods Sourcebook, Edition 3. (3rd ed.). Sage Publication.

Ningsih, I. W. P., Ahmad Tauchid, A., & Eka, N. V. W. P. (2024). English Teachers’ Challenges and Method in Building Learners’ Speaking Skills During Merdeka Curriculum in Junior High School. English Education and Literature Journal (E-Jou), 4(02), 229–240. https://doi.org/10.53863/ejou.v4i02.1219

Nurzen, M. (2022). Teacher readiness in implementing the Merdeka Curriculum in Kerinci Regency. Edunesia: Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan, 3(3), 313–325. https://doi.org/10.51276/edu.v3i3.424

Sephiawardani, N. A., & Bektiningsih, K. (2023). Review of Teacher Readiness in Implementing Merdeka Curriculum at Public Elementary Schools. Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Pengajaran, 56(3), 533–542. https://doi.org/10.23887/jpp.v56i3.67628

Sher Ryn, A., & Sandaran, S. (2020). Teachers’ Practices and Perceptions of the Use of ICT in ELT Classrooms in the Pre-Covid 19 Pandemic Era and Suggestions for the “New Normal.” LSP International Journal, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.11113/lspi.v7n1.100

Singh, C. K. S. (2020). The Use of Think Pair Share of Cooperative Learning to Improve Weak Students’ Speaking Ability. International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation, 24(5), 4008–4023. https://doi.org/10.37200/IJPR/V24I5/PR2020111

Sojanah, J., Suwatno, Kodri, & Machmud, A. (2021). Factors Affecting Teachers’ Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (A Survey On Economics Teacher Knowledge). Cakrawala Pendidikan, 40(1). https://doi.org/doi:10.21831/cp.v40i1.31035

Wahira, W., Hamid, A., & Hb, L. (2023). Pelatihan Pemahaman Kurikulum Merdeka Belajar Pada Guru Sekolah Dasar. EJOIN : Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat, 1(2), 43–47. https://doi.org/10.55681/ejoin.v1i2.572

Yusop, S. R. M., Rasul, M. S., Mohamad Yasin, R., Hashim, H. U., & Jalaludin, N. A. (2022). An Assessment Approaches and Learning Outcomes in Technical and Vocational Education: A Systematic Review Using PRISMA. Sustainability, 14(9), 5225. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095225

Zega, R., Maru’ao, N., Harefa, T., & Laoli, A. (2024). Analysis Of Classroom Management Strategies In Increasing Students’ Learning Motivation In English At Smp Negeri 3 Gunungsitoli Alo’oa. Esteem Journal of English Education Study Programme, 8(1), 314–323. https://doi.org/10.31851/esteem.v8i1.17151

Zhao, L., Zhao, B., & Li, C. (2023). Alignment analysis of teaching–learning-assessment within the classroom: How teachers implement project-based learning under the curriculum standards. Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary Science Education Research, 5(1), 13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43031-023-00078-1