The English Teachers’ Difficulties in The Implementation of Merdeka Curriculum in a Remote Junior High School

Abstract

This study aims to determine the difficulties and strategies of English teachers in implementing Merdeka Curriculum in remote junior high schools. This research uses a qualitative method with a qualitative descriptive design. The sample consisted of 2 English teachers at SMP Negeri 06 Tayan Hilir. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling. Data collection in this study used observation and interview techniques. Data analysis in this study was by (1) Data reduction, (2) Data display, and (3) Conclusion. The results of this study indicate that there are five difficulties that English teachers experience in implementing independent curriculum changes in remote junior high schools. These difficulties are, difficulties in accepting changes, difficulties in designing learning plans, difficulties in classroom management and teaching practice, difficulties in internet access, and difficulties in limited facilities. There are two most dominant difficulties, namely difficulties in internet access and difficulties in limited facilities. Then five strategies of English teachers to overcome these difficulties were also found. Suggestions for the government in the field of education, especially English, are expected to provide training in preparing teaching modules for teachers in remote areas, besides providing internet access will greatly assist teachers in accessing the Ruang GTK Platform.