PT3 IS THE WAY FORWARD FOR QUALITY EDUCATION

The inaugural Pentaksiran Tingkatan 3 (PT3) results that was released recently has drawn praise as well criticism from stakeholders as well the general public.  The encouraging part of this development is the interest and concern shown by many for Malaysia to have quality education that is comparable to the best in the region and globally.  Every feedback is priceless as all our intentions are the same ; to ensure our students in Malaysia are given the best education possible.

As in any new endeavour or positive change, time is of essence.  We need to be fair in our feedback as this new initiative is a learning curve that requires the support of all to achieve its objective.  The effectiveness of change is not always immediate, especially so when it concerns education.  It may take some time to fine-tune this new format of evaluation.  However, constructive feedback is most welcomed as the common objective is to aim for excellence in our education system.

We must also be careful not to be dragged into a conversation to compare the current PT3 examination with PMR.  Both the examinations differ in format and instrument, use of subjective questioning with open response methodology as compared to objective multiple choice responses and further enhancement in the marking process.  In essence, these are two different sets of examination and comparing them is a futile effort.

I personally do not agree with those who have blindly criticised our PT3 examination which is premised on Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTs).  A very basic comparison would be on those students who have performed well in our PT3 examination.  I am sure they went through the same education system as every other student, if not throughout the country, but at least at their respective schools.  If they are able to understand the new format and perform, what was the challenge for the other students?

Another case in point is Aisyah Azizul Raheem, the 15 year old eldest child of Azizul Raheem Awalludin and Shalwati Norshal who were arrested by Swedish authorities for abusing their children.  She performed well to score 5As though she only studied for eleven months in Malaysia, amid a family crisis. Given the situation she was in, her performance was exceptional!  The question many should ask is why many of our very own students found PT3 a challenge or difficult, as claimed by some of them and their parents in the media.

I wish to appeal to all concerned to come together and work with the ministry of education to ensure our intention of providing quality education is achieved in the shortest time possible.  This calls for constant engagement and constructive feedback from all stakeholders.  I am sure the ministry of education welcomes all constructive feedback and is committed to do what it takes for our education system to be among the best in the world.

Let us work together for a better future of our students.