Abstrak
In this research the research study was to find the teachers' challenges in implementing the Kurikulum Merdeka at SMAS Frater Don Bosco Tarakan The objectives of this research were to describe the implementation of Kurikulum Merdeka in English language teaching and to find the teachers' challenges during the implementation of Kurikulum Merdeka in English language teaching at the tenth grade of SMAS Frater Don Bosco Tarakan in the academic year 2023/2024. In this study, the researcher used a qualitative descriptive method. The researcher collected data through observation, interview, and document analysis. The data were obtained from one class observation of tenth grade and interview with English teacher. The researcher uses Miles and Huberman's data analysis techniques which has three stages: (1) data reduction, (2) data display, (3) drawing conclusions and verification. For the validity of the data, the researcher used the triangulation method. The study results show that Kurikulum Merdeka has been implemented in English language teaching. The teacher implemented Alur Tujuan Pembelajaran and Modul Ajar based on Kurikulum Merdeka adapted to the characteristics of the teaching unit. The teacher has also implemented a learning cycle and conducted an assessment based on Kurikulum Merdeka. The learning components in the form of objectives, materials, methods, media and evaluation have been fulfilled in English language teaching. The challenges faced by the teacher are the limited time to design differentiated learning based on the individual needs of the students and the teacher cannot maintain the enthusiasm of the students until the end of the lesson. Reflection the teacher needs to be creative and innovative in implementing Kurikulum Merdeka in English language teaching. In Continuous Professional Development (CPD) the teacher must also be good in time management both in learning and designing learning materials because of the change that happens in the education unit so the teacher must always update with the teaching strategies and learning materials.