Rangga Putera Boroallo
Universitas Tadulako

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Challenges in Implementing Differentiated Learning Under the Kurikulum Merdeka: A Qualitative Study of Elementary School Teachers Glorya Pashya Koela; Yun Ratna Lagandesa; Sisriawan Lapasere; Rizal; Rangga Putera Boroallo
Journal of Innovation and Research in Primary Education Vol. 5 No. 2 (2026)
Publisher : Papanda Publisher

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.56916/jirpe.v5i2.3655

Abstract

Despite the increasing adoption of differentiated learning under Indonesia's Kurikulum Merdeka, the practical challenges faced by elementary school teachers in implementing this approach—particularly within resource-constrained public school settings—remain insufficiently documented. This study employed a descriptive qualitative design to investigate the challenges, adaptive strategies, and student outcomes associated with differentiated learning implementation at SD Inpres 3 Talise, Palu City, Central Sulawesi. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, structured classroom observations, and document analysis involving six purposively selected classroom teachers during the 2025/2026 academic year. Data analysis followed the interactive model of Miles et al. (2014), with trustworthiness established through methodological triangulation and member checking. Three principal challenges were identified: limited instructional time (cited by all six participants), large class sizes, and low levels of student self-directed learning. Teachers employed three primary adaptive strategies: digital platform use, collegial collaboration, and reliance on institutional support. A notable finding was the near-absence of formally differentiated assessment rubrics, revealing a significant assessment-instruction alignment gap. These findings extend the international literature by identifying student self-directedness as an internally generated pedagogical constraint that is underexplored in differentiation frameworks. The study underscores the need for professional development programs targeting assessment differentiation and calls for structural reforms to support sustainable differentiated instruction in Indonesian elementary education.
Differentiated Learning in the Independent Curriculum: A Qualitative Analysis of Implementation Patterns and Challenges in Indonesian Elementary Education Nurwahida Nurwahida; Yun Ratna Lagandesa; Sisriawan Lapasere; Rizal Rizal; Rangga Putera Boroallo
Journal of Innovation and Research in Primary Education Vol. 5 No. 2 (2026)
Publisher : Papanda Publisher

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.56916/jirpe.v5i2.3656

Abstract

Differentiated learning is a central instructional approach promoted by Indonesia's Independent Curriculum (Kurikulum Merdeka) to address the diverse learning needs, readiness levels, and profiles of elementary school students. Despite its theoretical importance, the extent to which differentiated learning is implemented in practice remains poorly understood in specific school contexts. This study employed a descriptive qualitative design to examine the implementation of differentiated learning in grade IV at SD Inpres 3 Talise, Palu City, during the 2025/2026 academic year. Data were collected through classroom observations, semi-structured interviews, student questionnaires, and document analysis, and were analyzed using Miles and Huberman's interactive model. Findings reveal that process differentiation was the most consistently applied form, while content and product differentiation were largely absent and inconsistent. The composite student questionnaire score of 33.38% indicated a low level of perceived implementation. An unexpected finding showed that teachers spontaneously created inclusive and psychologically safe learning environments, suggesting an emergent environmental differentiation disposition. These findings reflect a theory–practice gap consistent with international literature and underscore the need for structured, practice-oriented professional development targeting content design and diversified assessment products to advance comprehensive differentiated learning under the Independent Curriculum.