THE PERCEPTION OF THE ENGLISH TEACHERS ON THE ADOPTION OF MERDEKA CURRICULUM AT MTS MUHAMMADIYAH 02 PEKANBARU

Abstrak

This study investigates English teachers’ perceptions of the adoption of the Merdeka Curriculum at MTs Muhammadiyah 02 Pekanbaru. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach with an evaluation research design, data were gathered through interviews and questionnaires involving English teachers as key participants. The findings indicate that teachers generally perceive the Merdeka Curriculum positively, highlighting its flexibility and potential to enhance meaningful English language learning. However, several challenges were also identified, including limited understanding of the curriculum structure, insufficient training, and inadequate digital literacy and technological infrastructure, particularly among senior teachers. Despite these challenges, teachers view the Merdeka Curriculum as a progressive framework that promotes inclusive, creative, and student-centered learning. They also acknowledge that successful implementation requires additional preparation, adaptation, and continuous professional development. Overall, the study concludes that while the Merdeka Curriculum presents opportunities for educational improvement, it demands sustained institutional support and teacher capacity-building to ensure effective application.