Darulfunun Institute

Institute for Development, Research and Initiatives (IDRIS)

Tag: merdeka curriculum

  • Visual-Based Information Technology as a Predictor of Islamic Religious Education Learning in the Merdeka Curriculum

    » AL-IMAM: Journal on Islamic Studies, Civilization and Learning Societies

    Digital technologies are increasingly used to support student-centered instruction under Indonesia’s Merdeka Curriculum, yet quantitative evidence from Islamic Religious Education (IRE) remains limited. This study examined the association between visual-based information technology and IRE learning. A cross-sectional explanatory survey involved 40 participants (33 students and 7 IRE teachers) purposively selected from one public junior secondary school. Two eight-item questionnaires used a four-point Likert scale, and internal consistency was acceptable for visual-based information technology (Cronbach’s ? = 0.799) and IRE learning (? = 0.778). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, assumption tests, a two-tailed Pearson correlation with 5,000-sample bias-corrected and accelerated bootstrapping, and simple linear regression. Mean scores were 23.80 (SD = 5.85) for visual-based information technology and 24.15 (SD = 5.66) for IRE learning. Regression residuals were normally distributed (W = 0.959, p = 0.150), and no significant deviation from linearity was detected, F(16, 22) = 1.545, p = 0.170. A strong positive correlation was found, r = 0.861, p < 0.001, BCa 95% CI [0.764, 0.929]. Visual-based information technology significantly predicted IRE learning, B = 0.833, SE = 0.080, ? = 0.861, t = 10.454, p < 0.001, explaining 74.2% of the variance (R² = 0.742). The findings indicate a substantial association, but causal interpretation is limited by the single-school, cross-sectional, self-report design.

  • Digital Leadership of School Principals in Strengthening the Learning Ecosystem in the Era of the Merdeka Curriculum at Primary Schools

    » Perwakilan: Journal of Good Governance, Diplomacy, Customary Institutionalization and Social Networks

    The digital leadership of school principals plays a crucial role in strengthening the learning ecosystem in the era of the Merdeka Curriculum, especially in primary schools that are adapting to the use of educational technology. The Merdeka Curriculum emphasizes flexibility, project-based learning, and the use of digital tools to support more independent and meaningful learning processes. In this context, school principals act as digital leaders who not only manage schools but also guide the technological vision, enhance teacher competencies, and foster an innovative and responsive school culture in line with digital developments.This study employed a quantitative descriptive approach through surveys conducted with 120 primary school teachers across three districts/cities. The findings revealed three key results. First, 78% of teachers reported an improvement in their competency in using learning applications following the implementation of digital leadership policies by school principals. Second, 72% of schools reported increased collaboration between teachers and parents through school digital platforms, which positively impacted student engagement in learning. Third, 81% of principals utilized digital data (learning dashboards, online assessments, and daily reports) for faster decision-making regarding students’ learning needs. These findings reinforce that digital leadership significantly contributes to the successful implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum and creates a learning ecosystem that is inclusive, adaptive, and relevant to the demands of 21st-century education.

  • Implementing the Merdeka Curriculum in Chemistry Learning Through Tutoring: A Qualitative Study at Madrasah Aliyah Darul Funun El Abbassiyyah

    » Journal of Regional Development and Technology Initiatives

    The implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum emphasizes differentiated learning that accommodates students’ diverse abilities, interests, and learning needs. In chemistry education, this approach is particularly important because students often experience difficulties in understanding abstract concepts that require strong conceptual reasoning. This study aims to examine the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum in chemistry learning through a tutoring program at Madrasah Aliyah Darul Funun El Abbassiyyah. A descriptive qualitative research design was employed to provide an in-depth description of the implementation process. The study used the researcher as the primary research instrument, while data were collected through classroom observations and interviews. The collected data were analyzed descriptively by identifying and interpreting phenomena related to the implementation of tutoring in chemistry learning. The findings reveal that students possess diverse levels of academic ability, learning interests, and talents, requiring instructional approaches that extend beyond regular classroom teaching. The school implements an additional tutoring program outside regular instructional hours to provide more personalized guidance according to students’ characteristics and academic potential. Through this program, teachers are able to identify students’ competencies, monitor their conceptual understanding of chemistry, and facilitate the development of their interests and talents. The tutoring activities also support students’ preparation for academic competitions, including the National Science Olympiad (OSN) and the Madrasah Science Competition (KSM), where students have achieved notable accomplishments. These findings indicate that tutoring serves as an effective strategy for implementing the principles of the Merdeka Curriculum by supporting differentiated instruction and optimizing students’ academic development. The study concludes that integrating tutoring into chemistry learning provides meaningful opportunities for identifying and developing students’ competencies, interests, and talents, while strengthening the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum in the Madrasah context.

  • Learning Methods in the Era of Society 5.0: Implications of the Islamic Education System within the Merdeka Curriculum

    » Journal of Regional Development and Technology Initiatives

    This paper delves into the dynamic realm of learning methods within the context of the Era of Society 5.0, an era characterized by rapid technological advancement and profound societal transformations. As traditional educational paradigms are being reshaped, there is a growing recognition of the need for innovative approaches that equip learners with the skills and mindset necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape. Central to this discussion is the exploration of the Merdeka Curriculum, a pedagogical framework that emphasizes autonomy, critical thinking, and adaptability. By empowering learners to take ownership of their education and cultivate a deeper understanding of the world around them, the Merdeka Curriculum seeks to prepare individuals for the complexities of the modern world. Within this framework, the integration of the Islamic education system presents unique opportunities to enrich the educational experience. Islamic principles, which emphasize ethics, morality, and spirituality, can serve as a guiding light in navigating the complexities of contemporary society. By incorporating these principles into the curriculum, educators can foster a sense of identity, purpose, and belonging among learners while also promoting values-based education that transcends cultural boundaries. Moreover, by embracing diversity and inclusivity, the Merdeka Curriculum can serve as a platform for promoting intercultural dialogue and understanding, fostering a sense of global citizenship among learners. Through this exploration, we aim to shed light on the transformative potential of integrating the Islamic education system into the Merdeka Curriculum, highlighting the synergies that emerge when tradition meets innovation in the pursuit of holistic education.