Exploring teacher agency and instructional practices in implementing the Merdeka Curriculum: A qualitative study of English Language teaching in Indonesian Senior High Schools

Tri Achmad Efendi; Alvin Apriliano  Arijanto

doi:10.55942/pssj.v5i7.386

Authors

Tri Achmad Efendi STKIP Bina Insan Mandiri https://orcid.org/0009-0007-6396-8392
Alvin Apriliano Arijanto STKIP Bina Insan Mandiri

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55942/pssj.v5i7.386

Keywords:

Merdeka Kurikulum, English Performance, ELT, Teaching Practices

Abstract

This study explored English teachers' practices in the implementation of English Language Teaching (ELT) under the Merdeka Curriculum in Indonesian senior high schools. Employing a qualitative case study approach, the researchers collected data through semi-structured interviews with three English teachers from three schools. This study investigated how teachers adapt the curriculum to classroom practice and their perceptions of students’ engagement and learning outcomes. To provide contextual insight, placement tests (vocabulary and reading tests) and writing test results were examined to illustrate the alignment between teaching approaches and outcomes. The findings revealed that teachers who adopted student-centered and collaborative strategies reported higher student motivation and stronger motivation on both tests. In contrast, a textbook-oriented or teacher-centered approach is associated with limited student progress. Therefore, this study emphasizes the critical role of teacher agency and the availability of resources in realizing the goals of the Merdeka Curriculum.

Author Biographies

Tri Achmad Efendi, STKIP Bina Insan Mandiri

Tri Achmad Efendi is a Lecturer in the English Education Department at STKIP Bina Insan Mandiri Surabaya, Indonesia. His primary research interests include Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), Teaching English to Young Learners (TEYL), as well as curriculum and material development. He actively contributes to research on innovative teaching practices and curriculum implementation in Indonesian contexts, emphasizing student-centered learning approaches.

Alvin Apriliano Arijanto , STKIP Bina Insan Mandiri

Alvin Aprilia Arijanto is a graduate of the English Education Department at STKIP Bina Insan Mandiri Surabaya, Indonesia, completing his degree in 2024. Driven by a passion for teaching and educational research, he collaborated as a research assistant with Tri Achmad Efendi. His research interests focus on English language teaching methodologies and the practical application of curriculum innovation in classroom settings.

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