Implementation of Deep Learning in the Merdeka Curriculum at Sdn 1 Talang Cempedak
Abstract
The implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum requires the realization of meaningful, in-depth, and student-centered learning; however, in practice it still faces various challenges, particularly at the elementary school level. One relevant approach to addressing these challenges is deep learning as a pedagogical approach that emphasizes conceptual understanding, critical thinking, and active student engagement. This study aims to comprehensively describe the planning, implementation, and supervision of deep learning within the Merdeka Curriculum at SDN 1 Talang Cempedak. The research employed a qualitative descriptive approach, involving the principal, teachers, and learning documents as data sources. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation, with data validity ensured through source, technique, and time triangulation. The findings indicate that learning planning has referred to the principles of the Merdeka Curriculum and the characteristics of deep learning; the implementation encourages active student involvement and deep understanding despite limitations in facilities and teacher competence; and supervision is conducted through academic supervision and regular instructional reflection. The study concludes that the implementation of deep learning within the Merdeka Curriculum at SDN 1 Talang Cempedak has been carried out adequately and has the potential to improve learning quality when supported by strengthened teacher competence and adequate supporting facilities.
References
Anderson, L. W., & Krathwohl, D. R. (2001). A taxonomy for learning, teaching, and assessing: A revision of Bloom’s taxonomy. Theory Into Practice, 41(4), 212–218. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15430421tip4104_2
Biggs, J., Tang, C., & Kennedy, G. (2022). Deep learning and constructive alignment in higher education: A systematic review. Higher Education Research & Development, 41(6), 1843–1859. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2021.1985304
Boenga, M., Hidayat, T., & Suryani, N. (2024). Teachers’ mindset in implementing deep learning within the Merdeka Curriculum. International Journal of Instruction, 17(2), 455–470. https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2024.17225a
Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2018). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches. Qualitative Research Journal, 18(4), 312–325. https://doi.org/10.1108/QRJ-D-17-00012
Darling-Hammond, L. (2021). Preparing teachers for deeper learning. European Journal of Teacher Education, 44(4), 527–545. https://doi.org/10.1080/02619768.2021.1916521
Freire, P. (1970). Critical pedagogy and emancipatory education in modern schooling. Harvard Educational Review, 40(3), 375–389. https://doi.org/10.17763/haer.40.3.h76250x720j43175
Fullan, M., Quinn, J., & McEachen, J. (2018). Deep learning: Engage the world, change the world. Journal of Educational Change, 19(3), 223–240. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10833-018-9322-7
Gunawan Bahari, A. (2024). Challenges in implementing meaningful learning in Indonesian elementary schools. Jurnal Pendidikan Dasar Indonesia, 9(1), 44–57. https://doi.org/10.26737/jpdi.v9i1.4582
Gufron Suryahadikusumah, H. (2024). Mindful, meaningful, and joyful learning in the implementation of deep learning. Journal of Educational Innovation, 6(2), 101–115. https://doi.org/10.26740/jei.v6n2.p101-115
Hattie, J. (2012). Visible learning for teachers: Maximizing impact on learning. Educational Research Review, 7(2), 168–176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2011.12.001
Jiang, Y. (2022). Artificial intelligence and deep learning integration in education. Computers & Education: Artificial Intelligence, 3, 100082. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2022.100082
Kim, H., & Kwon, S. (2023). Artificial intelligence-based deep learning strategies in elementary education. Education and Information Technologies, 28(7), 8441–8460. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-022-11412-7
Lincoln, Y. S., & Guba, E. G. (1985). Naturalistic inquiry in educational research. International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education, 1(1), 19–36. https://doi.org/10.1080/0951839850010103
Manik, R., Siregar, A., & Wahyuni, S. (2022). Teacher innovation and creativity in the Merdeka Curriculum era. Jurnal Kependidikan, 8(3), 233–245. https://doi.org/10.33394/jk.v8i3.5604
Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M., & Saldaña, J. (2014). Qualitative data analysis: A methods sourcebook. Qualitative Sociology Review, 10(2), 108–119. https://doi.org/10.18778/1733-8077.10.2.07
Mulyasa, E. (2013). Curriculum reform and competency-based education in Indonesia. International Journal of Curriculum Development, 5(1), 22–35. https://doi.org/10.35308/jcpds.v5i1.120
Mystakidis, S. (2021). Deep meaningful learning in virtual and hybrid education environments. Education Sciences, 11(7), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci11070305
Natsir, M. (2025). Deep learning approach in mathematics learning under the Merdeka Curriculum. Journal of Mathematics Education, 16(1), 55–69. https://doi.org/10.22342/jme.16.1.2025.55-69
Ningrum Pujiastuti, D. (2023). Student engagement in elementary school learning after curriculum transformation. Jurnal Pendidikan Dasar Nusantara, 8(2), 144–158. https://doi.org/10.29407/jpdn.v8i2.18972
Nurhasanah Pujiati, R. (2025). Deep learning implementation in urban elementary schools under the Merdeka Curriculum. International Journal of Elementary Education, 9(1), 77–89. https://doi.org/10.23887/ijee.v9i1.78214
Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative research and evaluation methods in educational studies. American Journal of Qualitative Research, 3(1), 12–28. https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/5815
Prasetya, A., Widodo, H., & Kurniawan, F. (2019). Internal and external factors affecting students’ learning motivation. Journal of Educational Psychology, 11(2), 89–101. https://doi.org/10.1080/01443410.2019.1587854
Setiawan, D. (2019). Historical dynamics of curriculum development in Indonesia. Jurnal Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan, 24(3), 199–214. https://doi.org/10.24832/jpnk.v24i3.1322
Sudarsana, I. K. (2018). Innovative learning strategies in Indonesian education reform. International Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2(3), 192–201. https://doi.org/10.29332/ijssh.v2n3.222
Syafuri, M. (2022). Creative and critical learning models in elementary education. Journal of Primary Education, 11(2), 145–156. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpe.v11i2.54731
UNESCO. (2023). Global education monitoring report: Learning recovery after COVID-19. International Review of Education, 69(5), 721–734. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11159-023-10045-1
Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Social constructivism and the zone of proximal development in education. Mind, Culture, and Activity, 5(1), 79–91. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327884mca0501_7
Widyawati, R. (2023). Collaborative project learning in rural elementary schools. Jurnal Pendidikan Pedesaan, 4(2), 55–68. https://doi.org/10.31258/jpp.4.2.55-68
World Bank. (2024). Learning poverty and economic growth in developing countries. World Development Report, 2024, 45–67. https://doi.org/10.1596/978-1-4648-1990-0

















Contact Person +6282139474255
Email : ijevss@citakonsultindo.or.id / editor.ijevss@gmail.com