New Malaysian education plan good, but important to learn lessons from past failures
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Loading... - Mei Takehiko
- 08 Jul 2024
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The intended use of the new education plan which was introduced recently by Ministry of Education, Mainly ‘Future of Malaysian Education 2026 – 2036’ is no more a minute too soon as improvement configuration in instructive area ought to start now with present blueprint that will end one year from now (MalaysianEducationBlueprint,2013-2025).
But an expert has warned the moves need to be followed through with a genuine commitment to improving education in New Zealand.
Senior fellow with the National Council of Professors, Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Teo Kok Seong said it was important for both future progress to be accounted for in a new education plan and that all excesses under the 2013-2025 plan should at least come within implementation range (especially those which have not occurred).
Understanding the 2013-2025 Malaysian Education Blueprint
Goals and Vision
The Malaysian Education Blueprint 2013-2025 was crafted to elevate the country’s education standards to international levels. It aimed to provide equal access to quality education, ensure proficiency in Bahasa Melayu and English, and develop values-driven Malaysians. The blueprint outlined eleven strategic and operational shifts to transform the education system comprehensively.
Key Proposals and Shifts
The blueprint proposed significant changes, including:
- Providing equal access to quality education.
- Ensuring every child is proficient in Bahasa Melayu and English.
- Developing holistic, values-driven Malaysians.
- Transforming teaching into a prestigious profession.
- Leveraging ICT to enhance learning.
Assessing the Successes and Failures of the 2013-2025 Blueprint
Achievements
The blueprint achieved notable successes in some areas, such as improving access to education and introducing higher-order thinking skills in the curriculum. The focus on ICT also saw advancements in digital learning platforms.
Shortcomings and Unmet Goals
Despite these successes, several key goals were not met. The blueprint's ambition to make national schools the number one choice by 2025 fell short. The initiative to make English a compulsory pass subject for SPM by 2016 was not realized due to concerns over student failure rates.
National Schools: A Missed Target
Vision for National Schools
One of the primary goals was to make national schools the preferred choice for Malaysian parents by 2025. This involved creating an inclusive environment that reflected the country’s diverse cultural heritage.
Reasons for Falling Short
National schools did not achieve this goal, partly due to an increased focus on religious elements, which alienated non-Muslim and some Muslim parents. This shift led many parents to opt for vernacular, private, or international schools, undermining the national schools' inclusivity goal.
The Role of English Proficiency in Education
Importance of English as a Compulsory Subject
The blueprint aimed to improve English proficiency among students, recognizing its importance in global communication and competitiveness. Making English a compulsory pass subject for SPM was a critical step towards this goal.
Challenges in Implementation
However, the fear of high failure rates among students prevented this initiative from being fully implemented. Addressing these challenges requires better preparation and support for students to improve their English language skills.
Ethnic Stratification in Schools
Increasing Homogeneity
The blueprint noted a worrying trend of ethnic stratification, with Chinese and Indian students increasingly enrolling in vernacular schools, while national schools predominantly served Bumiputera students. This trend has led to less interaction among students of different ethnic backgrounds.
Impact on National Unity
This segregation undermines efforts to foster national unity, as students have fewer opportunities to interact and learn from peers of different ethnicities and cultures. Creating more inclusive environments in schools is essential for promoting national cohesion.
Expert Insights: Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Teo Kok Seong
Teo’s Analysis of the Blueprint
Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Teo Kok Seong, a senior fellow with the National Council of Professors, emphasized the need for better implementation of the blueprint's proposals. He highlighted the failures in making national schools the preferred choice and improving English proficiency.
Recommendations for Future Plans
Teo recommends that the new education plan should not only look forward but also ensure that the unmet goals of the 2013-2025 blueprint are addressed. He stresses the importance of maintaining the focus on the basics of education—reading, writing, and arithmetic.
Shifts and Strategies in the 2013-2025 Blueprint
Equal Access to Quality Education
Ensuring equal access to quality education was a cornerstone of the blueprint. This involved benchmarking learning standards to international levels and revamping examinations to focus on higher-order thinking skills.
Enhancing Teacher Quality
Transforming teaching into a prestigious profession was another key shift. The blueprint aimed to recruit top graduates and ensure continuous professional development for teachers.
Leveraging Technology
The use of ICT was intended to scale up quality learning across Malaysia. This included integrating digital tools in classrooms and providing online resources for teachers and students.
Community and Parental Engagement
Engaging parents, the community, and the private sector was critical for supporting students' learning. The blueprint proposed a parent engagement toolkit and expanding the trust school model.
Lessons from the World Bank Report
Key Findings
The World Bank report, "Bending Bamboo Shoots: Strengthening Foundation Skills," highlighted significant deficiencies in Malaysia’s education system. It revealed that only 58% of students were proficient in reading by the end of Standard 5, and that Malaysian students spent 12.5 years in school but learned the equivalent of only 8.9 years.
Implications for Malaysian Education
These findings underscore the need for foundational skills development in the new education plan. Addressing these gaps is crucial for ensuring that Malaysian students are competitive globally.
Future of Malaysian Education 2026-2036: A New Hope
Core Principles
The new education plan should build on the core principles of the previous blueprint, focusing on equal access, quality education, and holistic development. It must also incorporate modern developments to prepare students for future challenges.
Incorporating Modern Developments
Paying heed to recent reports and studies, including the World Bank’s findings, will be essential in crafting a relevant and effective education plan. This involves adopting innovative teaching methods and integrating technology in meaningful ways.
Recommendations for the New Plan
Ensuring Continuity
While looking forward, the new plan must ensure continuity by addressing the unmet goals of the previous blueprint. This includes making national schools more inclusive and improving English proficiency.
Focusing on Fundamentals: Reading, Writing, Arithmetic
The basics of education—reading, writing, and arithmetic—should remain a priority. Ensuring that every student masters these skills is fundamental to their overall academic and professional success.
Addressing Work Culture in Schools
Improving Teacher Motivation
Enhancing the work culture among teachers is crucial. This involves addressing issues of teacher motivation and ensuring that educators are dedicated and well-supported in their roles.
Enhancing School Facilities
Adequate facilities are essential for effective teaching and learning. The new plan should prioritize improving the infrastructure and resources available in national schools.
Reflecting on past failures is essential for future success. The 'Future of Malaysian Education 2026-2036' plan offers a new hope for Malaysia’s education system, but it must learn from past shortcomings to ensure real progress. By focusing on inclusivity, foundational skills, and effective implementation, Malaysia can build a brighter future for its students.
