Journal of Social Work and Science Education
Vol. 8 No. 1 (2027): Forthcoming Issue

Principal-Teacher Communication in Curriculum Development

Putri Barkah (Universitas PGRI Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia)
Edi Harapan (Universitas PGRI Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia)
Yessi Fitriani (Universitas PGRI Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
13 Jul 2026

Abstract

This study examines principal-teacher communication in curriculum development, focusing on: communication patterns used by the principal, teachers’ roles in planning, implementing, and evaluating the curriculum, and the relationship between communication quality and teacher participation motivated by uneven teacher involvement in Merdeka Curriculum development despite existing communication channels. A descriptive qualitative design with an axiological orientation was employed to examine ethical, normative, and practical values reflected in principal-teacher communication. Data were collected through interviews, observation, and documentation involving eight informants: the principal, vice principal for curriculum, administrative staff, and five teachers. Analysis followed reduction, display, conclusion drawing, and verification. Findings reveal combinative communication integrating formal channels (coordination meetings, supervision) and informal channels (personal discussions, WhatsApp groups). However, dialogue openness was unevenly experienced, and follow-up on teacher input required strengthening. Teachers participated in planning, implementation, and evaluation, but engagement varied some demonstrated initiative in literacy, religious, and character-building activities, while others awaited direct instruction. This study uniquely integrates axiological analysis with communication patterns in curriculum development within the Merdeka Curriculum context. Clear, open, appreciative, and consistently followed-up communication strengthens teacher participation and supports collaborative curriculum development. This research contributes empirical evidence that communication quality, reinforced through interpersonal trust, Leader-Member Exchange, and intrinsic motivation, is pivotal for fostering equitable teacher engagement in curriculum reform, offering actionable insights for primary school leaders.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jswse

Publisher

Subject

Religion Economics, Econometrics & Finance Education Environmental Science Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

The Journal of Social Work and Science Education (JSWSE) is firmly established as an authoritative voice in the world of social work and science education with E-ISSN: 2723-6919 and P-ISSN 2746-0827. JSWSE publishes scholarly papers that focus on the social science, teaching and learning, science in ...