The Implementation of Project-Based Learning through Merdeka Curriculum to Improve Speaking Skills at SMP Swasta Santo Xaverius 1 Kabanjahe

This study is done to find out the effectiveness of Project-Based Learning through the Merdeka Curriculum at SMP Swasta Santo Xaverius 1 Kabanjahe in speaking ability enhancement. Moved by a gap in the application of practical abilities pertaining to language education, this study was conducted with the quasi-experimental method to compare the speaking abilities of the experimental class using the Project-Based Learning process with a control class using traditional methods. The data were sourced from 30 seventh-grade students, both from pre- and post-tests and questionnaires. The results show that there is a high appreciation in the enhancement of speaking skills by the PBL group, wherein the post-test scores improved by an average of 19.46 %, against 14.6 % in the control group. The qualitative feedback also witnessed an increased engagement and confidence in speaking English among the students. These results underline the potential of PBL language learning and suggest its wider applicability within the framework of the Merdeka Curriculum.