LETTERS: Malaysia is witnessing a decline in civic consciousness, raising concerns among educators, policymakers and society.
Civic-mindedness, once considered a fundamental aspect of our social fabric, is eroding.
As we grapple with these challenges, it becomes clear that there is a need to reintegrate and boost civic education in our school syllabi.
A recent report highlights the growing issues of civic indifference and moral decay in society.
Parents play a crucial role in instilling moral values in their children, but when this responsibility is overlooked, the consequences are felt across society.
The deplorable road behaviour of Malaysians, for example, has become a poignant indicator of this decline.
Reckless driving, disregard for pedestrian safety and a sense of entitlement while on the roads reflect a society that has lost touch with civic duties.
Such behaviour not only endangers lives but also signifies a broader moral decay that stems from a lack of proper education and reinforcement of civic values.
Education is a powerful tool for shaping young minds and fostering social transformation.
While academic achievements and employability are often prioritised, the development of students as moral and responsible citizens is being overlooked.
The education system has seen Civics removed as a standalone subject, with its content integrated into other subjects, such as Moral Studies, Islamic History and languages.
This integration, while well-intentioned, has diluted the focus on civic education, leaving students with a fragmented understanding of their roles and responsibilities as citizens.
To reverse this troubling trend, there is a need to reintroduce civic education in our curricula.
A focused and dedicated approach to teaching civics can help students develop a strong sense of civic duty, understand their roles in society, and appreciate the importance of moral values in life.
Here are suggestions for boosting civics education in our schools:
DEDICATED CIVICS EDUCATION SUBJECT: Reinstate Civics as a standalone subject, with a syllabus that covers the rights and responsibilities of citizens, ethical behaviour and the importance of contributing to the community.
INTERACTIVE LEARNING: Move beyond rote learning and encourage interactive methods, such as debates, role-playing and community service projects.
These activities can help students internalise civic values and see their practical applications.
TEACHER TRAINING: Equip teachers with skills and knowledge to teach civic education.
They should be trained not only in the content but also in pedagogical approaches that foster critical thinking and moral reasoning.
COLLABORATION WITH NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS AND COMMUNITY GROUPS: Schools should collaborate with NGOs and community groups to provide students with real-world experiences of civic engagement.
This can include participation in environmental campaigns, social justice initiatives and other community-based projects.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT: Encourage greater parental involvement in reinforcing civic education at home. Parents should be partners in the educational process, helping to model and reinforce the values taught in schools.
ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION: Develop robust assessment methods that evaluate not just students' knowledge of civic concepts but also their application and understanding of civic duties in real-life situations.
Reintegrating and enhancing civic education in schools can cultivate a generation of responsible, ethical and engaged citizens who will contribute positively to society.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
Chairman,
Alliance For A Safe Community
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times