DEEP LEARNING-BASED LEARNING IN THE MERDEKA CURRICULUM AT ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS: IMPLEMENTATION, CHALLENGES, AND ITS IMPACT ON LEARNING

This study is driven by the transformation of education through the Merdeka Curriculum, which highlights flexible, contextual, and student-centered learning. The deep learning approach is considered a solution to foster deeper understanding, strengthen critical thinking skills, and enable the application of knowledge in real-life situations. This research aims to examine the implementation of deep learning-based instruction within the Merdeka Curriculum, identify the challenges encountered, and explore its impact on classroom practices. The study adopts a descriptive qualitative approach using a literature review method, analyzing relevant and recent scholarly sources. The results reveal that integrating deep learning into the Merdeka Curriculum encourages more meaningful learning experiences, enhances student motivation and engagement, and develops higher-order thinking skills, including critical, reflective, and collaborative thinking. Moreover, this approach facilitates personalized learning and improves the efficiency of educational processes through the use of technology. However, its implementation still faces several obstacles, such as limited teacher competence, heavy administrative demands, and insufficient infrastructure. In conclusion, the application of deep learning within the Merdeka Curriculum holds significant potential to improve the quality of education, but it requires continuous support from various stakeholders to ensure effective and sustainable implementation