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This research aims to analyze the adaptive role of a dance teacher in teaching the subject of music art at SMK Asta Mitra Purwodadi, as well as identifying the patterns of collaborative approaches and the implementation of the Deep Learning strategy in the learning process. This phenomenon attracts researchers due to the case of a teacher teaching cross-disciplinary subjects, although still within the domain of the arts. This study employs a qualitative method using observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentation techniques. The main subject of this research is Bu Evi, a dance teacher who also serves as the music art instructor. The research results indicate that the non-specialist teacher (with a dance background) successfully overcomes limitations in teaching music by performing a role transformation into a facilitator focusing on expression, rhythm, and performance. The implementation of Deep Learning is realized effectively through a kinesthetic approach, where abstract music concepts (such as tempo and dynamics) are translated through body movement exploration, which is proven to increase student enthusiasm and understanding. Furthermore, the teacher implements a strategic collaborative pattern with the music extracurricular teacher, where responsibilities are divided between aspects of expression/movement and the deepening of theory/vocal technique, ensuring talented students still receive adequate technical development. Assessment focuses on performative aspects (expression, tempo, teamwork, and self-confidence). This research concludes that the teacher's professionalism and pedagogical creativity are the main keys to bridging competency gaps, while simultaneously ensuring the achievement of the goals of the Merdeka Curriculum in shaping student character and 21st-century skills.

This Community Partnership Program (PKM) aims to improve the competence of mathematics teachers at Madrasah Tsanawiyah (MTs) in Lumajang Regency in developing ethnomathematics-based teaching materials integrated with Augmented Reality (AR) technology. This program was initiated due to the minimal use of local culture in mathematics learning and the low ability of teachers to develop innovative teaching materials. The activity was carried out in four main stages: socialization, training, technology application, and mentoring and evaluation. The training included an introduction to the concept of ethnomathematics, the preparation of differentiated teaching materials, and the creation of AR-based learning media using Unity 3D, Blender, Geogebra, and Vuforia. The results of the activity showed an increase in teachers' understanding of the concept of ethnomathematics and their ability to integrate the local cultural values of Lumajang into mathematics learning. In addition, teachers successfully produced contextual AR-based interactive teaching materials in line with the spirit of the Merdeka Curriculum. This activity also strengthened collaboration between lecturers, students, and teachers of the MTs Wilker III Mathematics MGMP and became a model for continuous training in the development of innovative learning media based on local wisdom and digital technology.

This research aims to determine the extent to which interactive quizzes can help improve students' understanding of Economics lessons in the Merdeka Curriculum, which focuses on a Deep Learning approach implemented at SMA Negeri 4 Surakarta. The results show that quite a few students have difficulty grasping economic concepts. The lack of participation and learning motivation, combined with the dominance of the lecture method, makes the learning process tend to be one-way. Conversely, the application of digital technology by educators is still very limited. This research uses a descriptive qualitative approach, collecting data thru observation, interviews, and documentation. A total of five students from the eleventh grade were selected based on purposive sampling techniques who had already taken economics lessons. The results show that the quiz format contributes to increasing students' interest, attention, and participation due to the presence of visual elements, screen animation, and a game-like atmosphere. However, obstacles such as slow internet connectivity or a slightly longer completion time than estimated did arise, although they did not hinder overall learning activities. Essentially, implementing this type of quiz aligns with the direction of the Merdeka Curriculum, which emphasizes in-depth conceptual understanding while also encouraging self-study habits, training the ability to reflect on the material, and creating a classroom atmosphere that tends to be more dynamic.

The Merdeka Curriculum demands the development of teaching materials that are adaptive, contextual, and relevant to the demands of 21st-century learning. This article aims to examine the strategy for developing teaching materials based on the Merdeka Curriculum that can support the strengthening of 21st-century competencies, such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and digital literacy. The method used is a literature review of various studies related to the Merdeka Curriculum, teaching material development, and 21st-century learning. The findings show that effective teaching material development must consider the integration of local context, the use of digital technology, and project- and problem-based approaches. In addition, it is also important to conduct continuous reflection and evaluation in the teaching material development process. With the right strategy, teaching materials based on the Merdeka Curriculum can become a key tool in creating meaningful, flexible learning that aligns with the needs of 21st-century learners. Through the implementation of this strategy, it is hoped that a more effective learning process that aligns with the times can be created.

The Merdeka Curriculum represents Indonesia’s national education reform aimed at transforming learning paradigms toward a more contextual, flexible, and student-centered approach aligned with the Pancasila Student Profile. One of its key priorities is fostering critical thinking competence from the elementary level. This article aims to critically analyze the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum in developing students’ critical thinking skills in Indonesian elementary schools. Employing a conceptual and literature-based approach, this study examines educational policies, theories of critical thinking, and recent research findings (2020–2025). The analysis reveals that the Merdeka Curriculum holds strong potential to enhance critical thinking through differentiated learning, project-based learning, authentic assessment, and the Pancasila Student Profile projects. Nevertheless, its implementation still encounters challenges, particularly regarding teacher competence, infrastructure readiness, and non-reflective learning culture. Therefore, strengthening teacher capacity, reforming assessment systems, and cultivating critical thinking as a school-wide culture are essential to realizing the goals of the Merdeka Curriculum effectively at the elementary education level.

This study aims to determine the influence of the implementation of the Independent Curriculum management and teacher teaching strategies on improving student character at SMK Negeri 1 Sangatta Utara. This study was field research with a quantitative approach. Data collection techniques used questionnaires, observation, and documentation. The study population was all 230 11th-grade students at SMK Negeri 1 Sangatta Utara, with a sample of 115 respondents drawn using Suharsimi Arikunto's formula. Data analysis used multiple linear regression. The results showed that the implementation of the Independent Curriculum management had a significant effect on improving student character by 60.85%, while teacher teaching strategies had a 15.95% effect. The coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.768 indicates that the two independent variables together contributed 76.8% to student character improvement, while the remaining 23.2% was influenced by factors outside the study. Therefore, it can be concluded that the implementation of the Independent Curriculum management has a more dominant influence than teacher teaching strategies on student character development.

This study discusses the implementation of the Self-Directed Learning Programme by integrating Learning Outcomes (CP), Learning Objectives (TP), and Learning Objective Processes (ATP) to enhance teaching quality and teacher professionalism. Using a library research method, this study analyses relevant scientific literature to understand the relationship between the integration of the three components of the education programme and classroom teaching practices. The research findings indicate that teachers still encounter challenges in understanding and integrating CP, TP, and ATP, particularly in planning, implementing teaching strategies, and conducting authentic assessments. However, when this integration is well executed, the teaching process becomes more purposeful, flexible and responsive to students' needs. Furthermore, integrating CP–TP–ATP has been shown to strengthen teachers' professionalism by enhancing their understanding of the curriculum, their ability to design learning activities, and their capacity to conduct competency-based assessment. This study confirms that the successful implementation of the Free Education Programme depends heavily on teachers' ability to understand the curriculum's structure and to integrate these three components consistently. Therefore, training, supporting, and developing teachers' competencies is an important requirement for the effective and sustainable implementation of the Liberal Education Programme.

This study aims to analyze the implementation of the Independent Curriculum in third-grade students at Al-Munawarah Elementary School, Sentani, Jayapura Regency. Using a qualitative approach with data collection techniques through observation, interviews, and documentation, this study evaluated three main aspects: planning, implementation, and evaluation of learning. The results showed that during the planning stage, teachers developed teaching modules that referred to Learning Outcomes (CP) and prepared assessment instruments in the form of projects and prompt questions. During the implementation stage, teachers implemented an inquiry-based learning model to encourage student engagement and utilized various media, from printed books to digital devices, which positively impacted student engagement in class. During the evaluation stage, teachers used cultural project assessments and Student Worksheets (LKPD), accompanied by positive feedback to motivate students. Although implementation generally proceeded according to the curriculum framework, obstacles were still encountered in the application of differentiated learning because teachers tended to use lecture methods and generalize the abilities of all students. Therefore, continuous improvement is needed so that learning planning can be more aligned with the characteristics and individual needs of each student.

In the era of globalization and technological advancement, education must transform to develop students who are adaptive, critical, and have strong character. One innovation introduced by the government is the Merdeka Belajar (Independent Learning) Curriculum, which emphasizes competency, character, and project-based learning. This study aims to determine the effect of implementing the Merdeka Curriculum on the learning outcomes of Pancasila Education for Grade XI students at SMAN 1 Petir in the 2024/2025 academic year. A quantitative method with a survey approach was used, involving 80 student respondents. Data were collected through questionnaires and learning outcome tests, and analyzed using correlation and regression statistical techniques. The results show that the Merdeka Curriculum has a significant and positive effect on students’ PPkN learning outcomes, with a correlation coefficient of 0.766. This means better implementation of the curriculum leads to better student achievement. The curriculum contributes 58.7% to the learning outcomes, while the remaining 41.3% is influenced by other factors. The study concludes that the Merdeka Curriculum effectively enhances learning outcomes, particularly in character and 21st-century skills development.

The main objective of the Citizenship Education (PKn) course in higher education is to develop students into individuals with nationalist, participatory, and critical characters towards national dynamics. Conventional learning approaches that are still dominant in higher education, such as one-way lectures and memorization of materials, are considered less able to encourage active participation and the development of critical thinking patterns of students in the Citizenship Education (PKn) course. This study aims to identify the effectiveness of the application of innovative learning methods in improving students' activeness and critical thinking skills. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, data were collected through classroom observations, interviews with lecturers and students, and analysis of lecture documents from three study programs at Merdeka University of Malang. The results of the study showed that the application of learning strategies such as Project Based Learning, role playing, utilization of interactive multimedia, collaborative discussions, and nationality-based simulations were able to significantly increase students' participation and critical understanding. This method is relevant to the needs of learning in the era of globalization that demands digital literacy, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and contextual problem solving. Based on these findings, this study recommends the integration of innovative methods into the Civics curriculum in higher education, pedagogical training for lecturers, and the provision of technological infrastructure that supports the implementation of competency-based learning in the era of globalization.

The evaluation of Indonesian language instruction at the junior secondary level remains predominantly oriented toward lower-order thinking skills, thereby constraining the advancement of students’Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS). This situation necessitates the development of comprehensive assessment tools that are coherently aligned with the Merdeka Curriculum. The present study introduces a model for constructing HOTS-oriented assessment instruments targeting procedural text writing in Phase D. The development process was systematically organized through several stages: translating learning outcomes into measurable indicators, preparing assessment blueprints, creating item cards, formulating scoring rubrics for attitudes, knowledge, and skills, and finally analyzing and interpreting the assessment data. These instruments were specifically designed to capture students’ analytical, evaluative, and creative abilities in producing procedural texts that are logical, coherent, and effective. Findings demonstrate that the instruments provide an objective and holistic representation of students’ competency attainment. In summary, the proposed HOTS-based assessment model for procedural text writing is practical, methodical, and contextually relevant, serving as a valuable framework for evaluating Indonesian language learning in accordance with the Merdeka Curriculum principles.

This study aims to analyze the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum in Fiqh subjects and how its application affects the improvement of students' understanding. Using the library research method, this study reviews various recent literature in the form of scientific articles, accredited journals, academic books, and relevant policy documents. The results of the study show that the Merdeka Curriculum is conceptually aligned with the principles of Islamic education, especially in terms of character development, freedom of learning, and student-centered learning. However, the implementation of this curriculum in Fiqh learning still faces a number of challenges, such as teachers' limited understanding of the new curriculum approach, a lack of project-based contextual teaching materials, and difficulties in conducting authentic assessments on aspects of worship and morals. Technical challenges such as the availability of facilities and access to technology also hamper the effectiveness of learning. This study emphasizes the need for continuous teacher training, the development of open-access learning resources, and improved infrastructure support in order to strengthen the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum. Overall, this curriculum has significant potential to improve students' understanding of Fiqh if it is supported by appropriate and collaborative implementation strategies.

This study aims to analyze the implementation of artificial intelligence in economics learning within the context of the Merdeka Curriculum and to examine its alignment with deep learning principles. The study employed a qualitative approach using a case study design conducted at SMAN 1 Boyolali. The research participants included economics teachers and eleventh grade students. Data were collected through classroom observations, in depth interviews, and document analysis. Data analysis was carried out interactively through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing and verification. The findings indicate that the use of artificial intelligence in economics learning remains limited and has not been systematically integrated into pedagogical design. AI is primarily utilized as a supporting tool for lesson preparation and concept clarification rather than for adaptive learning, data driven assessment, or the enhancement of students’ critical thinking skills. Although students demonstrated positive responses toward AI assisted learning, several constraints were identified, including teachers’ limited pedagogical competence in AI integration, the absence of deep learning based instructional design, and infrastructural challenges. These findings suggest that the effectiveness of artificial intelligence in economics education depends not merely on technological availability, but on the alignment between pedagogy, curriculum policy, and human resource readiness.

The Independent Curriculum aims to provide flexible, student-centered learning that is oriented toward strengthening character through the Pancasila Student Profile. However, a literature review indicates that its implementation in elementary schools still faces various obstacles. Teachers' understanding of differentiated learning, the P5 project, and authentic assessment is uneven, while limited infrastructure and the complexity of developing teaching materials also hamper its implementation. Furthermore, student readiness and a supportive learning environment also influence the curriculum's effectiveness. These findings emphasize the need to improve teacher competency, ensure equitable distribution of facilities, and collaborate among stakeholders for optimal implementation of the Independent Curriculum. Furthermore, the disparity in the quality of implementation across schools is also a major challenge, particularly in remote areas with limited facilities. Therefore, supportive policies and intensive mentoring for teachers are needed to ensure that this curriculum is effective and provides maximum benefits for students, optimizing character development and 21st-century skills. Overall, the success of the Independent Curriculum depends heavily on solid collaboration between all relevant parties, including teachers, schools, parents, and education policymakers.

This study aims to describe the difficulties faced by Geography teachers at SMAN 1 Sunggal in identifying students' learning potential and interests during the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum. The research uses a descriptive qualitative approach with primary data consisting of in-depth interviews and non-participant observation of two experienced Geography teachers. The research findings indicate that teachers face major constraints, including limited time for formal diagnostic assessments, a lack of practical training on diagnostic assessments, a large number of students making individual observation difficult, and the absence of adequate assessment instruments. The teacher's efforts to overcome these difficulties include a personal approach to students, behavioral observation, and varied teaching methods, although these are not yet optimal in supporting differentiated learning. This research provides important recommendations for the development of teacher training and school policies to more effectively support the assessment of student potential and interests within the context of the Merdeka Curriculum.

This study aims to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of a learning module designed for X grade students (Phase E) at SMAN 4 Palangkaraya, focusing on the Christian values of love, justice, and tolerance within the framework of the Merdeka Curriculum. The implementation involved classroom teaching using lectures, group discussions, and quizzes to foster active and meaningful learning experiences. The objectives included ensuring students' understanding of the core values, developing their ability to articulate these values, and achieving a minimum score on quizzes. The methodology included direct teaching, observation of student responses and engagement, and evaluation of learning outcomes through cognitive and affective assessments. Findings revealed that 90% of students actively participated in discussions, and all groups engaged in answering quiz questions. The use of rewards notably enhanced student enthusiasm and participation. Despite the overall success, some students did not achieve the highest performance level. The implications suggest that integrating technology into the learning process and thorough preparation of teaching materials are crucial for enhancing student outcomes. This study contributes to the understanding of how Christian values can be effectively integrated into the curriculum to promote holistic student development, aligning with the Pancasila Student Profile, which emphasizes faith, moral integrity, global diversity, and collaboration.                                                                     

This study aims to analyze the integration of the Pancasila Student Profile (PSP) within Civics Education (PPKn) learning in elementary schools through a descriptive qualitative library research approach. The research draws on 15 national journal articles published between 2020 and 2025 that discuss strategies, challenges, and outcomes of implementing the PSP in learning practices. The findings show that PSP values—such as mutual cooperation, independence, critical thinking, creativity, and noble character—are primarily integrated through classroom activities, project-based learning, and habituation programs aligned with the Merdeka Curriculum. However, several challenges persist, including limited teacher understanding, inconsistent school support, inadequate learning media, and insufficient alignment between curriculum expectations and classroom practices. The analysis also reveals that effective implementation requires strong teacher leadership, contextual learning strategies, and sustained school commitment to character development. The study contributes theoretically by deepening understanding of value-based learning and practically by offering recommendations for teachers and schools to optimize character-based PPKn instruction. Overall, the integration of PSP values strengthens students’ character formation and supports the development of a holistic learning environment consistent with Pancasila principles.  

The implications of progressivism in learning serve as an essential foundation for building an educational process that fosters active, creative, adaptive, and innovative students in accordance with 21st-century competency demands. The progressive approach positions students at the center of the learning process through direct experience, deep exploration, collaboration, dialogue, experimentation, and problem-solving relevant to real-life contexts, ensuring that learning is not only focused on content mastery but also on the development of potential, character, independence, and higher-order thinking skills. This study employs a literature review method by examining primary and secondary sources on the principles of progressivism, active learning strategies, and their relation to the Merdeka Curriculum as a foundation for national educational transformation. The findings indicate that progressivism plays a significant role in shaping critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, digital literacy, and initiative through the implementation of learning by doing, project-based learning, simulations, scientific experiments, reflective discussions, and technology integration that strengthens learner autonomy. This experience-based approach effectively supports students in constructing knowledge independently while enhancing confidence, responsibility, social awareness, and cooperative skills. However, its implementation still faces challenges such as passive learning culture, limited teacher competence in active methods, insufficient facilities, overloaded curriculum, psychosocial barriers, academic anxiety, and students’ low confidence in expressing opinions. These findings affirm that progressivism is highly relevant to educational reform in Indonesia; therefore, improving teacher competence, strengthening facilities, reinforcing policies, providing continuous support, and creating safe, democratic, inclusive, and supportive learning environments are essential to help students develop optimally as independent, creative, and innovative learners.

This study aims to analyze the role of teachers in strengthening the Pancasila Student Profile (P5) as an effort to develop the character of third-grade students at SDN Kestalan. Strengthening P5 is an essential component of the Merdeka Curriculum because it functions to shape students’ character holistically through six main dimensions. However, the implementation of P5 in elementary schools still faces several challenges, such as uneven teacher understanding, less structured planning, and diverse student characteristics. This research uses a qualitative descriptive approach with observation, interview, and documentation techniques to obtain in-depth data on teacher practices, integration strategies, obstacles, and the impact of P5 implementation. The results show that teachers have an adequate understanding of the P5 concept and strive to integrate it through interactive lectures, question-and-answer sessions, simple experiments, the habituation of the 5S culture, and creative projects that actively involve students. The obstacles encountered are generally related to discipline issues, emotional immaturity, limited facilities, and suboptimal parental involvement. However, these challenges can be reduced through personal approaches, positive motivation, support from school facilities, and collaboration with parents. The implementation of P5 has been proven to have a positive impact on students’ character development, especially in the aspects of politeness, cooperation, responsibility, and self-confidence. Therefore, the strategic role of teachers and the support of a conducive learning environment are key factors in the success of character strengthening through P5.         

Critical thinking skills are crucial in preparing students to face global challenges, particularly in economics, which utilizes the Merdeka curriculum based on a deep learning approach. The purpose of this study was to determine students’ critical thinking skills through the implementation of the ALBICI (Active Learning Based Interactive Conceptual) learning model within the Merdeka curriculum based on a deep learning approach. This study employed a qualitative approach with a case study design, conducted through reviews and observations at SMA Islam 1 Surakarta. The results indicate that the implementation of the ALBICI interactive learning model can improve critical thinking skills within the Merdeka curriculum based on deep learning. This study also provides valuable guidance for educators seeking to implement effective teaching practices to enhance student interest and motivation, thus optimizing classroom activities.