THE PRACTICE OF INDEPENDENT LEARNING AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR THE LEARNING PROCES IN PUBLIC SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL IN DENPASAR CITY

Abstract

This article examines the practice of Freedom to learn and its implications for the learning process. The policy of Freedom to learn, which include of four main programs, namely the replacement of USBN into school exams, National Examination into minimum competency assessment and character survey, implementing 1 sheet of lesson plan, and zoning-based new student admission. The implementation of Merdeka Belajar (Freedom to Learn) in Denpasar City Public Senior High School, especially at SMA Negeri 3 and SMA Negeri 8 was held from academic year 2019/2020. However, in its practice there are still some obstacles faced by school management. This article uses a qualitative descriptive method, with cultural studies approach.

This research found several things, namely: First, on the psychological aspects of implementing the Merdeka Belajar (freedom to learn) policy, especially in relation to the replacement of National Standard School Examination (USBN) into school exams and national exams as a minimum competency assessment, at least it can reduce the psychological burden of students in facing these exams. Second, in the didactic aspect, the implementation of this Merdeka Belajar (freedom to learn) policy can provide flexibility for teachers in terms of searching and finding various learning strategies and methods to develop Active, Innovative, Creative, Effective, and Fun Learning (PAIKEM). Third, on the sociological and juridical aspects, the implementation of the Merdeka Belajar (freedom to learn) policy can encourage the realization of a sense of justice for the Indonesian people, in terms of obtaining equal opportunities to enjoy quality education.