PEMANFAATAN PLATFORM MERDEKA MENGAJAR (PMM) UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KOMPETENSI GURU (Study Kasus di SD Negeri 1 Sumber Mulya Kecamatan Pulau Panggung Kabupaten Tanggamus)

Abstract

The utilization of the Merdeka Mengajar platform in supporting the professionalism of elementary school teachers is a study aimed at analyzing how this digital platform can support the development of educators' competencies, particularly in addressing the challenges of implementing the Merdeka Curriculum. This research is motivated by the urgent need for self-paced training for teachers, the development of learning communities, and an effective performance management system. In this context, the main challenge faced by teachers is adapting to the curriculum changes, which require new skills in both designing lessons and managing more flexible teaching and learning processes. The research method employed is a descriptive qualitative approach with a case study design conducted at SD Negeri 1 Sumber Mulya. Data collection techniques included in-depth interviews with the school principal, teachers, and Merdeka Mengajar platform coordinators, participatory observations in classrooms, and documentation of platform usage activities. Data analysis followed the interactive model of Miles and Huberman, which includes data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The findings of this study reveal three key themes. First, the self-paced training features of the Merdeka Mengajar platform have made a positive contribution to enhancing teachers' competencies, as evidenced by the large number of teachers who have completed training modules and received certificates of completion for specific topics. However, challenges such as limited accessibility and the complexity of the training material still hinder some teachers. Second, both the virtual learning community on the platform and the in-school learning community at SD Negeri 1 Sumber Mulya, known as the Kombel Surya (Sumber Mulya Learning Community), have successfully created a productive discussion space among teachers, with noticeable improvements in interaction levels. Third, the performance management system within the platform shows a positive correlation between the training undertaken and the improvements in lesson quality and teaching methods applied by the teachers. The implications of this research suggest that the Merdeka Mengajar platform has significant potential to transform the professional development of teachers. However, continuous improvements are needed, including enhancing accessibility, enriching the training content, and strengthening the feedback mechanisms. In conclusion, this digital platform plays a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum, with the need for further development to meet the dynamic needs of education.