https://ejournal.staindirundeng.ac.id/index.php/dijee <p><strong>Dirundeng International Journal of English and Education (DIJEE</strong>) is a peer-reviewed academic journal published by the English Education Study Program, Sekolah Tinggi Agama Islam Negeri (STAIN)Teungku Dirundeng Meulaboh, Aceh, Indonesia every <strong>March</strong> and<strong> October.</strong> The journal presents research and development in the field of teaching and learning of English language, general linguistics and literature. Authors must register to this journal before submitting their work and they must follow the Author Guidelines of the journal. Submissions that do not adhere to the guidelines provided will be REJECTED. Please submit your article through the online submission of this journal. You may address further inquiries to the Editor at dijee@mail.com</p> Prodi Tadris Bahasa Inggris STAIN Teungku Dirundeng Meulaboh en-US DIJEE https://ejournal.staindirundeng.ac.id/index.php/dijee/article/view/4508 <p><em>Vocabulary mastery is essential in English language learning. The lack of English words in students’ memory will hinder them in communication. This research aims to determine the effect of crossword puzzle media on improving the vocabulary skills to the eighth-grade students of a junior high school in Aceh Tengah.</em> <em>The study was conducted by using experimental research, and carried out on two groups: the experimental and the control. A population of 120 eight-grade students were selected, and the sample were class VIII-1 and class VIII-2 consisting 32 students in each functioning as the control group and experimental group respectively. The results indicated that the average score of the experimental class exceeded that of the control class. This showed that the experimental class performed better than the control class. The results of the t-test revealed that the calculated t-value was greater than the table t-value (2.13 &gt; 1.99). With a significance level of 5% and 38 degrees of freedom, this means that the null hypothesis (H0) is rejected and the alternative hypothesis (Ha) is accepted. In other words, this learning media has a positive effect during English language learning. </em></p> Rusmiati Annisa Miftahul Jannah Sungkawati Kardi Wahyuningsih Copyright (c) 2025 DIJEE https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 2025-02-27 2025-02-27 1 1 1 11 https://ejournal.staindirundeng.ac.id/index.php/dijee/article/view/4509 <p><em>Education plays a crucial role in shaping a competitive and competent generation. Indonesia has undergone several curriculum reforms to align with global and societal needs, with the 2013 Curriculum (K-13) and the Independent Curriculum (Merdeka Curriculum) being the most relevant in the past decade. This study explores the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum at SMK Negeri 3 Aceh Barat through a qualitative approach, employing semi-structured interviews with a Bahasa Indonesia teacher to analyze its application, challenges, and effectiveness. Findings reveal that while the Merdeka Curriculum offers greater autonomy in learning design and differentiation in instruction, its implementation faces significant obstacles, particularly regarding technological infrastructure. The lack of access to digital tools and internet connectivity hinders the optimal use of technology-based learning, especially in rural areas. Additionally, teachers require continuous professional development to effectively integrate digital resources into inclusive education. Despite these challenges, differentiation in the Merdeka Curriculum enables a more personalized learning experience, allowing students to engage with content suited to their interests and career aspirations, particularly in vocational high schools.</em></p> Munawarah Siti Rahayu Copyright (c) 2025 DIJEE https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 2025-02-27 2025-02-27 1 1 12 18