Exploring the Implementation of Project-Based Learning in Arabic Language Education under the "Kurikulum Merdeka"


Abstract
The "Kurikulum Merdeka" is a curriculum that emphasizes flexibility, innovation, and student-centered learning. Implementing project-based learning (PjBL) in this curriculum is one way to improve students' Arabic language skills. This study aims to explore the implementation of PjBL in the "Kurikulum Merdeka" for Arabic language learning and the factors influencing it at MAN 2 Kutai Kartanegara. This study uses a qualitative approach with a case study method. Data was collected through observation, interviews with teachers and students, and documentation of learning tools. The data obtained were analyzed using Miles and Huberman's theory, which consists of data collection, condensation, presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results of this study indicate that PjBL is implemented through various projects, with the most commonly implemented being conversation videos and news reading videos. The implementation process consists of planning, monitoring, and evaluation stages. Supporting factors include student enthusiasm and the role of teachers as facilitators in providing freedom and guidance. At the same time, the obstacle is the difference in students' backgrounds, which affects their Arabic language skills. It can be concluded that implementing PjBL is a learning strategy to improve students' Arabic language skills, especially in terms of fluency, accuracy, and content in line with the "Kurikulum Merdeka" principles.
Downloads
References
Abdullah, Iis Susiawati, and Dadan Mardani Samsudin. "Learning Arabic Language Skills for Adults (Jack C. Richard Thought Review)." Alibbaa’: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Arab 3, no. 2 (2022): 103–23. https://doi.org/10.19105/ajpba.v3i2.5924.
Agustira, D, M H I Al-Muhdhar, S R Lestari, and R T Pratiwi. "Development of a Project Based Learning Model with Multiliteracy Pedagogic Content to Improve Critical Thinking Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Decision Making Skills, and Environmental Literacy." Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology 9, no. 3 (2025): 2402–12. https://doi.org/10.55214/25768484.v9i3.5812.
Al-Abdullah, Yasser Hassan. "The Effectiveness of Using Project-Based Learning in Teaching Arabic (A Descriptive, Analytical, and Statistical Study)." Arab Journal for Scientific Publishing 8, no. 76 (2025): 298–316.
Aldobekhi, S A, and M O Abahussain. "Enhancing English Language Students' Productive Skills through Project-Based Learning: A Mixed Method Research." International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research 23, no. 1 (2024): 231–57. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.23.1.12.
Astuti, M, F Ismail, S Fatimah, and W Puspita. "The Relevance Of The Merdeka Curriculum In Improving The Quality Of Islamic Education In Indonesia." International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research 23, no. 6 (2024): 56–72. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.23.6.3.
Baharuddin, F R, and W Setialaksana. "May Student-Centered Principles Affect Active Learning and Its Counterpart? An Empirical Study of Indonesian Curriculum Implementation." SAGE Open 13, no. 4 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440231214375.
Capraro, M M, and M Jones. "Interdisciplinary STEM Project-Based Learning." In STEM Project-Based Learning an Integrated Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Approach, 51–58, 2013. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-6209-143-6_6.
Chakhar, Achour. "An Exploratory Practice Study on the Impact of the Problem-Based Learning Approach in a TEYL Course OnPre-Service Primary School Teachers." Studies in Applied Linguistics and TESOL 23, no. 2 (2023): 100–117. https://doi.org/10.52214/salt.v23i2.12088.
Chen, S. "During the Reform: How Teachers' Lived Experiences Influence Their Beliefs and Practices of Project- Based Learning." International Journal of Educational Reform, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1177/10567879241265096.
Chua, K J. "A Comparative Study on First-Time and Experienced Project-Based Learning Students in an Engineering Design Module." European Journal of Engineering Education 39, no. 5 (2014): 556–72. https://doi.org/10.1080/03043797.2014.895704.
Copeland Solas, E, and K Wilson. "Lessons Learned and Strategies Used While Teaching Core-Curriculum Science Courses to English Language Learners at a Middle Eastern University." Journal of Turkish Science Education 12, no. 2 (2015): 81–94. https://doi.org/10.12973/tused.10142a.
Darmawan, I G N, A Suryadi, D Budimansyah, and S Susilo. Indonesian Education: Past, Present, and Future. Indonesian Education: Past, Present, and Future, 2024. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781032657400.
Desrani, Ayu, Suci Ramadhanti Febriani, and Rosita Ilhami. “Persepsi Mahasiswa Dalam Penggunaan Teknologi Pembelajaran Bahasa Arab Pada Pertemuan Tatap Muka Terbatas Di Masa Pandemi Covid-19.” Alibbaa’: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Arab 3, no. 1 (2022): 1–19.
DIng, D, G Liu, W Li, Y Liu, M Song, and N Liu. "Micro-Project Design and Teaching Practice Based on Sticky Theory." In ACM International Conference Proceeding Series, 274–78, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1145/3481056.3481079.
Ehrenfeld, N, and I S Horn. "Teacher Monitoring Routines: Understanding Pedagogical Judgments during Students' Collaborative Learning." In Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning Conference, CSCL, 1:120–27, 2019.
Ghosheh Wahbeh, D, E A Najjar, A F Sartawi, M Abuzant, and W Daher. "The Role of Project-Based Language Learning in Developing Students' Life Skills." Sustainability (Switzerland) 13, no. 12 (2021). https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126518.
Grant, S. "Implementing Project-Based Language Teaching in an Asian Context: A University EAP Writing Course Case Study from Macau." Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education 2, no. 1 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40862-017-0027-x.
Griffin, B W. "Perceived Autonomy Support, Intrinsic Motivation, and Student Ratings of Instruction." Studies in Educational Evaluation 51 (2016): 116–25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stueduc.2016.10.007.
Günzel, H, and L Brehm. "A Roadbook for the Professionalization of Project-Based Learning Courses." In International Conference on Higher Education Advances, 1094–1101, 2024. https://doi.org/10.4995/HEAd24.2024.17194.
Halim, A, A Ansari, and N M Halim. "A Study on How the Merdeka Curriculum Promotes Multilingualism in Indonesian ELT Classrooms." XLinguae 17, no. 2 (2024): 107–21. https://doi.org/10.18355/XL.2024.17.02.07.
Hasanah, Arinal, and Haryadi Haryadi. “Tinjauan “Kurikulum Merdeka” Belajar Dengan Model Pendidikan Abad 21 Dalam Menghadapi Era Society 5.0.” GHANCARAN: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Dan Sastra Indonesia, 2022, 266–85. https://doi.org/10.19105/ghancaran.vi.7595.
Houghton, C, D Casey, and S Smyth. "Selection, Collection and Analysis as Sources of Evidence in Case Study Research." Nurse Researcher 24, no. 4 (2017): 36–41. https://doi.org/10.7748/nr.2017.e1482.
Hutahaean, B, S Telaumbanua, L Tamba, and R G N Hutabarat. "Analysis of Innovative and Adaptive Higher Education Curriculum Development to Education 5.0 Based Challenges in Indonesia." International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research 23, no. 4 (2024): 76–98. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.23.4.5.
Indrašienė, V, V Jegelevičienė, O Merfeldaitė, D Penkauskienė, J Pivorienė, A Railienė, and J Sadauskas. "Critical Reflection in Students' Critical Thinking Teaching and Learning Experiences." Sustainability (Switzerland) 15, no. 18 (2023). https://doi.org/10.3390/su151813500.
Jamil, Husnaini, and Nur Agung. “Tantangan Pembelajaran Bahasa Arab Di Era Society 5.0: Analisis Pembelajaran Bahasa Arab Berbasis Aplikasi Interaktif.” Alibbaa’: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Arab 3, no. 1 (2022): 38–51. https://doi.org/10.19105/ajpba.v3i1.5536.
Jasti, S D, and A Pavani. "Employing Problem Based Learning System in Advancing Communication Skills Proficiency in Professional Communication for Engineering Undergraduates." Journal of Engineering Education Transformations 34, no. Special Issue (2021): 128–34. https://doi.org/10.16920/jeet/2021/v34i0/157119.
Khuluq, Muchsinul, Moh. Ainin, Abdul Wahab Rosyidi, and Nurul Imamah. "The Development of Reading Skill Teaching Materials Based on Prezi Artificial Intelligence." Arabiyatuna: Jurnal Bahasa Arab 9, no. 1 (June 31, 2025): 327–46. https://doi.org/10.29240/jba.v9i1.10886.
Lambright, K. "The Effect of a Teacher's Mindset on the Cascading Zones of Proximal Development: A Systematic Review." Technology, Knowledge and Learning 29, no. 3 (2024): 1313–29. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10758-023-09696-0.
Ma’wa, Auladatil, Suparmanto, Azmy Abdurrahman, Dewi Qotrun Nada Najwa, and Syauqi Miftahul Karim. “Penerapan Pembelajaran Berdiferensiasi Berbasis Proyek Dalam Implementasi “Kurikulum Merdeka” Pada Pembelajaran Bahasa Arab.” Al-Kalim: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Arab Dan Kebahasaaraban 2, no. 2 (2023): 173–88.
Mahbubi, Abdillah. “Metode Pembelajaran Bahasa Arab Konvensional Dan Kontemporer ( Analisis Komparatif ).” Alfazuna: Jurnal Pembelajaran Bahasa Arab Dan Kebahasaaraban 9, no. Desember (2024): 107–32.
Mahtumi, Ibnu, Ine Rahayu Purnamaningsih, and Tedi Purbangkara. Pembelajaran Berbasis Proyek (Projects Based Learning). Uwais Inspirasi Indonesia, 2022.
Menshikova, M A, T V Gavrilova, P V Smirnova, and Y V Piunova. "Improving the Quality of Higher Education with the Project Based Learning." In Proceedings of the 2019 IEEE International Conference Quality Management, Transport and Information Security, Information Technologies IT and QM and IS 2019, 50–53, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1109/ITQMIS.2019.8928306.
Mirmotahari, O, Y Berg, E Fremstad, and C Damsa. "Student Engagement by Employing Student Peer Reviews with Criteria-Based Assessment." In IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference, EDUCON, April-2019:1152–57, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1109/EDUCON.2019.8725174.
Neves, A J R, and F Ribeiro. "Enhancing Engineering Education Through Project-Based Learning: A Case Study of Biometry and Computer Vision Courses." In IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference, EDUCON, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1109/EDUCON60312.2024.10578896.
Nguyen, H T M, G T C Nguyen, L T H Thai, D T Truong, and B N Nguyen. "Teaching Mathematics Through Project-Based Learning in K-12 Schools: A Systematic Review of Current Practices, Barriers, and Future Developments." TEM Journal 13, no. 3 (2024): 2054–64. https://doi.org/10.18421/TEM133-33.
Rahmawati, Marlina, Masrun, Nandang Sarip Hidayat, and Muhammad Azhar. “Model Pembelajaran Project Based Learning Meningkatkan Kemampuan Bicara Bahasa Arab Siswa: Penelitian Eksperimen.” Ukazh: Journal of Arabic Studies 5, no. 2 (2024): 256–71. https://doi.org/10.37274/ukazh.v5i2.980.
Rashid, Y, A Rashid, M A Warraich, S S Sabir, and A Waseem. "Case Study Method: A Step-by-Step Guide for Business Researchers." International Journal of Qualitative Methods 18 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1177/1609406919862424.
Riansyah, A, T A Sandy, A D Herlambang, N D Sari, and M Surur. "Teachers in the Digital Age: Sentiment Analysis of the Merdeka Mengajar Platform in the Indonesian Curriculum Policy." Journal of Information Systems Engineering and Management 10 (2025): 137–47. https://doi.org/10.52783/jisem.v10i15s.2437.
Saa, S. "Merdeka Curriculum: Adaptation Of Indonesian Education Policy In The Digital Era And Global Challenges." Revista de Gestao Social e Ambiental 18, no. 3 (2024). https://doi.org/10.24857/rgsa.v18n3-168.
Salsabila, Novita Maula, and Agung Setiyawan. “PENERAPAN PROJECT BASED LEARNING (PjBL) DALAM MENINGKATKAN MAHĀRAH QIRĀAH PADA “KURIKULUM MERDEKA” BELAJAR.” Al Mi’yar: Jurnal Ilmiah Pembelajaran Bahasa Arab Dan Kebahasaaraban 7, no. 1 (2024): 273–90.
Sani, Ridwan Abdullah. “Pembelajaran Saintifik Untuk Implementasi Kurikulum 2013.” Bumi Aksara, 2014.
Setiawan, Agus, and Shofi Syifa’ul Fuadiyah Ahla. “Konsep Model Inovasi Kurikulum KBK, KBM, KTSP, K13, Dan “Kurikulum Merdeka” (Literature Review).” AL-GHAZALI: Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Pemikiran Islam, 2022, 93–114.
Sheikh, M, M Fulbright, and G Hademenos. "Captain R. Rubber Ducky: A STEM Driven Project in Aquatic Robotics." Physics Teacher 49, no. 9 (2011): 557–59. https://doi.org/10.1119/1.3661101.
Silvia, Neng, Asep Ahmad Saepudin, Nuril Mufidah, and Abdul Malik Karim Amrullah. “Manajemen Perencanaan Dan Pengorganisasian Pembelajaran Bahasa Arab.” Alibbaa’: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Arab 4, no. 1 (2023): 108–23. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.19105/ajpba.v4i1.7497.
Simón-Moya, V, and M Rodríguez-García. "Methodology." In Contributions to Management Science, 145–48, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-80635-4_15.
Slater, T, and G Beckett. "Integrating Language, Content, Technology, and Skills Development through Project-Based Language Learning: Blending Frameworks for Successful Unit Planning." Mextesol Journal 43, no. 1 (2019).
Thompson, I. "Stimulating Reluctant Writers: A Vygotskian Approach to Teaching Writing in Secondary Schools." English in Education 46, no. 1 (2012): 85–100. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1754-8845.2011.01117.x.
Tomlinson, C A. "Differentiated Instruction in Rural School Contexts." In Gifted Education in Rural Schools: Developing Place-Based Interventions, 79–90, 2021. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003017004-11.
Ulinnuha, Nur Atika Rima, and Muhammad Fadhil Husein. “Penggunaan Model Pembelajaran Berbasis Proyek Terhadap Penguasaan Mufradat Siswa Negeri 1 Sungai Penuh.” AN NABA : JURNAL PEMIKIRAN DAN PENELITIAN PENDIDIKAN ISLAM 7, no. 2 (2024): 139–56.
Uqba, M Sholih Salimul, Nur Hasaniyah, Abdul Muntaqim Al Anshory, and Adam Mudinillah. "Students' Perception of Translation Software: A Case Study in the Bachelor and Master Programs of Arabic Education." Alibbaa’: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Arab 5, no. 1 (2024): 82–97.
Versteegh, K. "Learning Arabic in the Islamic World." In Studies in Semitic Languages and Linguistics, 94:245–67, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004365216_014.
Wardani, H K, Y Rakhmawati, and P Cahyandaru. "Analysis of The Impact Of The Merdeka Curriculum Policy On Stakeholders At Primary School." Jurnal Ilmiah Peuradeun 11, no. 2 (2023): 513–30. https://doi.org/10.26811/peuradeun.v11i2.801.
Wati, Wiwit Rahma, and Zainurrakhmah. “Efektivitas Pembelajaran Berbasis Proyek Untuk Meningkatkan Maharah Kalam.” Borneo Journal Of Language And Education 1, no. 1 (2022): 59–70.
Zaki, M F M, U S Ismail, A H M Radzi, and N A Pisal. "Teaching Methods of Arabic Language Grammar Lessons Among Arabic Teachers at Religious Secondary Schools in Malaysia." Theory and Practice in Language Studies 14, no. 10 (2024): 3100–3108. https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.1410.11.
Zhai, N, Y Huang, X Ma, and J Chen. "Can Reflective Interventions Improve Students' Academic Achievement? A Meta-Analysis." Thinking Skills and Creativity 49 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2023.101373.
Zhang, J, J Wu, X Sun, Y Yang, and M Zhou. "Technology-Enabled Project-Based Learning: Let Every Child Embrace 'Good Learning.'" In Lecture Notes in Educational Technology, Part F1761:93–99, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-6225-9_11.
Zulfa, Annida, Hamsi Mansur, Monry Fraick, Nicky Gillian, Martine Warren, and Terry Harris. "Developing an Innovative Board Game Using a Cooperative Learning Approach to Foster Interest in Learning Arabic" 6, no. 1 (2025).
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
a. Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
b. Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
c. Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).
Alibbaa': Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Arab have CC-BY-SA or an equivalent license as the optimal license for the publication, distribution, use, and reuse of scholarly work.
In developing strategy and setting priorities, Alibbaa': Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Arab recognize that free access is better than priced access, libre access is better than free access, and libre under CC-BY-SA or the equivalent is better than libre under more restrictive open licenses. We should achieve what we can when we can. We should not delay achieving free in order to achieve libre, and we should not stop with free when we can achieve libre.
Alibbaa': Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Arab is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
You are free to:
- Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format
- Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially.
- The licensor cannot revoke these freedoms as long as you follow the license terms.