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The quality of Catholic Religious Education learning is an important aspect in shaping students’ faith, character, knowledge, and religious life skills. However, the learning process at SMK Negeri 1 Talibura still faces various challenges, particularly in the areas of spiritual attitudes, social attitudes, Catholic religious knowledge, and religious life skills. This study aims to describe the implementation of the Independent Learning Curriculum (Merdeka Belajar Curriculum) and its contribution to improving the quality of Catholic Religious Education learning at SMK Negeri 1 Talibura. The research employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive research design. Data were collected through observations, interviews, and documentation involving the principal, Catholic Religious Education teachers, students, and parents. Data analysis was conducted through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results show that the implementation of the Independent Learning Curriculum has been carried out effectively through learning planning, learning implementation, learning assessment, and the Pancasila Student Profile Strengthening Project (P5). This implementation has had a positive impact on the learning process, outputs, and outcomes. Students demonstrated improvements in spiritual attitudes, social attitudes, Catholic religious knowledge, and religious life skills, as well as positive behavioral changes in their daily lives. The findings imply that the Independent Learning Curriculum can serve as an effective strategy for improving the quality of Catholic Religious Education learning in a holistic manner.

This research aims to describe the implementation of the Pancasila Student Profile Strengthening Project (P5) in shaping student character at SD Negeri 160 Palembang. As a core component of the Independent Curriculum (Kurikulum Merdeka), P5 is designed to reinforce the fundamental values of Pancasila in students.This study employs a qualitative case study method. Data were collected through direct observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation involving the principal, vice-principal of curriculum, classroom teachers, students, and parents. The results indicate that P5 implementation is carried out through three systematic stages: planning (team formation and theme selection), execution (applying experiential learning that encourages collaboration), and assessment. The three primary values emphasized are faith and morality, respecting differences, and togetherness. Despite challenges such as time constraints, synchronization of materials across subjects, and the need for teacher training, the study concludes that P5 is an effective instrument for character education. To optimize results, it is recommended to enhance program monitoring and align the conceptual understanding of P5 among educators. Overall, SD Negeri 160 Palembang has demonstrated a serious commitment to integrating P5 as a means of positive character building.

21st-century skills are a crucial aspect that students must master, equipping them to face the challenges of modern development. In history learning, the use of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is considered a powerful tool for transforming learning from rote memorization to active, problem-solving-based learning. This study aims to analyze the role of PBL in enhancing 21st-century skills in history learning through the Problem-Based Learning (SLR) approach. The research method used in this study is the SLR with a prism procedure. The data were obtained from a search of scientific articles through Google Scholar using the keywords Problem-Based Learning, 21st-Century Skills, and history learning. From the initial 2,540 articles obtained, after screening based on relevance, quality, and year range, six key articles were obtained. The study results indicate that PBL is effective in enhancing 21st-century skills through discussions, historical source analysis, and contextual problem-solving. This approach is considered appropriate for the curriculum because it encourages student-centered learning, rather than teacher-centered learning. Although PBL still faces several challenges in its implementation, it remains a relevant and effective learning strategy for developing 21st-century skills.

This study discusses the implementation of the Think Pair Share (TPS) strategy in Islamic Religious Education (PAI) learning in Grade VII of MTs Cerdas Murni, with a focus on its definition, steps, and advantages and disadvantages. This study uses a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach. The data used consist of primary data obtained through interviews and direct observation, as well as secondary data from books and journals. Data collection techniques include observation, interviews, and documentation, while data analysis is carried out through data reduction, data presentation, and verification. Data validity is tested using lingering techniques, triangulation, and negative cases. The results show that TPS is an effective cooperative learning strategy to increase student interaction and engagement. The steps in TPS include the stages of think, pair, and share. The advantage of this strategy is that it increases overall student participation, because each student is actively involved. However, the disadvantage is that it requires a relatively longer time to implement. Teachers have implemented TPS effectively, from greetings and prayers to build morals, to explaining prayer etiquette and dhikr, which enhance students' understanding, cooperation, and courage. TPS is suitable for material that requires in-depth understanding but needs to be adapted to the students' circumstances, such as using mixed methods for practical materials. Another advantage is increased student courage and critical thinking, despite challenges related to student readiness and facilities.

The use of the social media platform TikTok as a learning medium in Social Studies (IPS) has emerged as an innovative strategy to enhance students’ learning creativity and engagement in the digital era and within the Merdeka Curriculum framework. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of TikTok in supporting creative learning processes, particularly in helping students understand Social Studies content in a visual, interactive, and easily accessible manner. The research was conducted through an online training seminar involving teachers and students, which included material delivery, demonstrations of TikTok usage, hands-on practice in creating learning content, and trial implementation in classroom learning activities. The analysis focused on three main aspects: (1) the improvement of teachers’ competencies in designing creative TikTok-based learning media, (2) students’ responses and learning experiences when using the platform, and (3) the effectiveness of the media in enhancing students’ understanding of Social Studies concepts. The results indicate that the use of TikTok improves the quality of learning media created by teachers and facilitates students’ independent learning. Pre-test and post-test data show an increase in students’ conceptual understanding, while student responses reveal a high level of learning interest through visual and interactive media. Nevertheless, several challenges related to device availability and internet connectivity were identified among some participants. In conclusion, TikTok is effective as an independent learning medium for Social Studies and contributes positively to improving students’ understanding and learning motivation. The study recommends continuous mentoring for teachers, strengthening ICT infrastructure, and further development of diverse learning media to support learning needs within the Merdeka Curriculum.

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 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 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.         

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.

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.

The Merdeka Curriculum policy, initiated by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek), marks a significant paradigm shift in the Indonesian educational landscape. This curriculum emphasizes student-centered learning, flexibility, and the development of competencies according to students' interests and talents. This study aims to critically analyze the relevance of the philosophy of progressivism, pioneered by John Dewey, as a conceptual foundation for the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum. Using a systematic literature review method on 15 Sinta indexed scientific journals (minimum Sinta 4) published between 2018-2024, this study examines the alignment between the core principles of progressivism such as experience as the basis of learning (learning by doing), the teacher's role as a facilitator, problem-solving, and democratic education and the essence of the Merdeka Curriculum policy. The analysis reveals a strong alignment between the two concepts. Project-based learning, content differentiation, and formative assessment within the Merdeka Curriculum are concrete manifestations of progressive ideas. However, this study also identifies implementation challenges, such as teacher readiness, school culture transformation, and resource availability, which can hinder the internalization of this philosophy at the practical level. It is concluded that a deep understanding of the philosophy of progressivism by stakeholders, especially educational managers and teachers, is crucial to ensure that the Merdeka Curriculum becomes not just an administrative change, but also a substantive and sustainable pedagogical transformation.

The Independent Curriculum is the latest education policy designed to provide students with learning freedom with a focus on developing competencies that are more flexible and student-centered. This study explains the implementation of the Independent Curriculum at SMP Negeri Satu Atap 1 Dolat Rayat, a rural school with various resource limitations. The research method used is qualitative research with data collection techniques through in-depth interviews with teachers, field observations, and school documentation. The results of the study based on the results of in-depth interviews with teachers, found the main challenges such as the low basic literacy skills of students, the limited facilities of learning support infrastructure, the low active participation of students, and the diversity of student backgrounds that affect the implementation of learning. In addition, limited support from parents and education policies are also obstacles. To optimize implementation, teachers implement strategies to strengthen literacy, continuous training, use contextual media, and build cross-stakeholder collaboration. This study confirms that the success of the Independent Curriculum in rural schools requires an adaptive contextual approach and synergy of all related parties.

The Independent Curriculum is the latest education policy designed to provide students with learning freedom with a focus on developing competencies that are more flexible and student-centered. This study explains the implementation of the Independent Curriculum at SMP Negeri Satu Atap 1 Dolat Rayat, a rural school with various resource limitations. The research method used is qualitative research with data collection techniques through in-depth interviews with teachers, field observations, and school documentation. The results of the study based on the results of in-depth interviews with teachers, found the main challenges such as the low basic literacy skills of students, the limited facilities of learning support infrastructure, the low active participation of students, and the diversity of student backgrounds that affect the implementation of learning. In addition, limited support from parents and education policies are also obstacles. To optimize implementation, teachers implement strategies to strengthen literacy, continuous training, use contextual media, and build cross-stakeholder collaboration. This study confirms that the success of the Independent Curriculum in rural schools requires an adaptive contextual approach and synergy of all related parties.

This study aims to examine the development, challenges, and prospects of the Indonesian education system from a historical, regulatory, and curriculum perspective. Using a descriptive qualitative method with a library study approach, this study examines relevant literature, laws and regulations, and previous research findings. The study results indicate that the Indonesian education system is a dynamic entity, influenced by internal and external factors from the Hindu-Buddhist era, the arrival of Islam, colonialism, to the Reformation era and the Independent Curriculum. A strong legal basis through the 1945 Constitution and Law Number 20 of 2003 provides a basic framework for national education, but in practice, challenges still arise in the form of disparities in quality between regions, limited facilities, and educator readiness. The Independent Curriculum is one of the latest innovations that emphasizes flexibility, 21st-century competencies, and the Pancasila student profile, although its implementation faces technical and resource constraints. This research emphasizes the importance of consistent education policies, strengthening teacher competencies, and equalizing access and facilities as strategic steps in realizing the national goal of enlightening the nation's life and preparing a generation with character, innovation, and the ability to compete globally.

This study aims to analyze and describe mathematics learning planning at SMK Negeri 6 Padang, specifically including the preparation of Teaching Modules, implementation of assessments, and enrichment and remedial programs. Furthermore, this study also examines the role and implementation of mathematics Olympiad preparation, the use of Student Worksheets (LKPD), and the availability and utilization of Teacher's Handbooks and Student Handbooks. A qualitative approach with a case study method was used in this study. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews with mathematics teachers, and analysis of documents related to learning planning. The results of the study indicate that mathematics learning planning at SMK Negeri 6 Padang has referred to the applicable curriculum. The Teaching Modules are systematically arranged covering learning objectives, materials, activities, and evaluations. Assessments are carried out formatively and summatively, using various techniques to measure student understanding. In addition, the school also implements remedial programs for students who have not achieved learning completion and enrichment programs for students who have mastered the material, including preparation for the Olympiad. LKPD has been shown to facilitate students' understanding and active participation, while the Teacher's Handbook and Student Handbook are important resources. However, several challenges were found in the implementation, such as time constraints in compiling varied teaching modules and optimizing the use of assessment results for continuous learning improvements. So it ca be concluded that learning planning is effective, namely . Therefore, it is recomended that further training is needed to improve the quality of independent curriculum-based learning planning  

This study aims to explore the perspective of Physical Education, Sports, and Health (PJOK) teachers and classroom teachers regarding the form and effectiveness of cooperation in the implementation of the Pancasila Student Profile Strengthening Project (P5) with the topic of Sustainable Lifestyle at Pajajaran State Elementary School. The implementation of the Independent Curriculum emphasizes the importance of collaborative, comprehensive, and contextual learning, where synergy between teachers is the main foundation for the success of thematic projects. This collaboration is essential to ensure that learning not only develops cognitive aspects, but also forms character and environmental awareness in students. The research method used is a qualitative approach with data collection techniques through semi-structured interviews, direct observation during the learning process, and document analysis such as learning implementation plans and P5 project reports. The data was analyzed with the stages of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing to obtain a comprehensive picture of the teacher's collaboration strategy. PJOK teachers play a role in field practice, such as teaching physical activities that prioritize the principles of sustainability and healthy living habits. Meanwhile, classroom teachers emphasized strengthening conceptual material on sustainability through discussions, literacy, and creative projects. The results of the study show that the synergy between PJOK teachers and classroom teachers creates more effective and meaningful learning. Challenges that arise include limited time for coordination, differences in teaching styles, and lack of a comprehensive understanding of sustainability concepts. However, motivation, commitment, and good communication are key factors to overcome these obstacles. This research emphasizes that teacher collaboration is crucial in supporting the successful implementation of the Independent Curriculum, while instilling the values of environmental care, independence, and social responsibility in students.

 The Community Service Program (PKM) was implemented with the primary objective of improving the motivation and skills of Global International School high school students in managing independent business units established within the school environment. This activity was designed as a practice-based entrepreneurial development effort, especially for students directly involved in school business activities. The program was implemented through a series of training sessions covering entrepreneurial motivation, digital and conventional marketing strategies, and sales practice simulations. The motivation training aimed to build an independent and resilient mindset in facing business challenges, while the promotional strategy training emphasized the importance of branding, the use of social media, and effective communication with consumers. During the implementation process, students were encouraged to actively participate, be creative, and directly apply the material learned through simulations and group discussions. Evaluation results showed that this activity successfully increased the enthusiasm and confidence of students in running their own businesses. They also began to understand the basic concepts of branding, targeted promotional strategies, and the importance of building relationships with consumers. The enthusiasm of the participants was very high, especially during the promotional and direct sales practice. Overall, this PKM activity had a positive impact on students' mental and technical readiness to face the business world. This program also has the potential to be further developed as the basis for a practice-based entrepreneurship curriculum, as well as a medium for character building, creativity, and student independence at the secondary education level.

The purpose of this study was to investigate how Madrasah Aliyah Negeri Preparatory 4 (MAPN 4) Medan implemented curriculum adjustments in preparation for the preservation of the Independent Curriculum. Data were collected through interviews with teacher representatives, activity documentation, and analysis of interview transcript themes and mentoring materials using qualitative descriptive methodology. Based on these findings, MAPN 4 Medan has adopted curriculum modifications progressively and methodically, starting with the School Level Curriculum (KTSP), continuing to the 2013 Curriculum, and ending with the Independent Curriculum. The role of teachers is very central to the successful implementation of this curriculum, both as learning facilitators, developers of open modules, and implementers of formative evaluations. Despite facing various challenges such as understanding learning concepts and time constraints, most teachers showed high enthusiasm and readiness to adapt, supported by internal training and support. Meanwhile, students showed active involvement in project-based and thematic learning, although there were still errors in adaptability. Overall, this study concludes that the implementation of the Independent Curriculum at MAPN 4 Medan reflects the institution's readiness to incorporate 21st-century skills and character values into the educational process, in line with strengthening the Pancasila Student Profile.

The Ministry of Education and Culture in 2022 presents challenges in the education sector. The problem was solved by the government by making the Freedom to Learn Program policy. The purpose of this study: to analyze the time allocation and the theme of the choice of implementation of the P5 independent curriculum and to analyze the principles, benefits, design implementation and management strategy of the P5 independent curriculum at SD Marsudirini Gedangan, Semarang. The method is qualitative with a case study approach, research data uses primary data, data collection techniques by observation, observation, recording observations, and structured interviews, data validity techniques by triangulation of data sources. The findings are that the independent learning curriculum is quite fun and does not make it difficult for teachers and students at SD Marsudirini Gedangan. Uncertainty was felt when the teachers did not know the process for implementing the main harvest in December 2022 and there was no BOS allocation fund to support project implementation. The implication of this research is to provide an overview of the implementation of a fun independent learning curriculum, so that in the 2023/2024 academic year schools are increasingly ready to implement the full learning independent curriculum.    

The Ministry of Education and Culture in 2022 presents challenges in the education sector. The problem was solved by the government by making the Freedom to Learn Program policy. The purpose of this study: to analyze the time allocation and the theme of the choice of implementation of the P5 independent curriculum and to analyze the principles, benefits, design implementation and management strategy of the P5 independent curriculum at SD Marsudirini Gedangan, Semarang. The method is qualitative with a case study approach, research data uses primary data, data collection techniques by observation, observation, recording observations, and structured interviews, data validity techniques by triangulation of data sources. The findings are that the independent learning curriculum is quite fun and does not make it difficult for teachers and students at SD Marsudirini Gedangan. Uncertainty was felt when the teachers did not know the process for implementing the main harvest in December 2022 and there was no BOS allocation fund to support project implementation. The implication of this research is to provide an overview of the implementation of a fun independent learning curriculum, so that in the 2023/2024 academic year schools are increasingly ready to implement the full learning independent curriculum.