A national curriculum ensures that students in various regions learn\nrelatively the same material. Subjects, competencies to be achieved, and\nlearning objectives are all arranged within a single framework that\napplies nationally. Behind this uniformity, a question arises: why\nshould all children learn the same things, when their regional\nconditions, cultures, and needs differ?<\/p>\n
From a sociological perspective, curriculum uniformity is not merely\nan educational issue but also relates to social functions. Sociologist\nEmile Durkheim considered education an institution that shapes\nindividuals to be able to live in society. Schools do not only teach\nknowledge but also instil values, norms, and a shared identity to create\nsocial order.<\/p>\n
Through the national curriculum, students gain a common learning\nexperience. They learn national values, history, the Indonesian\nlanguage, and various basic knowledge that forms part of their identity\nas citizens. This commonality is one way to build social solidarity\nwithin Indonesian society, which possesses diverse ethnicities,\ncultures, languages, and religions.<\/p>\n
In Durkheim\u2019s functional theory, education performs a socialisation\nfunction. Schools are places where the process of passing down values\nand norms from one generation to the next occurs. Thus, the curriculum\nfunctions not only as a learning guide but also as a means of\nmaintaining societal integration.<\/p>\n
However, implementing a uniform curriculum also poses challenges. The\nsocial, economic, cultural conditions and educational facilities in each\nregion are not the same. Material suitable for students in urban areas\nis not necessarily relevant to the needs of students in remote areas.\nConsequently, curriculum uniformity does not necessarily produce an\nequal learning experience.<\/p>\n
This does not mean the function of the national curriculum becomes\nunimportant. In a pluralistic country like Indonesia, a learning\nstandard is still needed so that every student has the same basic values\nand national identity. However, its implementation must provide room for\nregional needs and characteristics so that learning becomes more\ncontextual.<\/p>\n
The continuous curriculum changes made by the government show that\neducation must be able to adapt to societal developments. On the other\nhand, the curriculum still has an important role in building shared\nvalues and maintaining unity amidst Indonesia\u2019s diversity. Therefore,\nthe challenge faced is not choosing between a uniform or flexible\ncurriculum, but rather how to present a curriculum that can maintain\nnational identity while accommodating the needs of students in various\nregions.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/uniform-national-curriculum-what-is-its-function-for-society-1782654708", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }