Elementary School Teachers' Understanding of Differentiated Instruction: Challenges and Opportunities
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22460/pej.v9i2.6015Kata Kunci:
Differentiated Instruction , Teacher Understanding , Educational PolicyAbstrak
Differentiated learning enables teachers to design instruction that meets the diverse needs of students. However, limited teacher understanding remains a challenge in its effective implementation. This study evaluates elementary school teachers' understanding of differentiated learning based on Tomlinson's model and identifies challenges and opportunities for its implementation. A descriptive quantitative approach was used, with data collected through a questionnaire distributed to 49 elementary school teachers from Sekolah Penggerak in Karanganyar Regency. The findings reveal that while 71.44% of teachers demonstrate an excellent understanding of differentiation, 28.6% struggle with instructional adaptation. Key challenges include limited resources (39%) and time constraints (41%), which hinder effective implementation. Despite institutional support, gaps in professional development remain evident, with training often being too theoretical and lacking hands-on application. These findings highlight the need for targeted professional development programs and stronger policy support to ensure effective implementation. The results contribute to the growing discourse on inclusive and adaptive pedagogies, offering practical insights for policymakers and educators to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and classroom application, ultimately enhancing the quality of elementary education.
Referensi
Agarwal-Rangnath, R. (2022). Social studies, literacy, and social justice in the elementary classroom: A guide for teachers. books.google.com. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=QBOrEAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=social+studies+inquiry+learning+critical+thinking+skills&ots=LTU6VlIGLP&sig=PNB0TEH0yhYp2v5knY4c5yM8gLQ
Amalia, K., Rasyad, I., & Gunawan, A. (2023). Pembelajaran Berdiferensiasi sebagai Inovasi pembelajaran. Journal Of Education And Teaching Learning (JETL), 5(2), 185–193. https://doi.org/10.51178/jetl.v5i2.1351
Anggraini, C. C. D. (2023). Elementary School Social Studies Learning Problems During the Implementation of the Independent Curriculum. Widyagogik: Jurnal Pendidikan Dan …. https://journal.trunojoyo.ac.id/widyagogik/article/view/22823
Aprima, D., & Sari, S. (2022). Analisis Penerapan Pembelajaran Berdiferensiasi Dalam Implementasi Kurikulum Merdeka pada Pelajaran Matematika SD. Cendikia : Media Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan, 13((1)), 95–101. https://doi.org/10.35335/cendikia.v13i1.2960
Aransyah, A., Herawati Herawati, Muhammad Mona Adha, Muhammad Nurwahidin, & Dwi Yuliati. (2023). Implementasi Evaluasi Modul Kurikulum Merdeka Sekolah Penggerak Terhadap Peserta Didik SMA Perintis 1 Bandar Lampung. Jurnal Teknologi Pendidikan : Jurnal Penelitian Dan Pengembangan Pembelajaran, 8(1), 136–136. https://doi.org/10.33394/jtp.v8i1.6424
Asrifan, A., Prodhan Mahbub Ibna Seraj, Andi Sadapotto, Nurhumairah, & K. J. Vargheese. (2023). The Implementation of Kurikulum Merdeka as The Newest Curriculum Applied at Sekolah Penggerak in Indonesia. International Journal of Education and Humanities, 2(1), 62–74. https://doi.org/10.56314/ijoleh.v2i1.130
Aziz, M., Napitupula, D. S., & Tanjung, S. A. (2024). Implementation of Differentiated Learning in the Merdeka Belajar Curriculum for Elementary Schools. Journal of Elementary Educational Research, 4(2), 127–142. https://doi.org/10.30984/jeer.v4i2
Calkins, L. (2022). Measuring social studies teacher self-efficacy: Development of a valid, reliable, and fair Social Studies Self-Efficacy Scale. search.proquest.com. https://search.proquest.com/openview/22be0e70c051b27a201bb0897b069d5b/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y
Connolly, M., James, C., & Fertig, M. (2019). The difference between educational management and educational leadership and the importance of educational responsibility. Educational Management Administration & Leadership, 47(4), 504–519. https://doi.org/10.1177/1741143217745880
Dalila, A. A., Azmy Almas Dalila, Siti Rahmah, Siti Rahmah, Winny Liliawati, Winny Liliawati, Ida Kaniawati, & Ida Kaniawati. (2022). Effect of Differentiated Learning in Problem Based Learning on Cognitive Learning Outcomes of High School Students. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA (JPPIPA), 8(4), 2116–2122. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v8i4.1839
Dwipratama, A. A. (2023). Study of Ki Hadjar Dewantara’s educational thinking and its relevance to Kurikulum Merdeka. Inovasi Kurikulum, 20(1), 37–48. https://doi.org/10.17509/jik.v20i1.54416
Fauzi, M., Siti Nur Azizah, & Isma Atikah. (2023). Pembelajaran Berdiferensiasi sebagai Implementasi Paradigma Baru Pendidikan. Jurnal Teknologi Pendidikan, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.47134/jtp.v1i1.38
Ghani, A., Ribahan, & Nasri, U. (2023). Paradigma Diferensiasi dalam Implementasi Kurikulum Merdeka: Konteks Pembelajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam di Sekolah dan Madrasah. eL-HIKMAH: Jurnal Kajian dan Penelitian Pendidikan Islam, 17(2), 169–179. https://doi.org/10.20414/elhikmah.v17i2.8867
Grecu, Y. V. (2023). Differentiated instruction: Curriculum and resources provide a roadmap to help English teachers meet students’ needs. Teaching and Teacher Education, 125, 104064. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2023.104064
Halil, N. I., Yawan, H., Hasanah, A. N., Syam, H., Andas, N. H., & Marhamah, M. (2024). A New Program to Foster Inclusion: Unraveling Language Teachers’ Pedagogical Practices to Differentiated Instruction. International Journal of Language Education, 8(2). https://doi.org/10.26858/ijole.v8i2.64997
Hidayah, M., Nasution Nasution, & Muhammad Yani. (2021). PENGEMBANGAN LKPD IPS BERBASIS SCIENTIFIC APPROACH UNTUK MENINGKATKAN BERPIKIR KREATIF (STUDI KASUS SDN PUNGGULREJO DAN SDN SOKO 1 TUBAN JAWA TIMUR). Jurnal Pendidikan Dasar, 12(01), 119–129. https://doi.org/10.21009/jpd.v12i01.21091
Jatmiko, H. T. P., & Putra, R. S. (2022). REFLEKSI DIRI GURU BAHASA INDONESIA DALAM PEMBELAJARAN BERDIFERENSIASI DI SEKOLAH PENGGERAK. Lingua Franca:Jurnal Bahasa, Sastra, dan Pengajarannya, 6(2), 224. https://doi.org/10.30651/lf.v6i2.14701
Kalinowski, E., Westphal, A., Jurczok, A., & Vock, M. (2024). The essential role of teacher self-efficacy and enthusiasm for differentiated instruction. Teaching and Teacher Education, 148, 104663. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2024.104663
Khusniyah, T. W., Surjon, H. D., Tohan, E., & ... (2023). Pre-service primary school teachers’ self-efficacy for teaching social studies: An indonesian perspective. Issues in Educational …. https://doi.org/10.3316/informit.T2024050100000591804275793
Kusrini, I., Rintayati, P., & Salimi, M. (2025). Potential and Challenges of Differentiated Learning: Systematic Literature Review. Social, Humanities, and Educational Studies, 8(1), 83–93. https://doi.org/10.20961/shes.v8i1.98841
Langelaan, B. N., Gaikhorst, L., Smets, W., & Oostdam, R. J. (2024). Differentiating instruction: Understanding the key elements for successful teacher preparation and development. Teaching and Teacher Education, 140, 104464. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2023.104464
Mastuti, A. G., Abdillah, A., & Rumodar, M. (2022). PENINGKATAN KUALITAS PEMBELAJARAN GURU MELALUI WORKSHOP DAN PENDAMPINGAN PEMBELAJARAN BERDIFERENSIASI. JMM (Jurnal Masyarakat Mandiri), 6(5). https://doi.org/10.31764/jmm.v6i5.9682
Milojevic-Dupont, N., & Creutzig, F. (2021). Machine learning for geographically differentiated climate change mitigation in urban areas. Sustainable Cities and Society, 64, 102526. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2020.102526
Naibaho, D. P. (2023). Strategi Pembelajaran Berdiferensiasi Mampu Meningkatkan Pemahaman Belajar Peserta Didik. 2023, 1((2)), 81–91. https://doi.org/10.55606/jcsrpolitama.v1i2.1150
Nunuk Hariyati, Yatim Riyanto, Sujarwanto Sujarwanto, Suyatno Suyatno, & Nia Islamiah. (2023). Actualization of Principal Instructional Leadership in the Implementation of Differentiated Learning to Realize Students’ Well-Being. Jurnal Kependidikan, 9(1), 188–188. https://doi.org/10.33394/jk.v9i1.7002
Oktoma, E., Nugroho, M. A. B., Suryana, Y., & Jamal, M. (2025). Differentiated Learning in Teaching English Subject of The Merdeka Curriculum. IJORER : International Journal of Recent Educational Research, 6(2), 362–378. https://doi.org/10.46245/ijorer.v6i2.775
Prestridge, S., Jacobsen, M., Mulla, S., Paredes, S. G., & Charania, A. (2021). New alignments for the digital age: Insights into connected learning. Educational Technology Research and Development, 69(4), 2171–2186. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-021-09968-5
Purwanto, W. (2022). PENINGKATAN KETERAMPILAN GURU MEMANFAATKAN MEDIA IT DALAM PEMBELAJARAN MELALUI WORKSHOP TPOEG. Jurnal Lingkar Mutu Pendidikan, 19(1), 11–17. https://doi.org/10.54124/jlmp.v19i1.59
Qorib, M. (2021). A mediating effect of business growth on zakat empowerment program and mustahiq’s welfare. Cogent Business & Management, 8(1), 1882039. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2021.1882039
Rintayati, P., Riyadi Riyadi, S. Kurniawan, & S. Kamsiyati. (2023). Peningkatan pemahaman dalam mengembangkan pembelajaran berdiferensiasi melalui metode pelatihan dan pendampingan pada guru sekolah dasar. Jurnal Pendidikan Dasar, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.20961/jpd.v10i1.63494
Rosiyani, A. I., Aqilah Salamah, Chindy Ayu Lestari, Silva Anggraini, & Winsi Ab. (2024). Penerapan Pembelajaran Berdiferensiasi dalam Kurikulum Merdeka pada Pembelajaran Ipas Sekolah Dasar. Jurnal Pendidikan Guru Sekolah Dasar, 1(3), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.47134/pgsd.v1i3.271
Santangelo, T., & Tomlinson, C. A. (2009). The Application of Differentiated Instruction in Postsecondary Environments: Benefits, Challenges, and Future Directions. Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education2009, 20(3), 307–323. https://doi.org/10.1515/ijth.2009.029
Smets, W., De Neve, D., & Struyven, K. (2022). Responding to students’ learning needs: How secondary education teachers learn to implement differentiated instruction. Educational Action Research, 30(2), 243–260. https://doi.org/10.1080/09650792.2020.1848604
Susanti, E. (2023). Optimalisasi Pembelajaran Berdiferensiasi Konten dan Proses pada Perencanaan Pembelajaran PPKn. Educatio. https://doi.org/10.29408/edc.v18i1.14796
Tamba, J., Naibaho, D. T., Ingtyas, F. T., & Ginting, L. (2024). Meta Analysis of the Influence of Entrepreneurship Education on Students’ Entrepreneurial Interest. Journal Corner of Education, Linguistics, and Literature, 4(001), 23–28. https://doi.org/10.54012/jcell.v4i001.358
Taylor, J., & Iroha, O. (2015). Social studies education and public art: The Detroit billboard project. Journal of Social Studies Education Research. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/pub/jsser/article/202731
Thapliyal, M., Ahuja, N. J., Shankar, A., Cheng, X., & Kumar, M. (2022). A differentiated learning environment in domain model for learning disabled learners. Journal of Computing in Higher Education, 34(1), 60–82. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12528-021-09278-y
Tomlinson, C. A., Brighton, C., Hertberg, H., Callahan, C. M., Moon, T. R., Brimijoin, K., Conover, L. A., & Reynolds, T. (2003). Differentiating Instruction in Response to Student Readiness, Interest, and Learning Profile in Academically Diverse Classrooms: A Review of Literature. Journal for the Education of the Gifted, 27(2–3), 119–145. https://doi.org/10.1177/016235320302700203
Tomlinson, M. (2017). Forms of graduate capital and their relationship to graduate employability. Education + Training, 59(4), 338–352. https://doi.org/10.1108/ET-05-2016-0090
Van Geel, M., Keuning, T., & Safar, I. (2022). How teachers develop skills for implementing differentiated instruction: Helpful and hindering factors. Teaching and Teacher Education: Leadership and Professional Development, 1, 100007. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tatelp.2022.100007
Van Munster, M. A., Lieberman, L. J., & Grenier, M. A. (2019). Universal Design for Learning and Differentiated Instruction in Physical Education. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 36(3), 359–377. https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.2018-0145
Wahyudi, A. B. E., S. Suhartono, Ngatman Ngatman, W. Wahyono, Tri Saptuti Susiani, M. Salimi, & Ratna Hidayah. (2023). Pelatihan Implementasi Pembelajaran Berdiferensiasi bagi Guru Sekolah Dasar. Social, Humanities, and Educational Studies (SHES): Conference Series. https://doi.org/10.20961/shes.v6i3.82371
Zhong, L. (2023). A systematic review of personalized learning in higher education: Learning content structure, learning materials sequence, and learning readiness support. Interactive Learning Environments, 31(10), 7053–7073. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2022.2061006
Zong, G. (2022). Integrating global sustainability into social studies teachers’ education: A collaborative self-study. Social Studies Research and Practice. https://doi.org/10.1108/SSRP-08-2021-0024
Unduhan
Diterbitkan
Terbitan
Bagian
Lisensi
Artikel ini berlisensiCreative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
The author is responsible for acquiring the permission(s) to reproduce any copyrighted figures, tables, data, or text that are being used in the submitted paper. Authors should note that text quotations of more than 250 words from a published or copyrighted work will require grant of permission from the original publisher to reprint. The written permission letter(s) must be submitted together with the manuscript.
