In a bid to address the deficiency in critical thinking and problem-solving ability that has been identified as the main cause of our school students’ dismal performance in international assessments such as PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) and TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study), the Education Ministry took steps to “transform” our exam-oriented education system by infusing more comprehensive methods of assessment.
Hence, among two major reforms made in the last few years are the introduction of higher order thinking skills (Kemahiran Berfikir Aras Tinggi, KBAT) and school-based assessment (Pentaksiran Berasaskan Sekolah, PBS).
In line with this new direction, a circular dated 22 February 2011 was issued by the Ministry to inform that the UPSR examination format will be changed from the current 100% written, central examination to one where the written, central examination papers only constitute 60% of the total marks, while the remaining 40% will be derived from school-based assessment. This new format was due to begin in 2016.
Hence, since 2011, five years have been spent preparing hundreds of thousands of teachers and students for this new methodology of evaluation, which encountered teething obstacles during its initial implementation. Following protests by teachers frustrated by its tedious and inefficient processes, the controversial PBS system was later revamped and simplified.
In the latest development, a circular has been issued this month on 9 October 2015 rescinding the decision made in 2011 (see attachment). This means that the expected changes to incorporate school-based assessment into the UPSR examination due to take place next year have been cancelled, and the UPSR will continue to be a 100% written, central examination.
In other words, this flip-flop decision by the Ministry of Education has effectively wasted five years of time and effort spent training and preparing teachers, parents and students for the new UPSR format. And this is not to mention the great amount of resources invested into developing, implementing and then revamping the PBS system. Now, with the cancellation of the new UPSR format, it is all for nought.
The Minister must explain why another grand flip-flop has occurred. Is it because the teachers and students are not adequately prepared for the new format? If so, then this indicates that the Ministry has failed in its implementation of the PBS system.
Or, is this flip-flop indicative of a policy decision to undo the previous minister’s “transformations” by continuing with our existing exam-oriented education system that encourages rote learning and memorisation?
In fact, it would appear that many previous decisions have been undone following the appointment of Dato’ Seri Mahdzir Khalid as the new Education Minister. Recently, the Minister had deferred his predecessor Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s decision to make English a compulsory pass subject in the SPM examination, due to take effect next year. Meanwhile, the science practical examinations for Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Additional Science, which had been scheduled for implementation in this year’s SPM, was also postponed.
This latest UPSR flip-flop is but another in a long line of shameful education policy failures, and further proof that the Government is gambling with the future of our children.