The Impact Of Curriculum Changing On The Students Motivation In Learning English (2013 Curriculum to Merdeka Curriculum)

This study aimed to investigate the impact of the curriculum transition from the2013 Curriculum to the Merdeka Curriculum on students’ motivation in learningEnglish at SMP YPK Fakfak. The research employed a qualitative case studymethod involving 80 students across grades VII to IX, where grade VII and VIIIstudents followed the Merdeka Curriculum and grade IX students followed the2013 Curriculum. Data were collected using interviews and motivationquestionnaires, which measured students' motivation levels and exploredinfluencing factors. The findings revealed that students taught under the MerdekaCurriculum consistently showed very high motivation, with scores ranging from92.05 to 96.01. In contrast, those under the 2013 Curriculum had slightly lowermotivation levels, with scores between 80.47 and 82.04. Factors contributing tostudents’ motivation included internal aspects such as personal interest, desire tospeak English, and enjoyment from interactive activities, as well as externalfactors like parental support, access to learning media, and school facilities.Students under the Merdeka Curriculum reported greater enjoyment andengagement due to varied learning activities like drama, videos, and songs, whichenhanced their confidence and reduced anxiety. Meanwhile, the more rigid andexam-oriented nature of the 2013 Curriculum was seen as limiting studentengagement. The study concludes that the Merdeka Curriculum’s flexible,student-centered approach significantly enhances learners’ motivation in English,and highlights the importance of interactive media, teacher support, and a positivelearning environment.