Towards the Curricular Freedom in the Time of Pandemic: A Literature Review

Abstract

The Ministerial Decree on the Guidelines for Curriculum Implementation in Schools under Special Circumstances (informally referred to as kurikulum darurat) has been devised in response to a nation-wide outcry from teachers, students, and parents as a response to the school closures induced by the Covid-19 pandemic. The government offers three curricular option, i.e., full Curriculum 2013 (K13), ministryadvised K13, and independent curriculum readjustment. However, many questions the readiness and competence of school teachers in responding to the options, especially if opting for the independent curriculum option. This article reviews the literature on the conceptualisation of teacher competence inside and outside the pandemic context, compares the studies on teachers' competence level from two different measures, and links them to the national inequality of access and resources. Both recent and seminal research from inside and outside of Indonesia were reviewed. It aims at providing a broader perspective on the trajectory of the policy. This essay finally advocates that the ministry should openly assert its support for the independent curriculum choice and puts confidence in Indonesian teachers' competence for a fair, contextualised, empathetic education in the time of the pandemic.

Analysis of the Implementation of Physical Education Learning in the Independent Curriculum

“…Furthermore, the readiness of PJOK teachers in implementing the independent curriculum in PJOK learning. In accordance with Junaidi's research, it shows that independent learning is part of teacher professional development and there is confidence in teacher competence in implementation in each school (Junaidi, 2021). So, teachers must be ready to implement the independent curriculum, including for PJOK teachers.…”

“…The resulting changes and innovations are able to provide maximum contribution to the progress of a nation that has quality human resources (Sopiansyah et al, 2022). Junaidi's research shows that independent learning is part of teacher professional development and there is confidence in teacher competence in implementation in each school (Junaidi, 2021). PJOK is a subject with physical activity as a tool in achieving its learning goals.…”

Problematika Manajemen Kurikulum Merdeka pada Siswa Taman Kanak-Kanak

“…Pembelajaran dikelas tidak hanya menekankan pada aspek pengetahuan saja, namun harus menekankan pada aspek sikap, perilaku serta karakter yang telah ditargetkan dalam perencanaan dan kurikulum yang mengarah kepada karakter yang berbudi mulia. Karakter ditanamkan sejak dini (Junaidi, 2021) Proses yang diterapkan harus mengikuti rencana pengajaran. Berikut salah satu materi yang menekankan kebersihan serta membawa siswa kepada aksi nyata dalam penerapan kurikulum Merdeka.…”