Professional learning communities in rural Indonesia: Benefits and challenges encountered by EFL teachers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33474/j-reall.v7i2.25243Keywords:
Kurikulum Merdeka, Morowali, professional learning communities, rural education, teacher professional learningAbstract
Professional learning communities (PLCs) have become increasingly important in Indonesia under Kurikulum Merdeka, yet research on their support for EFL teachers in rural contexts remains limited. Previous studies have mainly examined PLCs in general educational settings, leaving the specific benefits and challenges experienced by EFL teachers in Morowali underexplored. This study investigated the perceived benefits and challenges of intra-school PLCs for EFL teachers in Morowali, Central Sulawesi. It employed a qualitative instrumental case study conducted over approximately six months at two junior high schools, involving two principals, four English teachers, and six students. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and classroom observations and analyzed using thematic analysis, with triangulation across participant groups and data sources. The findings identified five benefit themes and five challenge themes. PLCs strengthened teachers’ pedagogical, reflective, collaborative, and personal competencies and improved classroom quality and student learning outcomes. However, implementation was constrained by time and workload, uneven participation, limited discussion focus, resource limitations, and sustainability issues. The findings highlight the strong potential of PLCs to support EFL teachers’ continuous professional growth and enhance classroom learning in rural school contexts. They also demonstrate that PLCs' effectiveness depends on sustained collaboration, adequate resources, and institutional commitment. The study recommends stronger systemic support from policymakers and education stakeholders, particularly through local regulations guiding the implementation and sustainability of PLCs in rural and resource-limited settings.
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