Challenges in the Implementation of the Kurikulum Merdeka at a Senior Secondary School: Perspectives of Experienced and Inexperienced English Teachers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24256/ideas.v13i1.5842Abstract
This study investigated challenges in implementing Kurikulum Merdeka at the senior secondary school level, focusing on teaching English in the Curriculum 2013 and Kurikulum Merdeka (KM). It used document analyses to examine relevant curriculum documents and identify English teachers in Indonesia. It used in-depth semi-structured interviews to gain insights into two experienced and two inexperienced English teachers' challenges when implementing KM. The findings suggest that, notwithstanding their lengths of teaching experience, the teachers from both groups had similarities and differences regarding their reported challenges when they implemented KM. In terms of the similarities, their replies primarily focused on learning time and students’ reluctance towards learning English. They, however, had some prominent differences. The experienced teachers asserted more challenges in managing student-centered learning when learning and found it difficult to combine English subjects with other subjects. This study contributes to a better understanding of the implementation of KM in senior secondary schools. It provides valuable insights for English teachers and educators implementing the KM. It finally recommends that professional development programs emphasize enhancing teachers’ knowledge and competencies in applying student-centered learning activities and providing more teaching practice rather than administration management.
References
Afriana, J. (2015). Project-based learning (PjBL): Makalah untuk tugas mata kuliah Pembelajaran IPA Terpadu. Program Studi Pendidikan IPA Sekolah Pascasarjana. Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.1.3338.2486
Agustien, H. I. (2006). Genre-based approach and the 2004 English Curriculum UPI International Conference, Bandung.
Ahdar, A., & Wardana, W. (Eds.). (2019). Belajar dan pembelajaran: Empat pilar peningkatan kompetensi pedagogis. Kaffah Learning Center.
Ahmadi, D., & Reza, M. (2018). The use of technology in English language learning: A literature review. International Journal of Research in English Education, 3(2). https://doi.org/10.29252/ijree.3.2.115
Alakrash, H. (2021). Factors affecting the application of communicative language teaching CLT in Syrian schools. TESOL and Technology Studies, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.48185/tts.v2i1.143
Alberinda, H. (2020). The implementation of scientific approach in learning science through problem solving. Advances in Biological Sciences Research, 10. https://doi.org/10.2991/absr.k.200807.071
Alijoyo, A., Wijaya, B., & Jacob, I. (2021). Structured or semi-structured interviews. CRMS Indonesia, 1(15). https://lspmks.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Structured-or-Semi-structured-Interview-1.pdf
Ameliana, I. (2017). Teacher-centered or student-centered learning approach to promote learning. Jurnal Sosial Humaniora, 10. https://doi.org/10.12962/j24433527.v10i2.2161
Annury, M. N. (2019). Peningkatan kompetensi profesional guru melalui penelitian tindakan kelas. Dimas: Jurnal Pemikiran Agama untuk Pemberdayaan, 18(2). https://doi.org/10.21580/dms.2018.182.3258
Arif, A. (2019). Peningkatan kemampuan guru dalam pemanfaatan teknologi informasi dan komunikasi dalam pembelajaran Di SMKN1 Batusangkar UNP International Conference, Padang.
Arta, B. (2018). Multiple studies: The influence of collaborative learning approach on indonesian secondary high school students' English-speaking skills. English Language Teaching Educational Journal, 1(3). https://doi.org/10.12928/eltej.v1i3.143
Asifa, P., & Afriansyah, H. (2020). Pengertian dan proses administrasi kurikulum. Andi Offset.
Bani, M., & Masruddin, M. (2021). Development of Android-based harmonic oscillation pocket book for senior high school students. JOTSE: Journal of Technology and Science Education, 11(1), 93-103.
Barlian, U. C., & Solekah, S. (2022). Implementasi Kurikulum Merdeka dalam meningkatkan mutu pendidikan. JOEL: Journal of Educational and Language Research, 1(12).
Bartholomew, T. T., Joy, E. E., Kang, E., & Brown, J. (2021). A choir or cacophony? Sample sizes and quality of conveying participants’ voices in phenomenological research. Methodological Innovations, 14(2).
Bire, J. (2010). Mismatch English education In Indonesia. Linguistika: Buletin Ilmiah Program Magister Linguistik Universitas Udayana, 17.
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative research in psychology, 3(2). https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
Caulfield, J. (2019). How to do thematic analysis. Scribbr. https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/thematic-analysis/
Creswell, J. (2014). Research design. SAGE.
Cueva, A., & Inga, E. (2022). Information and communication technologies for education considering the flipped learning model. Education Sciences, 12(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci12030207
Dian, D., Ahmad, C. F., & Arsal, F. R. (2023). Implication and application MBKM’s Curriculum In education (Madrasah And Universities). At-Tadlib, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.21111/attadib.v18i1.9910
Dörnyei, Z. (2009). The 2010s communicative language teaching in the 21st century: The ‘principled communicative approach’. Perspectives, 36(2).
Faisal, Parr, J. M., & Wilson, A. J. (2020). Pedagogical content knowledge in teaching writing: The case of certified and non-certified junior secondary school English teachers in Banyumas Regency The University of Auckland]. Auckland.
Faisal, F., & Putri, N. N. (2023). English songs in vocabulary learning: higher-education students’ perceived views. Surakarta English and Literature Journal, 6(1), 46-61.
Faisal, F., & Rakhmasari, J. (2024). Experienced and inexperienced secondary-school English teachers’ strategies and challenges in teaching speaking using blended learning. Journal of Research and Educational Research Evaluation, 112-125.
Farih, M. N. (2020). Peran guru sebagai fasilitator dalam proses pembelajaran Pendidikan Sejarah di SMA Negeri I Kajen Kabupaten Pekalongan Universitas Negeri Semarang]. Semarang.
Fathurrohman, M. (2015). Model-model pembelajaran inovatif. In N. Hidayah (Ed.). Ar-Ruzz Media.
Fauziati, E., Ariatmi, S. Z., Laila, M., Srijono, D., Wijayanto, A., Fatmawati, R., & Hidayat, N. (2013). Modul pendidikan dan pelatihan profesi guru bahasa Inggris. KSG UMS.
Febriani, R., & Sya, M. F. (2015). The effectiveness of collaborative learning in improving students' speaking skill Universitas Lampung]. Lampung.
Fitri, A., & Rifa'at, A. A. (2021). TheuUse of ICT in ELT: How teacher should be empowered. IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Literature, 9(2), 798-813.
Habibi, A., Riady, Y., Alqahtani, T. M., Rifki, A., Albelbisi, N. A., Fauzan, M., & Habizar, H. (2022). Online project-based learning for ESP: Determinants of learning outcomes during Covid-19. Studies in English Language and Education, 9(3), 985-1001. https://doi.org/10.24815/siele.v9i3.24928
Hadaruddin, H. (2018). Metode analisis dan penafsiran data. Andy Offset.
Hafid, N. H., & Gandana, I. S. S. (2021). EFL teachers' perception and challenges in implementing collaborative writing. IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Literature, 9(2), 175-186.
Hamid, A. (2020). Pembelajaran aktif, kreatif, efektif dalam pembelajaran. https://bdkbanjarmasin.kemenag.go.id/berita/pembelajaran-aktif-kreatif-efektif-dalam-pembelajaran-h-abdul-hamid
Harvey, L. (2022). Researching the real world. https://www.qualityresearchinternational.com/methodology/RRW4pt2pt2Semistructured.php#pt422
Herdiawan, R. D. (2018). Communicative compentences in EFL learning. Journal of english language learning, 2(1), 318843. https://doi.org/10.31602/ppdu.v0i1.8304
Heriyanto, P. (2018). Thematic analysis sebagai metode menganalisa data. Anuva, 2(3), 317-324.
Husnaini, H. (2022). Development of Self Esteem-Oriented Micro Teaching Materials for IAIN Palopo English Education Students. IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Literature, 10(1), 538-560.
Husnaini, H. (2025). 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. Linguistics Initiative, 5(1), 178-190.
Husnaini, H., Syam, A. T., Niken, N., & Soares, A. (2024). Teachers’ Strategies in Teaching Speaking at High Schools: Obstacles and Challenges. Linguistics Initiative, 4(2), 243-262.
Husain, R. (2020). Penerapan model kolaboratif dalam pembelajaran di sekolah dasar. E-Prosiding Pascasarjana Universitas Negeri Gorontalo, Gorontalo.
Hutasoit, S. A. (2021). Pembelajaran teacher centered learning (TCL) dan project based learning (PBL) dalam pengembangan kinerja ilmiah dan peninjauan karakter siswa. Jurnal Pendidikan Indonesia, 2(10), 1775-1799. https://doi.org/10.36418/japendi.v2i10.294
Irawati, D., Iqbal, A. M., Hasanah, A., & Arifin, B. S. (2022). Profil pelajar Pancasila sebagai upaya mewujudkan karakter bangsa. Edumaspul: Jurnal Pendidikan, 6(1), 1224-1238. https://doi.org/10.33487/edumaspul.v6i1.3622
Iskandar, M. (2009). Penelitian pendidikan dan sosial: Kuantitatif dan kualitatif. GP Press.
Istiana, R., Awaludin, M. T., & Herawati, D. (2021). Implementation of the MBKM program on 21st century competence and understanding of SDGs (Tracer Study on Biology Education Study Program Students, Pakuan University). Journal of Indonesian Independent Learning| JIILearn, 1(01), 8-11.
Jacobs, G. M. (2004). Cooperative learning: Theory, principles, and techniques
Klimova, I. I., Klimova, G. V., & Dubinka, S. A. (2019). Students’ communicative competence in the context of intercultural business communication. https://doi.org/10.18355/XL.2019.12.01.16
Lester, J. N., Cho, Y., & Lochmiller, C. R. (2020). Learning to do qualitative data analysis: A starting point. Human resource development review, 19(1), 94-106. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534484320903890
Linneberg, M. S., & Korsgaard, S. (2019). Coding qualitative data: A synthesis guiding the novice. Qualitative research journal, 19(3), 259-270.
Maiza, M. (2020). An analysis of students pronunciation errors. JOEEL (Journal of English Education and Literature), 1(1), 18-23. https://doi.org/10.38114/joeel.v1i1.27
Manalu, J. B., Sitohang, P., & Henrika, N. H. (2022). Pengembangan perangkat pembelajaran Kurikulum Merdeka Belajar. Prosiding Pendidikan Dasar, 1(1), 80-86. https://doi.org/10.34007/ppd.v1i1.174
Masruddin, M., & Abduh, N. K. (2024, May). Indonesian Language Learning for Foreign Speakers Based on Luwu Culture: A Needs Analysis Study. In 4th International Conference on Linguistics and Culture (ICLC-4 2023) (pp. 75-80). Atlantis Press.
Mardania, H. S. (2018). Analisis akar permasalahan ketidakefektifan manajemen kelas di sekolah dasar Salatiga Magister Manajemen Pendidikan Program Pascasarjana FKIP-UKSW].
Marhamah, S. (2022). Student growth mindset dalam konsep Kurikulum Merdeka. SEMINAR NASIONAL Pembelajaran Bahasa dan Sastra,
Marzulina, L., Harto, K., Erlina, D., Holandyah, M., Desvitasari, D., Arnilawati, A., . . . Mukminin, A. (2021). Challenges in teaching English for EFL learners at pesantren: Teachers’ voices. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 11(12), 1581-1589. https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.1112.10
Mery, M., Martono, M., Halidjah, S., & Hartoyo, A. (2022). Sinergi peserta didik dalam proyek penguatan profil pelajar Pancasila. Jurnal Basicedu, 6(5), 7840-7849. https://doi.org/10.31004/basicedu.v6i5.3617
MoEC. (2013). Peraturan Menteri Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan No 64 Tahun 2013 tentang Standar Isi Pendidikan Tengah dan Menengah. Jakarta
MoEC. (2016a). Peraturan Menteri Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan Republik Indonesia Nomor 21 Tahun 2016 tentang Standar Isi Pendidikan Dasar dan Menengah. Jakarta
MoEC. (2016b). Peraturan Menteri Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan Republik Indonesia Nomor 22 Tahun 2016 tentang Standar Proses Pendidikan Dasar dan Menengah. Jakarta
MoEC. (2018). Peraturan Menteri Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan Republik Indonesia Nomor 37 Tahun 2018 tentang Perubahan Atas Peraturan Menteri Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan Nomor 24 Tahun 2016 tentang Kompetensi Inti dan Kompetensi dasar Pelajaran pada Kurikulum 2013 pada Pendidikan Dasar dan Pendidikan Menengah. Jakarta
MoEC. (2022a). Capaian pembelajaran SMA Mata pembelajaran Bahasa Inggris Fase A-Fase F. Litbang Kemdikbud. https://kurikulum.kemdikbud.go.id/file/cp/dasmen/11.%20CP%20Bahasa%20Inggris.pdf
MoEC. (2022b). Implementasi kurikulum yang berfokus pada siswa. Litbang Kemdikbud. https://pskp.kemdikbud.go.id/produk/artikel/detail/3232/implementasi-kurikulum-yang-berfokus-pada-siswa
Mujahida, M. (2019). Analisis perbandingan teacher centered dan learner centered. Scolae, 2(2), 323-331. https://doi.org/10.56488/scolae.v2i2.74
Muthoharoh, N. B. (2017). Pengaruh penggunaan teknologi pembelajaran blended learning terhadap hasil belajar menulis teks fungsional pendek bahasa Inngris. Deiksis, 9(03), 360-373. https://doi.org/10.30998/deiksis.v9i03.848
Ningrum, A. S. (2022). Pengembangan perangkat pembelajaran Kurikulum Merdeka Belajar (metode belajar). Prosiding Pendidikan Dasar, 1(1), 166-177. https://doi.org/10.34007/ppd.v1i1.186
Nurwati, N., Kaharuddin, K., Efendi, E., & Masruddin, M. (2021). Implementation of School Supervisory Academic Supervision as an Effort to Increase Teacher Performance in Junior High School. Journal of Indonesian Islamic Studies, 1(1), 28-37.
Nisa, Z. (2022). Implementasi keterampilan pembelajaran abad 21 berorientasi Kurikulum Merdeka pada pembelajaran Projek Penguatan Profil Pelajar Pancasila di SMP Al-Falah Deltasari Sidoarjo Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Ampel Surabaya]. Surabaya.
Nufus, T. Z. (2021). Teaching English to young learners in Indonesia (Pros and Cons). English Language in Focus (ELIF), 1(1).
Nurbiana, N. (2022). The teaching English of English Grammar based on the 2013 Curriculum. IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Literature, 10(1), 457-465.
Nurfadilla, I. P. (2022). Optimalisasi guru dalam evaluasi pembelajaran bahasa Inggris di sekolah dasar. Jurnal Inovasi Pendidikan dan Pengajaran (JIPP), 1(3).
Oktaviani, O., & Asfihana, R. (2024). Independent Curriculum implementation in EFL Classrooms: Practical stages. IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Literature, 12(1), 458-476.
Pogaru, M. M., Korompot, C. A., & Halim, A. (2023). Investigating senior high school teachers' and students' perceptions on project-based learning in English class. IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Literature, 11(2), 1626-1658.
Prihananto, N. (2021). Communicative approach in the five curricula of English subject for secondary schools: A paradox in English language teaching in Indonesia. ScienceOpen Preprints. https://doi.org/10.14293/S2199-1006.1.SOR-.PPHBZCF.v2
Pusmenjar. (2019). Laporan hasil ujian nasional. Pusmenjar. https://hasilun.pusmenjar.kemdikbud.go.id/#2019!smp!capaian_nasional!99&99&999!T&T&T&T&1&!1!&
Rao, P. S. (2019). Collaborative learning in English language learning environment. Research Journal of English Language and Literature, 7(1), 330-339.
Riani, I. F., Sulaiman, S., & Mislinawati, M. (2017). Kendala guru dalam menerapkan model pembelajaran pada pembelajaran tematik berdasarkan Kurikulum 2013 di SD Negeri 2 Kota Banda Aceh. Elementary Education Research, 2(2).
Ridwan, R. (2023). Self enterpreneurship learning to increasing teacher creativity using Merdeka Belajar platform. IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Literature, 11(2), 1543-1550.
Rusman. (2011). Model-model pembelajaran mengembangkan profesionalisme guru. PT. Raja Grafika Persada.
Safitri, M. (2022). Strategi pengembangan soft skills dalam pembelajaran PAI di SMK Negeri 1 Praya. eL-HIKMAH: Jurnal Kajian dan Penelitian Pendidikan Islam, 16(2), 159-186. https://doi.org/10.20414/elhikmah.v16i2.6240
Saputra, D. W., & Hadi, M. S. (2022). Persepsi guru sekolah dasar Jakarta Utara dan Kepulauan Seribu tentang Kurikulum Merdeka. Jurnal Holistika, 6(1), 28-33.
Sari, S. N., & Aminatun, D. (2021). Students’ perception on the use of English movies to improve vocabulary mastery. Journal of English language teaching and learning, 2(1), 16-22. https://doi.org/10.33365/jeltl.v2i1.757
Sasikirana, V. (2020). Urgensi Merdeka Belajar di era revolusi industri 4.0 dan tantangan society 5.0. E-Tech, 8(2), 393456.
Satriaman, K. T., Pujani, N. M., & Sarini, P. (2018). Implementasi pendekatan student centered learning dalam pembelajaran IPA dan relevansinya dengan hasil belajar siswa kelas VIII SMP Negeri 4 Singaraja. Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Pembelajaran Sains Indonesia (JPPSI), 1(1), 12-22.
Savignon, S. J. (1991). Communicative language teaching: State of the art. TESOL quarterly, 25(2), 261-278.
Shalikha, P. A. A. (2022). Implementasi projek Penguatan Profil Pelajar Pancasila sebagai upaya menumbuhkan jiwa kewirausahaan. Jurnal Pendidikan Ekonomi, 15(2).
Smith, J. A., Larkin, M., & Flowers, P. (2021). Interpretative phenomenological analysis: Theory, method and research. Interpretative phenomenological analysis, 1-100.
Sopiansyah, D., Masruroh, S., Zaqiah, Q. Y., & Erihadiana, M. (2022). Konsep dan implementasi Kurikulum MBKM (Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka). Reslaj: Religion Education Social Laa Roiba Journal, 4(1), 34-41. https://doi.org/10.47467/reslaj.v4i1.458
Sugiyono. (2019). Metode penelitian dan pengembangan. Alfabeta.
Suhandi, A. M., & Robi'ah, F. (2022). Guru dan tantangan kurikulum baru: Analisis peran guru dalam kebijakan kurikulum baru. Jurnal Basicedu, 6(4), 5936-5945. https://doi.org/10.31004/basicedu.v6i4.3172
Sumarsih, I., Marliyani, T., Hadiyansah, Y., Hernawan, A. H., & Prihantini, P. (2022). Analisis implementasi Kurikulum Merdeka di sekolah penggerak sekolah dasar. Jurnal Basicedu, 6(5), 8248-8258. https://doi.org/10.31004/basicedu.v6i5.3216
Suprijono, A. (2005). Cooperative Learning. Pustaka Belajar.
Suradi, A., Andrea, C., Anita, P. S., Putri, I. A., Fitriani, D., & Sari, I. W. (2022). Standar Kompetensi Lulusan dan Kompetensi Inti pada Kurikulum 2013 di Madrasah Ibtidaiyah. Awwaliyah: Jurnal Pendidikan Guru Madrasah Ibtidaiyah, 5(2), 137-150. https://doi.org/10.58518/awwaliyah.v5i2.1118
Susanthi, I. G. A. A. D. (2020). Kendala dalam belajar bahasa Inggris dan cara mengatasinya. Linguistic Community Services Journal, 1(2), 64-70. https://doi.org/10.55637/licosjournal.1.2.2658.64-70
Tambunsaribu, G., & Galingging, Y. (2021). Masalah yang dihadapi pelajar bahasa Inggris dalam memahami pelajaran bahasa Inggris. Jurnal Dialetika, 8(1), 30-41. https://doi.org/10.33541/dia.v8i1.3110
Tarvin, L. D. (2015). Communicative competence: Its definition, connection to teaching, and relationship with interactional competence University of Missouri]. Colombia, Missouri, USA.
Triastuti, A., & Riazi, M. (2020). Indonesian EFL teachers’ content conceptualization and course organization: A portray of text-based teaching. Indonesian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 9(3), 526-535. https://doi.org/10.17509/ijal.v9i3.23202
Yufrizal, H. (2017). Teachers and Students' perceptions of communicative competence in English as a foreign language in Indonesia. Educational Research and Reviews, 12(17), 867-883. https://doi.org/10.5897/ERR2017.3243
Yuliya Yurisovna, K., Rafisovna, A., & Safiulin Ilhat Irikovich, A. (2019). A Comprehensive look at Korean language functions and discourse competence in the works by Nikolai Spafariia and Lorenz Lang. Journal of Research in Applied Linguistics, Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
Citation Check
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Faisal, Lulu Hanifah
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under an Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement 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 acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
Authors are permitted and encouraged to post 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 (See the Effect of Open Access)
