The debate over the relevance of the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination has intensified, with educators and stakeholders calling for reforms instead of its outright removal. Datin Noor Azimah Rahim, chairman of the Parent Action Group for Education (PAGE), emphasizes that the SPM should be reformed to better align with the needs of students and the demands of the modern job market.
Azimah points out that many students perceive the SPM as a waste of time, as evidenced by the increasing number of dropouts and absentees during the recent examinations. She criticizes the current SPM system for catering primarily to academically inclined students and prioritizing memorization over higher-order thinking skills. "PAGE does not encourage rigid national examinations because they misalign with the development of learning skills. Foremost, she asserts, is quality teaching that effectively delivers knowledge."
Azimah advocates for the inclusion of more "hands-on" subjects in the SPM curriculum. She believes that national examinations should not only prepare students for job applications but also assess their ability to learn and adapt to various jobs. "Students can learn and practice fundamental skills like baking, sewing, carpentry, car repair, and app design, which can pave the way for them to become apprentices or even start their own businesses," she explains. According to Azimah, these practical skills can be assessed at the SPM level, allowing students to turn hobbies into small businesses without necessarily pursuing higher education.
Additionally, Azimah highlights the lack of subject-specific training among educators, which hinders the effective delivery of knowledge and skills. "Better delivery of knowledge and skills will only occur if these shortcomings are addressed and effective remedies are implemented," she says.
The National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) secretary-general, Fouzi Singon, concurs that the SPM and Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) examinations remain relevant and necessary but need significant reforms. He points out that SPM certificates are the minimum eligibility requirement for entry into various advanced study programs and public service schemes. Fouzi also addresses concerns that eliminating the SPM could demotivate students from continuing their education. "Imagine if there were no SPM. Would students still attend school and study?" he asks.
While some, like UCSI University Professor Dr. Tajuddin Rasdi, argue that the SPM is outdated and that alternative pathways such as technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and microcredit schemes offer more practical routes to success, Azimah and Fouzi maintain that a reformed SPM can still play a crucial role. Tajuddin suggests that universities develop their own entry examinations tailored to specific courses, which could cater more effectively to students' strengths and career aspirations.
The call for reforming the SPM rather than abolishing it underscores the need for an education system that balances academic knowledge with practical skills. By integrating hands-on subjects and addressing educator training gaps, the SPM can evolve to better serve students and prepare them for a diverse and dynamic job market.
By: Kpost
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