The reasons for the breakdown of our schools

I feel the need to elaborate further the article published in Harakahdaily, ‘Tuition classes and the breakdown of our school system’.

There are many reasons to explain the failure of our education system to produce students who are interested to stay in school, who want to further their studies to colleges or universities and who will excel in their occupations.

Too many subjects. My children take the normal 8 subjects and additional Agama subject which totals 9 subjects for Form 3 and 10 or 11 subjects for Form 5 in the religious stream. On top of the core subjects, there are KH, KT and Sivik. These subjects overlap and repeat texts found in Geography, History, Science and even Religious Studies.

Too far from reality. The text in geography and history focus on Malaysia and compressed version of other countries. These subjects tent to be boring because Malaysia is a small country with a short history. The students prepare reports, papers or researches based on Malaysia’s cultural, geographical, historical and political influences. There are so many ancient civilisations, geographical wonders in all corners of the world and positive international political movements that should be exposed to students especially in secondary schools.

Too long hours in schools. The classes in secondary schools are stretched from 7.30 in the morning to 2.30 pm for normal students and 4.30 pm for students in the religious stream. Students are encouraged to attend afternoon classes in preparation for the PMR and SPM exams. The afternoon classes are conducted by the same teachers who have been awake from 5 or 6am (or maybe with very little sleep if they are nursing young children at home) and have been teaching from 7.30am to 2.30pm and will then continue with extra classes. Not only are the teachers tired, the children are mentally exhausted for 4 or 5 days a week.

Too short time for physical activities. There is one period a week for physical education and one afternoon a week for games and extra co-curricular activities. My son reaches home from school at 5.00pm daily and is too tired to move or play, so he ends up on the couch sleeping while watching TV. Towards the exam period all physical classes for Forms 3 and 5 are halted and the students are encouraged to attend more extra classes.

No proper recess. My son has breakfast at 6.30am, recess at 9.30am and short breaks for prayers and lunch at 2.30pm before afternoon classes at 3.00pm. There should be proper lunch break at 1.00 to 2.00pm (like the hours enjoyed by working adults). Students spend 4 or 5 full days a week at school, so do not deny them proper breaks and rest. They will then be more attentive and able to focus during the extra classes.

The children are our legacy, so it is of utmost importance to rectify and mend the breakdown of our school system. Let us urge the politicians, Education ministry officials, teachers and parents to wake up and take heed of the urgency to improve our education system.