BETONG: Educators are concerned about the shortage of teachers and the unfilled vacancies in Sarawak. They hope the issues will be addressed by the government this year. They also have high hopes the government will resolve matters related to school infrastructure, curriculum and readiness to face the Alpha generation.
LIZA TALIP
I hope the Ministry of Education Malaysia will take measures and resolve issues to lighten the burden of teachers. We want them focus on their core task of teaching. This year, it is hoped that the government can reconsider holding exams such as the UPSR. For example, at the end of primary school, we want to see what children can achieve after six years of studying. As for extracurricular activities, more competitions are needed to unearth talents. I believe many young talents are not showcased through the right platforms.
AMRAN RAKLI
My long experience as a teacher has opened my eyes to various changes and developments in Malaysian education. I understand the Ministry of Education is always seeking the best approach for an effective education system. Therefore, I hope this year that all teacher vacancies in schools nationwide and especially in Sarawak, can be filled. At the same time, I hope the Federal government and the Sarawak government will continue to improve infrastructure and facilities for the good of students and teachers.
ALEKSEY AMAN
Facing the Alpha generation students, teachers need to equip themselves with competency skills in the dissemination of knowledge, moral development and character building based on the diverse Malaysian society. This means emotional and mental preparedness of educators at all levels, whether at the ministry, state, district, or school level. It is to move towards the development of a holistically knowledgeable and strategically thinking society in the effort to shape a united Malaysian society in the context of infrastructure development, ethnic harmony, and economic diversification. I suggest the government allocates funds for the physical development (repair) of all schools and enhancement of teacher competencies.
ZURAIDAH RASTI
Today’s students are burdened with a high number of subjects and the levels are so advanced that some are not suitable for primary school level. However, primary school is where students develop an interest in learning and learn to read, and count. Due to pursuing Higher Order Thinking Skills (KBAT) performance standards, many syllabi and questions are not suitable for the students’ age group. First-grade primary school students should be exposed to manners and only two or three basic subjects. They should learn in a playful atmosphere, not stressed with performance standards that make them lose their childhood by focusing too much on learning to achieve performance standards.
