REFERENCE is made to the video clip of a retired principal voicing his criticism of our education system during a forum organised by the Education Ministry. Firstly, I would say the forum was a good platform for the participants to air their views and offer constructive criticism and also suggestions. It certainly was not a platform to discredit the Education Minister and his officials or to criticise the minister’s plans for reforming the education system and policies.The principal voiced his criticism over the education system but then praised himself for his achievements during his teaching and administrative career.But where was he all these years? I am sure similar forums would have been organised before. If I am not mistaken, a conference of school heads will be held every year by the ministry. This is where these people should air their grievances and constructive criticisms, and offer suggestions as well.

There were many policies/projects initiated by the previous education minister that did not meet much success but no one raised these in any platforms. I would like to highlight some of these policies/programmes. Many years ago, an education minister (who eventually became prime minister) promised that during his tenure, he would transform all schools into single-session schools. Now, any layman would know doing this is not simple. Firstly, we needed enough schools to initiate the change. Eventually, that did not happen but no one raised the issue.That same minister also introduced a public exam for Standard Three pupils. As teachers, my colleagues and I knew that it was a ridiculous idea and would soon die an untimely death. Sure enough, it fizzled out but did anyone raise the issue?The exam created a lot of pressure for both teachers and parents, who started sending their children for tuition from Standard One. Children should enjoy their experience in primary education, at least in the first three years. Learning in the formative years should be fun, enjoyable and meaningful.

It was also promised that the workload of teachers (non-teaching duties) would be reduced. The promise was not fulfilled. In fact, the workload actually increased due to all sorts of programmes implemented by the ministry.Another promise was to resolve the issue of heavy school bags. It remains unresolved.I am retired now but even I think the UPSR should be abolished. The education system is very exam-oriented. Has anyone (especially school heads both currently serving and retired) raised this issue? No. The current minister and his officials should seriously look at this issue of assessment. Yes, examinations are necessary as a form of assessment but other aspects should be studied and eventually implemented.

Formative and summative assessments need to be considered. The main objective shall be that when a student completes his/her secondary education, he/she shall be “holistically-educated”, which may entail reinventing and reforming the teaching and learning processes, emphasising co-curricular education and assessing a student’s overall performance in both academic and non-academic fields.At the same time, vocational and technical education needs to be given importance to accommodate students who are not very academically-inclined but who may be good at skills-based education. To this end, I would suggest that students who do not achieve at least a C grade in the PT3 exam shall be sent to vocational and technical schools where they will be able to acquire some basic skills in their chosen field. After SPVM, they can further their studies in colleges/institutions in order to obtain a diploma and perhaps a degree later, if they so wish.

Another education minister introduced the Vision Schools concept after his visit to the United Kingdom. What has happened to it? Did anyone raise this? No.Another minister changed the school term to begin in December so that the SPM exam could be held earlier to avoid the flood season. Unfortunately, the flood season adjusted itself to the new school term! It was abolished by the next education minister.As for starting the new school in December that was suggested by a retired school principal, “Why not begin school in December?” (The Star, Feb 19), I am not sure whether the writer is aware that this was implemented before but did not succeed.With due respect, I disagree with the suggestion and instead propose that the Education Ministry and Malaysian Examinations Board (LPM) consider completing the SPM exam in November. Even if floods occur (one can’t control nature), the ministry, LPM and state education departments have in the past successfully overcome the problem, which does not really affect many schools in the country.

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad implemented the policy of teaching Mathematics and Science in English. It was a very good and far-sighted move. A lot of funds was spent on the infrastructure and it eventually went on smoothly despite teething problems in the initial stages of implementation. Then, another education minister reversed the policy.All the money spent on this programme went down the drain. Parents, teachers and students all expressed their dissatisfaction but the minister did not budge. Apparently, the change was made to give due importance to Bahasa Melayu as the official language.When questioned over this issue, the minister was quoted as saying that he is Malay first and Malaysian second. Well, that was his opinion and stand, and he gave his reasons for that. Where were the school heads then?

A long string of debates ensued over this issue and there were suggestions of having DLP (Dual Language Programme) for schools which wanted to implement it and meet the demands of the parents concerned. Since I have retired, I am not sure about the implementation of this programme.Each time a new education minister is appointed, there are bound to be changes. If the changes are for the better, then it is well and good, but not otherwise. Foresight is the order of the day, and certainly not hindsight! So, whenever an education forum is organised, participants must offer constructive criticisms and at the same time offer suggestions as well.The current minister is still new and it is only fair to give him and his officials a chance to rectify all the “mistakes” made in the past. Nothing can be done overnight. Remember, change is always met with resistance initially, especially by senior employees who have been in the “comfort zone” for a long time and do not want to come out of that “cocoon”.There may be resistance initially, but after some time everything will fall into place and it will become routine. Where change is necessary and timely, it must be implemented for the general good and wellbeing of the organisation. It is extremely difficult to please everyone in an organisation.

I must take the opportunity to compliment Parent Action Group for Education Malaysia (PAGE) for bringing up issues concerning education. The ministry should consult this organisation, which happens to be the voice for parents.As stakeholders, parents should be given the opportunity to voice their concerns over the education of their children, and their voices must be heard. Remember too that these children are the future workforce of our country and hold the responsibility of taking it to greater heights. As such, education policies must be properly and carefully implemented.

C. T. ZEN

Alor Setar

Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/opinion/letters/2019/02/21/use-right-forums-to-voice-out-problems-in-education/#p26k1GSI6idFha4d.99