CHALLENGES FACED BY EFL TEACHERS IN IMPLEMENTING KURIKULUM MERDEKA: A REFLECTION ON DIGITAL ERA TEACHING PRACTICES

Abstrak

This study investigates the challenges encountered by English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers in implementing Kurikulum Merdeka, a new Indonesian curriculum that emphasizes student-centered learning and digital integration. While the curriculum promotes autonomy and flexibility, many teachers face obstacles in adapting to these changes within the context of the digital era. Using a qualitative descriptive method, data were collected through interviews and open-ended questionnaires involving junior high school EFL teachers. The findings highlight several key issues, including limited access to digital tools, insufficient professional development, and difficulty adjusting traditional teaching methods to suit technology-based learning environments. These challenges impact classroom effectiveness and student engagement. The study suggests the need for structured support systems, including digital literacy training and the development of accessible teaching resources, to help EFL teachers navigate the demands of Kurikulum Merdeka more effectively.