Implementation Of The Independent Curriculum To Improve The Quality Of Learning In Indonesia

Abstract

The implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum is one of the Indonesian government's strategic efforts to improve the quality of learning through a more flexible, student-centered, and competency-oriented educational approach. However, empirical evidence is still needed to evaluate the extent to which the implementation of this curriculum contributes to improving learning quality. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum in enhancing the quality of learning in Indonesia. This research employed a quantitative approach using a descriptive survey method. The participants consisted of 80 teachers and educational staff from primary and secondary schools that had implemented the Merdeka Curriculum. Data were collected through a Likert-scale questionnaire that had been tested for validity and reliability. In addition, secondary data were obtained from relevant documents and academic literature. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis with the assistance of SPSS software. The findings revealed that the level of Merdeka Curriculum implementation was categorized as high, with a percentage score of 82.4%, while the quality of learning reached 84.1%. Furthermore, the correlation analysis indicated a strong positive relationship between the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum and learning quality, with a correlation coefficient of 0.768 and a significance level below 0.05. These findings suggest that the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum contributes significantly to improving learning quality by promoting more active, innovative, and student-centered learning processes. The study concludes that the Merdeka Curriculum is an important factor in supporting educational quality improvement. The implications of this study highlight the need to strengthen teachers’ competencies, provide adequate educational facilities, and develop sustainable educational policies to optimize the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum in Indonesia.