STUDI KUALITATIF: ANALISIS IMPLEMENTASI KURIKULUM MERDEKA PADA KELAS X TEKNIK MESIN SMK NEGERI 7 PALEMBANG

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the implementation of the Independent Curriculum (Kurikulum Merdeka) in Grade X of the Mechanical Engineering program at State Vocational High School (SMK Negeri) 7 Palembang. The research employed a qualitative descriptive approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis involving productive Mechanical Engineering teachers, workshop heads, and Grade X students. Data analysis was conducted through data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing.

The findings indicate that the implementation of the Independent Curriculum has been carried out relatively well, as reflected in teachers’ roles as facilitators, the application of project-based learning, and the implementation of the Project for Strengthening the Pancasila Student Profile (P5). The curriculum has positively contributed to student engagement, character development, and the improvement of technical competencies aligned with industry needs. Nevertheless, several challenges were identified, including limited practical facilities, varying levels of teacher understanding of the curriculum, and students’ readiness for independent learning.

In conclusion, the successful implementation of the Independent Curriculum is highly dependent on school management support, teacher preparedness, and collaboration with industry partners. The results of this study are expected to provide valuable insights and recommendations for schools and policymakers to enhance the quality of Independent Curriculum implementation in vocational education.

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis implementasi Kurikulum Merdeka pada kelas X program keahlian Teknik Mesin di SMK Negeri 7 Palembang. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan desain deskriptif. Pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui wawancara mendalam, observasi pembelajaran, dan studi dokumentasi yang melibatkan guru produktif Teknik Mesin, kepala bengkel, dan peserta didik kelas X. Analisis data dilakukan melalui tahapan kondensasi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan.

Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa implementasi Kurikulum Merdeka di SMK Negeri 7 Palembang telah berjalan cukup baik, ditandai dengan peran guru sebagai fasilitator, penerapan pembelajaran berbasis proyek, serta pelaksanaan Projek Penguatan Profil Pelajar Pancasila (P5). Kurikulum Merdeka memberikan dampak positif terhadap keterlibatan siswa, pengembangan karakter, serta peningkatan kompetensi teknis yang relevan dengan kebutuhan dunia kerja. Namun demikian, penelitian ini juga menemukan sejumlah kendala, antara lain keterbatasan sarana dan prasarana praktik, perbedaan tingkat pemahaman guru terhadap Kurikulum Merdeka, serta kesiapan siswa dalam pembelajaran mandiri.

Kesimpulan penelitian ini menegaskan bahwa keberhasilan implementasi Kurikulum Merdeka sangat dipengaruhi oleh dukungan manajemen sekolah, kesiapan guru, serta kolaborasi dengan dunia industri. Temuan penelitian ini diharapkan dapat menjadi bahan evaluasi dan rekomendasi bagi sekolah dan pemangku kebijakan dalam meningkatkan kualitas implementasi Kurikulum Merdeka di pendidikan vokasi.