KUALA LUMPUR: Despite the recent postponements and cancellations of several national examinations over the Covid-19 pandemic, Malaysian teachers remain positive about their profession.
Most are committed to proceed with syllabus completion and alternative assessments.
Teaching and learning activities will continue as usual, according to SK Taman Klang Utama principal M. Khalimi Dalhan.
“Teachers are already adopting student-centred learning so the cancellations do not affect the original learning objectives.
“Year 6 students will most likely have other cognitive assessments at the school, district or state levels. Selection for fully residential schools (SBP) will still require a good academic and co-curricular achievement.”
He stressed that it is important for parents to know that UPSR is only one of the many components of the holistic Primary School Assessment Report (PPSR).
“Other components, namely classroom-based assessment (PBD), physical activity, sports and curriculum assessment (PAJSK) and psychometric assessment (PSI), will continue to be used in the final assessment of students.”
Learning aids such as Berita Harian’s Didik and School Times by the New Straits Times will continue to be helpful, he continued.
“With new content every week, these well-known dynamic materials are seen as a key addition to static documents such as textbooks and reference books. Teachers can use them directly or manipulate them as an additional stimulus in class,” said M. Khalimi.
The Education Ministry made the right decision in addressing educational challenges in the pandemic, said Norliana Ramli, who teaches Science at SMK Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Ipoh.
“I am confident that the ministry will devise a comprehensive and fair assessment method to replace PT3 that will not burden the students.”
Teachers will do their best to ensure that the syllabus is completed by the end of the school year, she added.
“At my school, teachers have been prepared to use platforms such as WhatsApp and Google Classroom to ensure e-learning is implemented. For lab activities, we will share videos of scientific experiments from YouTube.”
Remote learning can be explored in many ways, she added.
“I am aware of the limitations faced by students, but the implementation of home-based e-learning and teaching sessions can still be made through radio and television. The ministry has also been working on improving TV Pendidikan (Educational TV) channels.”
Upon hearing the news of PT3’s cancellation, SMK USJ 12 History teacher Tay Say Cheow quickly sent a message to Form 3 pupils, telling them that learning must continue.
“My students will continue studying the subject by doing exercises in the modules given after each online lesson.
“There will be a new method of assessment for entry into Form 4 next year. Students’ efforts will not be wasted because the learning process will train them into better individuals,” said Tay.
Tay is happy with the ministry’s decision to allow Form Five students to return to school soon, as online learning has been challenging.
“Right now, online classes’ attendance rate is 80 per cent on good days, but it can fall to 50 per cent sometimes. Students cite many reasons, including waking up late, slow internet speed, and helping with house chores.
“I would need to go through all the lessons again when school reopens because it is my responsibility to make sure no one is left behind.”
Schools and teachers need to start preparing learning activities according to the Education Ministry’s guidelines, she said.
“Classroom arrangement and lab schedules need to be discussed to meet health safety requirements, as we have 10 classes of fifth formers at school.”
Sekolah Sultan Alam Shah Putrajaya English teacher Nik Anita Che Hamid wholeheartedly agrees with the SPM postponement, as some students’ learning pace had been affected by the pandemic.
“This will give teachers and students ample time to complete the syllabus. The Education Minister has taken into consideration all aspects involving various socioeconomic backgrounds.”
As a Form Five coordinator, Nik Anita said SPM candidates are monitored closely by teachers, albeit virtually.
“We also ask parents to help monitor their children's work at home. I continued my lessons on online platforms and the students managed to submit their assignments.
“The main priority now is to be coronavirus free. Exams are important in determining the future of our kids, but the future that we must aim for is a safe environment for our children,” she said, lauding the government’s TV Pendidikan initiative.
The announcement came as a relief, said SMK Tumpat English teacher Wong Lieat Hiong.
“We can now prepare the students for their future. At the moment, I am only able to communicate virtually with 70 per cent of my students. I can’t monitor their progress closely.
“I believe hard working students who participate in online classes will be alright. But, those who don’t see the importance of education or without internet coverage and suitable devices at home will be lost when school resumes.”
She added that fifth formers should not be worried about their entry to university.
“The SPM postponement will not affect their university admission, as it has been delayed as well.”
Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) Langkawi Chemistry teacher Mimi Syadzlina Shabi regards the postponement of exams as a good measure.
“This move is essential to avoid jeopardising the students’ momentum. It is also crucial for public health.
“Right now, it’s challenging to assess students’ understanding during remote learning. Additional effort is required to demonstrate certain topics in Chemistry.
“Students who are not high-achievers or those with low motivation may find it difficult to follow the online lessons especially for science and math subjects,” said Mimi Syadzlina, who currently holds online classes via Zoom.