Examining the Integration of Deep Learning in the Implementation of the Independent Curriculum in Early Childhood Education: A Systematic Literature Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61492/2phm6405Keywords:
Deep Learning, Independent Curriculum, Early Childhood Education, Meaningful Learning, Learning Through PlayAbstract
The implementation of the Independent Curriculum encourages a transformation of learning that is student-centered, meaningful, and oriented towards holistic competency development. In line with this direction, Deep Learning is an approach that emphasizes meaningful, mindful, and joyful learning to support optimal child development. This study aims to identify, evaluate, and synthesize literature on the integration of Deep Learning in the implementation of the Independent Curriculum in Early Childhood Education (PAUD). The study used a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach with the PRISMA 2020 protocol and the PICOS framework. Literature was obtained from Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Taylor & Francis, Sage Journals, and Google Scholar for the period 2020–2026. Based on the selection process, 50 articles met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed using thematic synthesis. The results of the study indicate that the integration of Deep Learning in PAUD is realized through meaningful learning, learning through play, holistic development of children's competencies, and strengthening the role of teachers as learning facilitators. This study also demonstrates the philosophical alignment between Deep Learning and the Independent Curriculum in creating authentic, child-centered learning. This research identifies theoretical, methodological, and contextual gaps that can inform further research.
Downloads
References
Black, MM, Walker, SP, Fernald, LCH, Andersen, CT, DiGirolamo, AM, Lu, C., McCoy, DC, Fink, G., Shawar, YR, Shiffman, J., Devercelli, AE, Wodon, QT, Vargas-Barón, E., & Grantham-McGregor, S. (2021). Early childhood development coming of age: Science through the life course. The Lancet, 389(10064), 77–90. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(16)31389-7
Darling-Hammond, L., Flook, L., Cook-Harvey, C., Barron, B., & Osher, D. (2020). Implications for educational practice of the science of learning and development. Applied Developmental Science, 24(2), 97–140. https://doi.org/10.1080/10888691.2018.1537791
Faiz, A., Parhan, M., & Ananda, R. (2022). New Paradigms in the Independent Curriculum. Edukatif: Journal of Educational Sciences, 4(4), 5682–5695.
Fullan, M., Hill, P., & Rincón-Gallardo, S. (2023). The right drivers for whole system success. Corwin.
Fullan, M., Quinn, J., & McEachen, J. (2024). Deep learning: Engage the world, change the world (2nd ed.). Corwin Press.
Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology. (2022). Independent Curriculum: Characteristics and Implementation of Learning. Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia.
Ministry of Elementary and Secondary Education. (2025). Deep learning: Towards quality education for all. Ministry of Elementary and Secondary Education of the Republic of Indonesia.
Kitchenham, B., Brereton, P., Budgen, D., Turner, M., Bailey, J., & Linkman, S. (2020). Systematic literature reviews in software engineering: A systematic literature review. Information and Software Technology, 51(1), 7–15.
Marisa, M. (2023). Innovation of the Merdeka Belajar curriculum in the era of society 5.0. Santhet: Journal of History, Education and Humanities, 7(1), 66–78.
OECD. (2023). The future of education and skills 2030: OECD learning compass 2030. Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. https://www.oecd.org/education/2030-project/
Page, MJ, McKenzie, JE, Bossuyt, PM, et al. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, 372, n71. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71
Paul, J., & Criado, A. R. (2020). The art of writing literature review: What do we know and what do we need to know? International Business Review, 29(4), 101717.
Rahayu, R., Rosita, R., Rahayuningsih, YS, Hernawan, AH, & Prihantini, P. (2022). Implementation of the Independent Learning Curriculum in driving schools. Basicedu Journal, 6(4), 6313–6319.
Snyder, H. (2019). Literature review as a research methodology: An overview and guidelines. Journal of Business Research, 104, 333–339. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.07.039
Thomas, J., & Harden, A. (2008). Methods for the thematic synthesis of qualitative research in systematic reviews. BMC Medical Research Methodology, 8(45), 1–10.
Tokuhama-Espinosa, T. (2021). Neuromyths: Debunking false ideas about the brain. WW Norton.
UNESCO. (2024). Global education monitoring report 2024: Leadership in education. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
Whitebread, D., Neale, D., Jensen, H., Liu, C., Solis, S.L., Hopkins, E., Hirsh-Pasek, K., & Zosh, J.M. (2021). The role of play in children's development. The LEGO Foundation Research Series.
Zosh, J.M., Hopkins, E.J., Jensen, H., Liu, C., Neale, D., Hirsh-Pasek, K., Solis, S.L., & Whitebread, D. (2022). Learning through play: A review of the evidence. LEGO Foundation.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Elnawati, Santi Yudhawati Darmo, Nur Hayati (Author)

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.










