CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTING INNOVATIVE ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING: PERSPECTIVES FROM INDONESIAN HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS

Abstract

Innovations in English Language Teaching (ELT) are pivotal for achieving success in language learning, particularly within Indonesia's Merdeka belajar curriculum. Despite their potential benefits, implementing these innovations often encounters significant challenges. This approach ensures a comprehensive and structured analysis of existing literature, providing insights into the challenges and strategies faced in implementing innovative teaching practices in Indonesian high schools. Data collection for this literature study primarily involved accessing academic databases such as JSTOR, ERIC, and Google Scholar to retrieve relevant articles published from 2019. Keywords including "innovative English language teaching," "implementation challenges," "Merdeka belajar curriculum," and variations thereof were used to locate pertinent literature. The inclusion criteria encompassed articles written in English, focusing on empirical research, case studies, and theoretical discussions related to the adoption and challenges of innovative ELT methods in educational contexts similar to Indonesia. The findings reveal that infrastructure limitations, pedagogical constraints, and student-related factors are the most challenging in implementing the Merdeka curriculum, which all play significant roles in shaping the effectiveness of these innovative methods. Continuous professional development and curriculum adaptation are critical components. Additionally, policy interventions to reduce infrastructural disparities between urban and rural schools can help ensure that all students have equitable access to innovative ELT practices. Moreover, fostering a supportive school culture that encourages experimentation and innovation can help mitigate resistance to change among educators. Creating collaborative networks where teachers can share best practices and experiences with innovative ELT methods can also promote more widespread adoption. By addressing these multifaceted challenges, Indonesia can enhance the effectiveness of its ELT programs and better prepare students for global communication and collaboration.