Journal Evaluation in Education (JEE)
Journal Evaluation in Education (JEE)

an Open Access Journal

SINTA

1.6519

Impact

GScholar

16

H-Index

Journal Evaluation in Education (JEE)

an Open Access Journal


Transforming Teachers’ Roles in Navigating the Challenges of Implementing the Independent Curriculum: Adaptive Strategies and Professional Reflection in Elementary School

Share
  • Purpose of the study: This research aims to examine the transformation of teachers' roles in facing the challenges of implementing the Independent Curriculum in elementary schools and understand how teachers adapt to these educational changes.

    Methodology: This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach with exploratory case study design. Data collection methods include direct classroom observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation studies involving teachers actively implementing the Independent Curriculum in elementary schools.

    Main Findings: Teachers face significant obstacles in understanding learning outcomes, implementing project-based learning, and utilizing learning technology optimally. Despite available training programs, teacher participation remains sporadic with limited impact on practice changes. Teachers respond through self-training strategies, informal collaboration, and pedagogical reflection, though lacking institutional mentoring support. Role transformation occurs contextually and gradually, depending on individual initiative and school environment support.

    Novelty/Originality of this study: This research contributes by uncovering teacher role dynamics in marginalized schools previously underexplored in Independent Curriculum studies, providing insights for developing contextual, collaborative, and sustainable teacher capacity building policies.

  • How to cite

    [1]
    “Transforming Teachers’ Roles in Navigating the Challenges of Implementing the Independent Curriculum: Adaptive Strategies and Professional Reflection in Elementary School”, Jor. Eva. Edu, vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 737–749, Jul. 2025, doi: 10.37251/jee.v6i3.1866.
  • 369
    Abstract views
    254
    Downloads

    Metrics — Badges

    1. M. Fuadi, T. Zulfikar, and S. I. Shadiqin, “Analysis of the implementation of the independent curriculum in elementary schools in Indonesia,” Sustain. J. Kaji. Mutu Pendidik., 2023, doi: 10.32923/kjmp.v6i2.4071. DOI: https://doi.org/10.32923/kjmp.v6i2.4071
    2. R. Jannah, “Policy analysis of the independent curriculum in Indonesia,” Syntax Lit. J. Ilm. Indones, vol. 8, no. 12, 2023, doi: 10.36418/syntax-literate.v8i12.14456. DOI: https://doi.org/10.36418/syntax-literate.v8i12.14456
    3. W. S. Maulidya and N. Indriani, “Pengembangan kurikuklum merdeka belajar di era society 5.0,” J. Edukasi Sumba JES, vol. 7, no. 2, 2024, doi: 10.53395/jes.v7i2.462. DOI: https://doi.org/10.53395/jes.v7i2.462
    4. N. Nurhayati, Jamaris, and S. Marsidin, “Strengthening pancasila student profiles in independent learning curriculum in elementary school,” Int. J. Humanit. Educ. Soc. Sci. IJHESS, vol. 1, no. 6, 2022, doi: 10.55227/ijhess.v1i6.183. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55227/ijhess.v1i6.183
    5. A. Susanti et al., “The implementation of project for strengthening the profile of pancasila students in the independent curriculum for elementary school students,” IJECA Int. J. Educ. Curric. Appl., vol. 6, no. 2, 2023, doi: 10.31764/ijeca.v6i2.15474. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31764/ijeca.v6i2.15474
    6. C. Fitriyah and R. Wardani, “Paradigma kurikulum merdeka bagi guru sekolah dasar [Independent curriculum paradigm for elementary school teachers],” Sch. J. Pendidik. Dan Kebud., 2022, doi: 10.24246/j.js.2022.v12.i3.p236-243. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24246/j.js.2022.v12.i3.p236-243
    7. A. D. Pratiwi and S. Slamet, “Literatur review: Relevansi penerapan kurikulum merdeka dengan konsep pemikiran Ki Hajar Dewantara [Literature review: The relevance of the implementation of the independent curriculum with the concept of Ki Hajar Dewantara's thinking],” J. Pembelajaran Bimbing. Dan Pengelolaan Pendidik., vol. 4, no. 9, 2024, doi: 10.17977/um065.v4.i9.2024.10. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17977/um065.v4.i9.2024.10
    8. M. N. Hakim, K. Z. Solihah, F. Ismail, A. Salim, and N. T. Prasetiyo, “Optimizing the merdeka curriculum for developing the pancasila student profile through Project-Based Learning,” Munaddhomah J. Manaj. Pendidik. Islam, vol. 5, no. 4, 2024, doi: 10.31538/munaddhomah.v5i4.1396. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31538/munaddhomah.v5i4.1396
    9. R. Z. Noer, D. Mustopa, R. A. Ramly, M. Nursalim, and F. Arianto, “Landasan filosofis dan analisis teori belajar dalam implementasi kurikulum merdeka di sekolah dasar [Philosophical basis and analysis of learning theory in the implementation of the independent curriculum in elementary schools],” J. Elem. Edukasia, vol. 6, no. 4, 2023, doi: 10.31949/jee.v6i4.7311. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31949/jee.v6i4.7311
    10. T. Do, “Progressive education: Views from John Dewey’s education philosophy,” WISDOM, vol. 4, no. 3, 2022, doi: 10.24234/wisdom.v4i3.907.
    11. E. Nasrudin, S. A. Yasha, and U. Supriadi, “Implikasi pandangan filsafat pragmatisme John Dewey terhadap praktik pendidikan serta relevansinya dengan merdeka belajar kampus Merdeka [The implications of John Dewey's pragmatism philosophical views on educational practices and their relevance to independent learning and independent campuses.],” J. Kaji. Ilm., vol. 25, no. 1, pp. 9-24, 2025, doi: 10.31599/nts9v257. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31599/nts9v257
    12. M. S. Nuha and R. A. Gustama, “The paradigm of pregressivism: Strengthening education in the era of merdeka belajar,” Sanskara Pendidik. Dan Pengajaran, vol. 2, no. 3, 2024, doi: 10.58812/spp.v2i03.407. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58812/spp.v2i03.407
    13. U. Kulsum, Erlitawanty, S. Negeri, and I. Malang, “Merdeka belajar: The perspective of progressivism and its relevance to teachers as agents of change,” J. Pendidik. Multikultural Indones., vol. 6, no. 1, 2023, doi: 10.23887/jpmu.v6i1.59805. DOI: https://doi.org/10.23887/jpmu.v6i1.59805
    14. C. Gumilar, A. Thoriq, and M. Mardiyansah, “Peran filsafat pendidikan dalam membentuk kurikulum merdeka belajar dalam pengembangan teori dan praktik pendidikan di Indonesia [The role of educational philosophy in shaping the independent learning curriculum in the development of educational theory and practice in Indonesia],” Harmoni Pendidik. J. Ilmu Pendidik., vol. 2, no. 2, 2025, doi: 10.62383/hardik.v2i2.1260. DOI: https://doi.org/10.62383/hardik.v2i2.1260
    15. M. Hastuti and E. Agustina, “Evaluation of teachers’ performance and school environment on the implementation of the merdeka curriculum: A Literature Review,” PPSDP Int. J. Educ., vol. 4, no. 1, 2025, doi: 10.59175/pijed.v4i1.425. DOI: https://doi.org/10.59175/pijed.v4i1.425
    16. S. Slamet, R. Soelistijanto, S. Setyaningsih, S. Redjeki, and S. Sayekti, “Implementation of merdeka curriculum in the learning process through outdoor learning methods,” RA J. Appl. Res., vol. 11, no. 2, 2025, doi: 10.47191/rajar/v11i2.01. DOI: https://doi.org/10.47191/rajar/v11i2.01
    17. C. P. P. Tohamba and M. Ansyar, “Teachers’ readiness for implementing the merdeka curriculum in English instruction,” Contemp. Educ. Community Engagem. CECE, vol. 2, no. 1, 2025, doi: 10.12928/cece.v2i1.1138. DOI: https://doi.org/10.12928/cece.v2i1.1138
    18. L. Corno, “On Teaching Adaptively,” Educ. Psychol., vol. 43, pp. 161–173, 2008, doi: 10.1080/00461520802178466. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00461520802178466
    19. M. Vaughn, “Adaptive teaching during reading instruction: A Multi-Case study,” Read. Psychol., vol. 40, pp. 1–33, 2019, doi: 10.1080/02702711.2018.1481478. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02702711.2018.1481478
    20. J. W. Creswell, “Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches-4th ed,” SAGE Publ., vol. 86(385), 2013.
    21. W. M. Lim, “What is qualitative research? An overview and guidelines,” Australas. Mark. J., vol. 33, no. 2, pp. 199-229, 2024, doi: 10.1177/14413582241264619. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/14413582241264619
    22. U. Haki, E. Prahastiwi, and U. T. Selatan, “Strategi pengumpulan dan analisis data dalam penelitian kualitatif pendidikan [Data collection and analysis strategies in qualitative educational research],” J. Inov. Dan Teknol. Pendidik., vol. 3, no. 1, 2024, doi: 10.46306/jurinotep.v3i1.67. DOI: https://doi.org/10.46306/jurinotep.v3i1.67
    23. T. Do, “Progressive education: Views from John Dewey’s education philosophy,” WISDOM, vol. 4, no. 3, 2022, doi: 10.24234/wisdom.v4i3.907. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24234/wisdom.v4i3.907
    24. R. Altenbaugh and A. Zilversmit, “Changing schools: Progressive education theory and practice, 1930-1960,” Educ. Res., 1993, doi: 10.2307/2081577. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/2081577
    25. B. Brau, “Constructivism,” U. N. Peace Oper. Int. Relat. Theory, 2020, doi: 10.4135/9781483375519.n148. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4135/9781483375519.n148
    26. S. E. Cooperstein and E. Kocevar-Weidinger, “Beyond active learning: A constructivist approach to learning,” Ref. Serv. Rev., vol. 32, pp. 141–148, 2004, doi: 10.1108/00907320410537658. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/00907320410537658
    27. T. Guskey, “Professional development and teacher change,” Teach. Teach., vol. 8, pp. 381–391, 2002, doi: 10.1080/135406002100000512. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/135406002100000512
    28. S. A. Parsons et al., “Teachers’ instructional adaptations: A research synthesis,” Rev. Educ. Res., vol. 88, pp. 205–242, 2017, doi: 10.3102/0034654317743198. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3102/0034654317743198
    29. E. A. Mezmir, “Qualitative data analysis: An overview of data reduction, data display and interpretation,” Res. Humanit. Soc. Sci., vol. 10, no. 21, pp. 15-27, 2020, doi: 10.7176/rhss/10-21-02. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7176/RHSS/10-21-02
    30. S. Sunarni and H. Karyono, “Persepsi guru terhadap implementasi kurikulum merdeka belajar di sekolah dasar [Teachers' perceptions of the implementation of the independent learning curriculum in elementary schools],” J. Educ., vol. 5, no. 2, 2023, doi: 10.31004/joe.v5i2.796. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31004/joe.v5i2.796
    31. F. Waruwu, “English teachers views on changes to the independent curriculum in english language learning,” J. Bima Pus. Publ. Ilmu Pendidik. Bhs. Dan Sastra, vol. 2, no. 1, 2024, doi: 10.61132/bima.v2i1.618. DOI: https://doi.org/10.61132/bima.v2i1.618
    32. D. Putri and J. Zebua, “English teachers perceptions of the development of an independent curriculum,” J. Motiv. Pendidik. Dan Bhs., vol. 2, no. 1, 2024, doi: 10.59581/jmpb-widyakarya.v2i1.2694. DOI: https://doi.org/10.59581/jmpb-widyakarya.v2i1.2694
    33. S. Shawer, “Teacher-driven curriculum development at the classroom level: Implications for curriculum, pedagogy and teacher training,” Teach. Teach. Educ., vol. 63, pp. 296–313, 2017, doi: 10.1016/J.TATE.2016.12.017. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2016.12.017
    34. D. Tran and B. R. O’Connor, “Teacher curriculum competence: how teachers act in curriculum making,” J. Curric. Stud., vol. 56, pp. 1–16, 2023, doi: 10.1080/00220272.2023.2271541. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00220272.2023.2271541
    35. W. Lin, H. Yin, and Z. Liu, “The roles of transformational leadership and growth mindset in teacher professional development: the mediation of teacher self-efficacy,” Sustainability, vol. 14, no. 11, pp. 6489, 2022, doi: 10.3390/su14116489. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su14116489
    36. H. Reinius, I. Kaukinen, T. Korhonen, K. Juuti, and K. Hakkarainen, “Teachers as transformative agents in changing school culture,” Teach. Teach. Educ., vol. 120, pp. 103888, 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.tate.2022.103888. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2022.103888
    37. G. Paganin, C. Mameli, D. Guglielmi, and G. Mazzetti, “Transformational leadership and teacher satisfaction: the enhancing roles of professional development and learning program management,” J. Educ. Teach., vol. 51, pp. 275–293, 2025, doi: 10.1080/02607476.2025.2469125. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02607476.2025.2469125
    38. M. Alzoraiki, A. Ahmad, A. Ateeq, G. Naji, Q. AlMaamari, and B. Beshr, “Impact of teachers’ commitment to the relationship between transformational leadership and sustainable teaching performance,” Sustainability, vol. 15, no. 5, pp. 4620, 2023, doi: 10.3390/su15054620. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054620
    39. J. Tian, W. Zhang, Y. Mao, and D. M. Gurr, “The impact of transformational leadership on teachers’ job burnout: the mediating role of social-emotional competence and student-teacher relationship,” J. Educ. Adm., vol. 60, no. 4, pp. 369-385, 2022, doi: 10.1108/jea-04-2021-0075. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JEA-04-2021-0075
    40. L. S. Vygotsky, Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. Harvard University Press, 1978.
    41. J. Dewey, How We Think. Boston: D.C. Heath & Co. Publishers, 1910. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/10903-000
    42. A. Y. Prastowo and M. Elvi, “Teachers’ understanding of developing independent curriculum teaching modules for mathematics teachers in middle schools in Tanjungpinang City,” BIO Web Conf., 2023, doi: 10.1051/bioconf/20237910003. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/bioconf/20237910003
    43. K. Karim, T. Hidayanto, K. Kamaliyah, A. Sari, M. R. Ramadhan, and M. A. Anwar, “Improving understanding in the development of teaching modules in the independent curriculum through training of mathematics teacher,” Bubungan Tinggi J. Pengabdi. Masy., vol. 6, no. 2, 2024, doi: 10.20527/btjpm.v6i2.9161. DOI: https://doi.org/10.20527/btjpm.v6i2.9161
    44. N. A. Fitri, F. Chan, and I. Pamela, “Teachers readiness in the process of implementing the independent learning curriculum in elementary school,” Tarbiatuna J. Islam. Educ. Stud., vol. 4, no. 1, 2023, doi: 10.47467/tarbiatuna.v4i1.5174. DOI: https://doi.org/10.47467/tarbiatuna.v4i1.5174
    45. T. Y. Hendrowati, M. Badrun, and Siswoyo, “Teachers readiness training in implementing the independent curriculum (Concept Understanding, Structure, Learning Approach),” J. Soc. Community Bus. Dev., vol. 2, no. 1, 2024, doi: 10.30595/scbd.v2i1.171. DOI: https://doi.org/10.30595/scbd.v2i1.171
    46. M. Chen, F.-K. Chiang, Y. Jiang, and S. Yu, “A context-adaptive teacher training model in a ubiquitous learning environment,” Interact. Learn. Environ., vol. 25, pp. 113–126, 2017, doi: 10.1080/10494820.2016.1143845. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2016.1143845
    47. T. Farrell, “Professional development through reflective practice for English-medium instruction (EMI) teachers,” Int. J. Biling. Educ. Biling., vol. 23, pp. 277–286, 2020, doi: 10.1080/13670050.2019.1612840. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13670050.2019.1612840
    48. G. Shanmugavelu, B. Parasuraman, R. Arokiasamy, B. Kannan, and M. Vadivelu, “The role of teachers in reflective teaching in the classroom,” Educ. 3-13, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 30–33, 2020, doi: 10.34293/education.v8i3.2439. DOI: https://doi.org/10.34293/education.v8i3.2439
    49. Z. Makhmetova, L. Karabassova, A. Zhakim, and A. Karinov, “Exploring the effects of professional learning experiences on in-service teachers’ growth: A systematic review of literature,” Educ. Sci., vol. 15, no. 2, pp. 146, 2025, doi: 10.3390/educsci15020146. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15020146
    50. M. Pennanen, I. Markkanen, H. L. T. Heikkinen, K. Geeraerts, D. Gijbels, and P. Tynjälä, “Peer-group mentoring as a tool for teacher development,” Eur. J. Teach. Educ., vol. 38, pp. 358–377, 2015, doi: 10.1080/02619768.2014.983068. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02619768.2014.983068
    51. G. Jenkins, “Teacher agency: the effects of active and passive responses to curriculum change,” Aust. Educ. Res., vol. 47, pp. 167–181, 2019, doi: 10.1007/s13384-019-00334-2. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13384-019-00334-2