The Mind Lounge

Malaysian Education System

I've been reading the papers today as usual . Read this article about our current education system . Seems like the Government are planning on revamping the whole system from its current examination-based system . For those who are not aware , we Malaysians attend school for 10 - 11 years (if you take Form 6) , and are faced with 3 major public examinations :

1) UPSR (Ujian Penilaian Sekolah Rendah)- Year Six or Standard Six

2) PMR (Penilaian Menengah Rendah) - Taken during Form 3 , based on Form 1 to Form 3 studies
3) SPM (Sijil Penilaian Menengah Rendah) - Form 5 , based on Form 4 and Form 5 studies

I dunno about other countries , but that's a lot of exams right there . An interesting fact conducted by a group of Australian researchers on Malaysia found that Malaysian students spent an average 3.8 hours a day doing homework , which was regarded as 'wasting time' .

And seems that employers nowadays in fact , condemn our current system . Simply because most students are seriously lacking in their communication and reasoning skills . Hence the current 60,000 unemployed local graduates announced by the Human Resource Ministry in November last year .

There are few recommendations presented , like :

1) The introduction of more Project-based work
2) Shortening of school hours
3) Allowing teachers more creative freedom in their teaching methods

4) Proper facilities to teach

5) Producing teachers who are more open-minded to students' differing views

Interesting fact - According to a 2001 study by UKM , girls excel better than guys in their studies in schools , because girls were method-followers and are adept in the art of mugging , thus possessing the right skill needed for an exam-oriented system .

What bout us boys then ? hmm... girls , gangsterism , sports , girls ? tsk tsk . Many say that this system 'killed the joy of learning' on students . Do you think so ?

Dr. Ibrahim , dean from UTAR and also currently council member of NUTP (National Union of Teaching Profession) , said that "An examination which destroys self-confidence and makes a person feel unworthy should not be conducted" .

You know I think he's right . Often times back in school , we get pressured to study like maniacs to excel in exams , or else we'll be branded as 'stupid' . I feel like we only study for the sake of exams , not for us . Come on , how many of us still remember what we studied back in school and have actually applied in our jobs ? very little right ? then what was all the trouble for all those years ? an excuse to keep us from seeking 'true' knowledge ?

People skills are so essential these days . Though not the ultimate criteria , but ask any employer and they would say its a priority . Employers nowadays not only want competent , smart workers , but they also want someone who can 'blend in' with society and co-workers . You can be a super nerd who writes programs for fun , but if you lack the people skills , you think you can go far ?

The article also mentioned about graduates' lack of mastery in English . Well from what I see , its not like we don't understand English , we do . Basically I just think that we don't speak the language as often as we should , with of course , English-speaking peers . Grammars in written and spoken English can be different . All we need is just some practice here and there . I can't say mine is perfect either .

So are we happy with an education system that forces you to excel in something that you can't really use in your future jobs ? or is there a way to change it ?

Failing an exam means you're stupid . Do you think that's the best way to educate our kids ? Can intelligence only be measured by how high you score for a piece of paper ?

Think about it . Here's hoping Malaysia Boleh ....