ANALYSIS OF 4TH GRADE TEACHER UNDERSTANDING AT SDN SUKARESMI 06 IN IMPLEMENTING THE MERDEKA MENGAJAR CURRICULUM AND ITS IMPACT ON 4TH GRADE STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Abstract

In a teaching and learning process, a teacher must understand the rules, principles, and objectives of the curriculum. This process includes the procedures for planning, implementing, and assessing learning activities as a manifestation of their understanding of the curriculum. This study aims to determine the understanding of teachers at SDN Sukaresmi 06 in implementing learning activities using the Merdeka Mengajar Curriculum and to discuss student learning outcomes as an indicator of teacher understanding. In this study, teacher understanding of the Merdeka Mengajar Curriculum and teacher empowerment are key to the learning outcomes, which are reflected in students' final grades.

This study was conducted with teachers and fourth-grade students at SDN Sukaresmi 06 to determine the level of teacher understanding and its impact on fourth-grade student learning outcomes. The study used a mixed-methods study, combining qualitative descriptive analysis and a sequential mixed-methods strategy with cluster random sampling. The teachers involved in this study were four homeroom teachers and four subject teachers. The total number of analyzed student learning outcomes was 226. Quantitative data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS 26 software to determine validity and reliability coefficients.

The findings of this study indicate that most teachers feel comfortable teaching using the Merdeka Mengajar Curriculum, although some teachers found the curriculum cumbersome and confusing. Meanwhile, the learning outcomes of fourth-grade students demonstrate that teachers' presentation methods play a significant role in producing positive learning outcomes. Another factor that helps support teacher understanding and student learning outcomes is the school's comprehensive facilities and infrastructure.

Based on these findings, a recommendation that can be implemented is for the local education office to increase and improve the quality of teacher empowerment programs to provide inspiration, enhance creativity, and boost the effectiveness of classroom learning so that teaching activities can produce satisfactory results for student.