‘Floating’ classrooms to address overcrowding in schools

 

At present, 86 primary and secondary schools across the country are considered ‘overcrowded’, with more than 40 students in each class. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: The “floating classes” method could serve as a short-term alternative for schools to address overcrowded classrooms, says education minister Fadhlina Sidek.

She said “floating classes” refer to teaching and learning sessions which are conducted in any available classroom or empty room in the school due to congestion or a shortage of classrooms.

In a Bernama report, Fadhlina said this approach has been successfully implemented at SMK Meru, Klang, and has effectively reduced overcrowding in the school which has more than 4,000 students.

“We understand that this may not be applicable to all schools. It depends on the dynamics, conditions and facilities at each school,” she said.

“However, it could be adopted by certain schools as a short-term solution.”

Fadhlina said 86 primary and secondary schools across the country had been identified as overcrowded, with more than 40 students in each class.

She was speaking to reporters after attending a parliamentary follow-up programme for overcrowded schools and access to education in the Klang district at SMK Meru today.

The programme was initiated by the education ministry in response to the issue of overcrowded schools, which was discussed during the previous Dewan Rakyat sitting.

Previously, Fadhlina said the ministry had implemented both long-term and short-term solutions to tackle the issue of overcrowded classrooms in schools nationwide.

She said this included building and using cabins within schools and transferring students to nearby schools to ensure a better learning environment. - FMT