Misconception in Differentiated Learning Practices: A Study of Indonesian Social Studies Teachers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47134/ijsl.v6i1.493Keywords:
Misconceptions, Differentiated Instruction, Social Studies TeachersAbstract
Differentiated learning can foster creativity, independence, and motivation to learn in students. However, misconceptions in understanding and implementing this approach produce negative outcomes. This study analyzes misconceptions in differentiated learning among Indonesian social studies teachers, examining their forms, causes, and impacts. A qualitative descriptive method was employed, utilizing structured and open-ended interviews conducted via Google Forms, with 126 randomly selected social studies teachers across Indonesia. Data were analyzed using the Miles and Huberman model. Results reveal significant misconceptions among Indonesian social studies teachers. Key findings include an overemphasis on learning styles (auditory, visual, kinesthetic) in teaching practices, uniform time allocation despite varying student abilities, and excessive reliance on group learning without considering individual student profiles, including those who prefer independent learning. These misconceptions reveal fundamental misunderstandings about the principles of differentiated instruction, underscoring the need for enhanced teacher training and professional development programs.
Downloads
References
Adha, M. M., Wijaya, A. K., Ulpa, E. P., & Johnstone, J. M. (2024). The Teaching and Learning Strategy: Do We Need Classroom to Transfer Knowledge and Values to Our Students? International Journal of Social Learning (IJSL), 5(1), 123–139. https://doi.org/10.47134/ijsl.v5i1.303. DOI: https://doi.org/10.47134/ijsl.v5i1.303
Adisel, A., Aprilia, Z. U., Putra, R., & Prastiyo, T. (2022). Komponen-Komponen Pembelajaran dalam Kurikulum 2013 Pada Mata Pelajaran IPS. Journal of Education and Instruction (JOEAI), 5(1). https://doi.org/10.31539/joeai.v5i1.3646. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31539/joeai.v5i1.3646
Ali, S., Moonti, U., & Yantu, I. (2022). Pengaruh Motivasi Dan Kemandirian Belajar Terhadap Hasil Belajar Siswa Pada Mata Pelajaran IPS Terpadu Kelas VIII Di SMP Negeri 1 Bulango Utara Kabupaten Bone Bolango. Aksara: Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan Nonformal, 8(2). https://doi.org/10.37905/aksara.8.2.1553-1560.2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.37905/aksara.8.2.1553-1560.2022
Alstete, J. W., Meyer, J. P., & Beutell, N. J. (2021). Enriching management learning with differentiated instruction. International Journal of Educational Management, 35(3), 640–654. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEM-06-2020-0312. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEM-06-2020-0312
Azizah, M., Budiman, M. A., & Widyaningrum, A. (2023). Analisis Kesulitan Guru Sekolah Dasar dalam Implementasi Pembelajaran Berdiferensiasi pada Kurikulum Merdeka. Prosiding SNHP 2023, 4(1). https://conference.upgris.ac.id/index.php/snhp/article/view/5003.
Bi, M., Struyven, K., & Zhu, C. (2023). Variables that influence teachers’ practice of differentiated instruction in Chinese classrooms: A study from teachers’ perspectives. Frontiers in Psychology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1124259. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1124259
Birnie, B. F. (2015). Making the Case for Differentiation. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas, 88(2), 62–65. https://doi.org/10.1080/00098655.2014.998601. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00098655.2014.998601
Blegur, J. (2024). Pelatihan Pembelajaran Berdiferensiasi Project-Based Learning dalam Pendidikan Jasmani. Jurnal Abdimas Prakasa Dakara, 4(2). https://doi.org/10.37640/japd.v4i2.2073. DOI: https://doi.org/10.37640/japd.v4i2.2073
Chipika, C. G., Musendekwa, M., & Mahanya, P. (2023). Differentiated Learning. In Closing the Educational Achievement Gap for Students with Learning Disabilities (pp. 299–313). Hershey: IGI Global Scientific Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-6684-8737-2.ch014. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-6684-8737-2.ch014
Dixon, F. A., Yssel, N., McConnell, J. M., & Hardin, T. (2014). Differentiated Instruction, Professional Development, and Teacher Efficacy. Journal for the Education of the Gifted, 37(2), 111–127. https://doi.org/10.1177/0162353214529042. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0162353214529042
Dorisno, D., Ayunis, A., Efendi, R., & Hb, Z. (2023). Penerapan Pembelajaran Berdiferensiasi Terhadap Kemampuan Berpikir Kreatif Peserta Didik Sekolah Dasar. Tarbiyah Al-Awlad: Jurnal Kependidikan Islam Tingkat Dasar, 13(2). https://doi.org/10.15548/alawlad.v13i2.8307. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15548/alawlad.v13i2.8307
Faiz, A., Pratama, A., & Kurniawaty, I. (2022). Pembelajaran Berdiferensiasi dalam Program Guru Penggerak pada Modul 2.1. Jurnal Basicedu, 6(2), 2846–2853. https://doi.org/10.31004/basicedu.v6i2.2504. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31004/basicedu.v6i2.2504
Faridah, U., Wulandari, A., Suryanti, S., Nursalim, M., & Khamidi, A. (2025). Peran Komunitas Belajar dalam Meningkatkan Karakter dan Kompetensi Pedagogik Guru. JIIP - Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Pendidikan. Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Pendidikan, 8(2). http://jiip.stkipyapisdompu.ac.id/jiip/index.php/JIIP/article/view/7105. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54371/jiip.v8i2.7105
Fatmawati, Hardiyanti, & Muktamar, A. (2023). Implementation of Differentiated Learning in Indonesian Language Courses: Realizing Freedom of Learning. ETDC: Indonesian Journal of Research and Educational Review, 2(4). https://doi.org/10.51574/ijrer.v2i4.935. DOI: https://doi.org/10.51574/ijrer.v2i4.935
Fauzia, R., & Ramadan, Z. H. (2023). Implementasi pembelajaran berdiferensiasi dalam Kurikulum Merdeka. Jurnal Educatio FKIP UNMA, 9(3), 1608–1617. https://doi.org/10.20961/shes.v6i3.82334. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31949/educatio.v9i3.5323
Ginting, N. B., Setiawan, H. R., & Prasetia, I. (2024). Differentiated Learning Management in Class X Islamic Religious Education Lessons at Madrasah. Lectura: Jurnal Pendidikan, 15(2), 327–338. https://doi.org/10.31849/lectura.v15i2.20179. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31849/lectura.v15i2.20179
Goyibova, N., Muslimov, N., Sabirova, G., Kadirova, N., & Samatova, B. (2025). Differentiation approach in education: Tailoring instruction for diverse learner needs. MethodsX, 14, 103163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mex.2025.103163. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mex.2025.103163
Haq, M. R. I., & Arifin, M. B. U. B. (2024). Implementation of the Project-Based Differentiated Learning Model in Science and Social Sciences (IPAS). Jurnal Pendidikan Glasser, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.32529/glasser.v8i1.3177. DOI: https://doi.org/10.32529/glasser.v8i1.3177
Hartawan, R. F. C., & Kosasih, F. (2024). The Role and Strategy of School Principals in Implementing Academic Supervision. International Journal of Social Learning (IJSL), 5(1), 223–234. https://doi.org/10.47134/ijsl.v5i1.328. DOI: https://doi.org/10.47134/ijsl.v5i1.328
Herwina, W. (2021). Optimalisasi Kebutuhan Murid dan Hasil Belajar dengan Pembelajaran Berdiferensiasi. Perspektif Ilmu Pendidikan, 35(2), 175–182. https://doi.org/10.21009/PIP.352.10. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21009/PIP.352.10
Holmer, L. L. (2014). Understanding and Reducing the Impact of Defensiveness on Management Learning: Some Lessons from Neuroscience. Journal of Management Education, 38(5), 618–641. https://doi.org/10.1177/1052562913505568. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1052562913505568
Hunaepi, H., & Suharta, I. G. P. (2024). Transforming Education in Indonesia: The Impact and Challenges of the Merdeka Belajar Curriculum. Path of Science, 10(6), 5026–5039. https://doi.org/10.22178/pos.105-31. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22178/pos.105-31
Lidiawati, Saputri, P., Darwin, C., Oktavia, G. F., & Hendriani. (2024). Implementation of Differential Learning in Accommodating Students’ Learning Styles in Primary Schools. ICEETE Conference Series, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.36728/iceete.v2i1.209. DOI: https://doi.org/10.36728/iceete.v2i1.209
Makrufi, A. D., & Syahrir, M. (2024). Evaluating Differentiated Learning in Merdeka Curriculum to Strengthen Pancasila Students’ Profile. SHS Web of Conferences, 204, 05008. https://doi.org/10.1051/shsconf/202420405008. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/shsconf/202420405008
McAfee, M., & Hoffman, B. (2021). The Morass of Misconceptions: How Unjustified Beliefs Influence Pedagogy and Learning. International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.20429/ijsotl.2021.150104. DOI: https://doi.org/10.20429/ijsotl.2021.150104
Miles, H., & Huberman, A. M. (2020). Qualitative data analysis: A methods sourcebook. New York: Sage Publications, Inc.
Miles, M. B. (1994). Qualitative data analysis: An expanded sourcebook. California: Thousand Oaks. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=U4lU_-wJ5QEC&oi=fnd&pg=PR12&dq=miles+huberman&ots=kGUI4LRT_W&sig=ZubG0TQWfq25CuERXRU6ua_AG7Q.
Nahdhiah, U., & Suciptaningsih, O. A. (2024). Optimization of Kurikulum Merdeka through differentiated learning: Effectiveness and implementation strategy. Inovasi Kurikulum, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.17509/jik.v21i1.65069. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17509/jik.v21i1.65069
Nurdyansyah, F., Muflihati, I., Ujianti, R. M. D., Novita, M., Kusumo, H., & Ryan, J. C. (2022). Indonesian Character Building Strategy: Planning the Pancasila Student Profile Strengthening Project in Kurikulum Merdeka. KnE Social Sciences. 5th International Conference on Education and Social Science Research (ICESRE), 7(19). https://doi.org/10.18502/kss.v7i19.12456. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/kss.v7i19.12456
Prabowo, R. K., & Ariyanti, N. U. (2025). Implementation of Differentiated Learning in Adjective Material for VII C Students of SMP Negeri 1 Ungaran. English Education and Literature Journal, 5(01). https://doi.org/10.53863/e-jou.v5i01.1394. DOI: https://doi.org/10.53863/e-jou.v5i01.1394
Ramdan, A. Y., Husni, M., & Hasbialloh. (2024). Implementation of Differentiated Learning Through Cognitive Diagnostic Assessment in Grade IV of SDN 1 Kelayu Jorong. IJE: Interdisciplinary Journal of Education, 2(3). https://doi.org/10.61277/ije.v2i3.155. DOI: https://doi.org/10.61277/ije.v2i3.155
Renzulli, J. S., Gubbins, E. J., McMillen, K. S., Eckert, R. D., & Little, C. A. (1986). Systems and models for developing programs for the gifted and talented. Britania Raya: Routledge.
Rina, R., & Hasanah, E. (2024). Conceptual Model of Differentiated Learning Management in Elementary School. Tadbir: Jurnal Studi Manajemen Pendidikan, 8(2). https://doi.org/10.29240/jsmp.v8i2.11293. DOI: https://doi.org/10.29240/jsmp.v8i2.11293
Sati, Faiz, A., & Yulianasari, L. (2024). Analysis of Student Learning Styles as an Implementation of Differentiated Learning Strategies in the Indonesian Education Merdeka Curriculum. Jurnal Elementaria Edukasia, 7(3). https://doi.org/10.31949/jee.v7i3.9148. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31949/jee.v7i3.9148
Sofiana, N., Andriyani, S., Shofiyuddin, M., Mubarok, H., & Candraloka, O. R. (2024). The implementation of differentiated learning in ELT: Indonesian teachers’ readiness. Forum for Linguistic Studies (Transferred), 6(2). https://doi.org/10.59400/fls.v6i2.1178. DOI: https://doi.org/10.59400/fls.v6i2.1178
Sulistyosari, Y., Karwur, H. M., & Sultan, H. (2022). Penerapan Pembelajaran IPS Berdiferensiasi Pada Kurikulum Merdeka Belajar. Harmony: Jurnal Pembelajaran IPS Dan PKN, 7(2). https://doi.org/10.15294/harmony.v7i2.62114. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15294/harmony.v7i2.62114
Supriyadi, S., Maulina, D., Irwandani, I., & Kamelia, M. (2024). Pemberdayaan Komunitas Belajar Guru Dalam Mengimplementasikan Pembelajaran Berdiferensiasi. Jurnal Pemberdayaan Masyarakat (Journal of Community Independence), 3(1). https://doi.org/10.46843/jpm.v3i1.294. DOI: https://doi.org/10.46843/jpm.v3i1.294
Tanriveren, A., Azizah, N., & Afham, M. A. (2024). The Concept of Differentiated Learning and Its Implementation in Islamic Education. Al-Lubab: Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan Dan Keagamaan Islam, 10(1), 23–34.https://doi.org/10.59689/al-lubab.v10i1.5756. DOI: https://doi.org/10.59689/al-lubab.v10i1.5756
Thompson, I. (2025). Tackling Social Disadvantage through Teacher Education. Britania Raya: Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781041057239. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781041057239
Tomlinson, C. A. (2001). How to Differentiate Instruction in Mixed-Ability Classrooms, 2nd edition. Virginia: ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development).
Tomlinson, C. A. (2014). The Differentiated Classroom: Responding to the Needs of All Learners, 2nd Edition. Virginia: ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development).
Tomlinson, C. A., & Jarvis, J. M. (2009). Differentiation: Making Curriculum Work for All Students Through Responsive Planning & Instruction. In Systems and Models for Developing Programs for the Gifted and Talented (2nd ed.). Britania Raya: Routledge.
Tomlinson, C. A., & Moon, T. R. (2013). Assessment and Student Success in a Differentiated Classroom. Virginia: ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development).
Utari, V. T., Maryani, I., Hasanah, E., Suyatno, S., Mardati, A., Bastian, N., Karimi, A., & Reotutor, M. A. C. (2025). Exploring the Intersection of TPACK and Professional Competence: A Study on Differentiated Instruction Development within Indonesia’s Merdeka Curriculum. Indonesian Journal on Learning and Advanced Education (IJOLAE), 7(1), 136–153. https://doi.org/10.23917/ijolae.v7i1.23450. DOI: https://doi.org/10.23917/ijolae.v7i1.23450
Wahyudi, S. A., Siddik, M., & Suhartini, E. (2023). Analisis Pembelajaran IPAS dengan Penerapan Pendekatan Pembelajaran Berdiferensiasi dalam Kurikulum Merdeka. Jurnal Pendidikan Mipa, 13(4). https://doi.org/10.37630/jpm.v13i4.1296. DOI: https://doi.org/10.37630/jpm.v13i4.1296
Wardani, K. (2017). Pengaruh kemandirian belajar terhadap kreativitas belajar dalam kaitannya dengan prestasi belajar IPS Siswa Kelas VII SMP Muhammadiyah 1 Metro Tahun Pelajaran 2016/2017. Skripsi, Universitas Lampung, Lampung. https://digilib.unila.ac.id/30574/.
White, P. (2019). Effects of tiered English reading instruction on reading comprehension ability and opinions of lower secondary school students. Theses and Dissertations, Chulalongkorn University (Chula ETD). https://doi.org/10.58837/CHULA.THE.2019.519. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58837/CHULA.THE.2019.519
Widyawati, R. (2021). Metode Demonstrasi Untuk Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar Pada Pembelajaran Simulasi Digital. Science, Engineering, Education, and Development Studies (SEEDS): Conference Series, 4(2). https://doi.org/10.20961/seeds.v4i2.56725. DOI: https://doi.org/10.20961/seeds.v4i2.56725

