‘Scrapping exams will promote innovation, sports’
24/06/2010 By Eileen Ng and Suresh Ramnews@nst.com.my
KUALA LUMPUR: A school-based assessment system may be introduced if the proposal
to scrap the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) and Penilaian Menengah Rendah (PMR) is accepted.
The Malaysian Examination Syndicate (MES) will set questions that teachers can use to assess the students’ academic performance.
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the proposed scrapping of the two examinations did not mean that there would be no assessment of students’ progress. Studies showed that a school-based assessment system was
more appropriate for local schools.
“At the end of the day, we do not want studies to be affected. The teaching and learning methods will remain the same,” Muhyiddin said when replying to questions raised in Parliament yesterday. The proposal, which he announced on Sunday, had sparked a debate among lawmakers, political parties, teachers
and parents. Muhyiddin said studies by the Education Ministry showed there
were too many public examinations locally as opposed to just one in other countries.
As such, the scrapping of the two examinations would be good for the country’s education system as it would enhance creativity and innovation, apart from
encouraging active involvement of students in sports and co-curricular activities.
“It avoids rote learning which does not emphasise independent thinking,” said the education minister. Despite the plentiful feedback received so far, Muhyiddin said the government would not be in a hurry to scrap the two exams.
“Ample time will be given for the various parties to give their views and input.”
Muhyiddin also said the scrapping of UPSR and PMR would cut government expenditure in areas such as human resource.
“It will also reduce the burden on teachers in handling the examination process give both teachers students the chance focus more on effective teaching and learning skills.”
Parents, he said, would not be burdened having to buy many reference books or spending on their children’s tuition.
In Malacca, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Soi Lek said the party announce its stand on proposal next week.
“It will be discussed our meeting next week,” he said after opening Tangga Batu MCA divisional meeting.
“Whatever it is, we should carry out a study so that decision we make will reflect aspirations of all Malaysians.”
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