There is no need to reinvent the wheel. Malaysia can always follow what they friends on the other side of causeway is doing. Singapore’s Ministry of Education will be abolishing the P1 exams by 2013. That is the target put forth by the Ministry of Education for all primary schools. Their method is through pilot school project. Maybe Tan Sri Muhyiddin can follow suit. The implementation follows positive feedback received from 16 schools that participated in the pilot programme for the new learning methods to support students’ learning and development. Speaking at the Holistic Assessment Seminar on Tuesday, Senior Minister of State for National Development and Education Grace Fu said “instead of a heavy emphasis on year-end pen-and-paper examinations”, schools in the new programme will use “a range of assessment modes and bite-sized forms of assessment for richer feedback on learning.”
She gave examples of how English can be taught through role-play and show-and-tell activities, while in Maths, students will required to “express their understanding through drawing”.”These proposed changes seek to develop our children to be confident persons, self-directed learners and caring citizens, while equipping them with enduring knowledge and values and the necessary 21st century skills and dispositions,” said Ms Fu.
I have been long time supporter of Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligence theory which emphasises on 7 types of intelligence; spatial, verbal, music and so on. Hope that our children will be tested on how well they can communicate, debate, articulate their points, innovativeness in problem solving in the future in place of UPSR or PMR. I have given my feedback to the Ministry and all I got so far is feedback case number..huhu..
at 3:59 pm
I’d have to buy into with you one this subject. Which is not something I usually do! I enjoy reading a post that will make people think. Also, thanks for allowing me to speak my mind!