Rafidah: Focus on syllabus and teachers, not vernacular schools

 

Rafidah Aziz believes that when it comes to education, the focus should be on the delivery and content of the curriculum by well-trained teachers instead of bickering over vernacular schools.

Commenting on politicians locking horns and insults on whether vernacular schools sowed racial divisions, the former minister emphasised the need for constant improvement and upgrading in line with the current operating environment.

She also called on the Education Ministry to scrutinise teachers and their training.

“The Education Ministry must undertake constant reviews of the syllabus contents, modes of delivery and formulation of exam questions with the aim of doing away with ticking boxes.

“Let’s also strengthen analytical thinking and communication skills. Teacher training is the key,” she told Malaysiakini.

Rafidah also emphasised the teaching of English in all schools in order to enable students to access information and knowledge from sources that are written in the language.

Apart from this, the former minister also suggested introducing sociology classes but without examinations.

According to her, this would teach students good values and principles to prepare them for the workplace environment.

“We need that wholesome education,” she added.

Meanwhile, Rafidah also commented on Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek stating that over 400,000 students in primary and secondary schools nationwide are experiencing learning problems.

“So, why not seriously look into the teaching problems,” she added.

Urging the ministry to address the “root causes”, Rafidah said the competence of those entrusted to teach must also be scrutinised.

Fadhila said as of Dec 18, 2023, 280,985 primary school students (Year 1 to Year 6) have yet to master the Malay language and 154,853 secondary school students (Form 1 to Form 5) have not mastered the 3M skills - reading, writing and counting. - Mkini