
learning experiences based on their individual
readiness needs (Santangelo & Tomlinson, 2012).
3.2 Content-Differentiated Sociology
Instruction
Sociology instruction within the framework of the
Merdeka Curriculum emphasizes the students'
capacity to apply sociological knowledge to their
daily lives as individuals within social groups,
addressing the issues inherent to those groups. The
primary objective of sociology education is to
cultivate critical, analytical, and collaborative
thinking among students, thereby fostering awareness
of both individual and social dimensions in a diverse
society. Moreover, students are expected to develop
heightened sensitivity and a sense of responsibility
towards contemporary social issues
(Kemendikbudristek BSKAP, 2022). The content and
objectives of this curriculum necessitate the design of
innovative instructional strategies by educators.
Based on the analysis of students' readiness for
learning, it is evident that students exhibit a wide
range of abilities, thus requiring teachers to
implement differentiated instructional strategies that
are responsive to the varied needs of each learner.
In the context of the school under study, sociology
teachers employ differentiated content by integrating
diverse media such as films, comics, and images. This
approach aims to facilitate students' understanding of
sociological concepts within a contextual framework.
Assessment practices are varied, including the
evaluation of student-produced projects such as
posters, short films, graphic media, comics, and
academic papers. This diversity in assessment is
further supported by collaborative efforts among
teacher leaders within the school. The establishment
of a learning community plays a critical role in
assisting teachers with overcoming challenges in
designing and implementing diverse instructional
approaches. This aligns with findings by (Langelaan
et al., 2024), which underscore the importance of
teacher collaboration in the development of programs
that integrate active learning, collaboration, and
reflective practices, all of which contribute to
sustainable and in-depth learning outcomes.
Differentiated instruction has been extensively
studied and proven to be an effective pedagogical
approach for addressing the diverse needs of students
(Tomlinson, C.A., & Allan, 2000). A student’s
readiness for learning in a differentiated classroom is
a pivotal factor in achieving the desired learning
outcomes. Teacher collaboration within the Merdeka
Curriculum, facilitated by the creation of a learning
community, significantly contributes to the successful
implementation of differentiated teaching strategies.
The data on students’ learning readiness presented
earlier indicates the diversity of student needs,
highlighting the necessity for teacher expertise in
crafting well-suited instructional plans.
Differentiated instruction proves to be most effective
when supported by collaborative efforts among
educators (He & Lo, 2024).
Collaboration among teachers plays an important
role in supporting differentiated learning, particularly
through the establishment of learning communities.
These communities are typically formed through
professional development programs, workshops, or
regular meetings where teachers share strategies,
resources, and experiences. For example, teachers can
collaborate in lesson planning sessions to design
activities that meet the diverse needs of students.
The impact of such collaboration is significant. It
fosters a culture of shared responsibility and
innovation, enabling teachers to implement
differentiated learning more effectively. By sharing
best practices and reflecting on classroom learning
outcomes, teachers can gain insights to adjust
materials based on students' readiness, interests, and
learning profiles. Furthermore, collaborative
communities provide support that reduces feelings of
isolation when facing new teaching challenges,
thereby improving overall teaching quality.
Furthermore, learning resources aligned with the
specific needs of students must be meticulously
designed by teachers, taking into account the diverse
abilities and backgrounds of learners (Grecu, 2023).
The analysis of student readiness for learning, as
proposed by Tomlinson, is a form of assessment for
learning. Assessment for learning, conducted
throughout the learning process, serves as a
diagnostic tool that informs the design of
differentiated instruction (Mariati et al., 2021).
Additionally, assessment as learning, a formative
approach, is utilized during differentiated content and
process stages. Finally, assessment of learning,
typically summative in nature, is employed to
measure the extent to which students have achieved
the intended learning objectives. Preparation is a
critical determinant of success in the learning process.
Well-structured preparation enhances the quality of
learning outcomes compared to those derived from
inadequate preparation. Thorough lesson preparation
ensures that a greater number of students achieve
success and facilitates easier tracking of learning
progress. Student readiness for learning is a
fundamental prerequisite for achieving educational
goals. Therefore, the design of instructional
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