Too exam-oriented

When we talk about the Malaysian Curriculum for schools being too exam-oriented, what does it mean? Today, students even have to sit for a written examination paper for Art. Why can’t the students be graded only on their artistic skills and creativity?

Does every subject taught in school have to be assessed at National level? I was shocked when I heard that Moral Education has been an examination subject for a few years now.

Good moral values, like religion, are something that should be caught, not taught. Can we say that a Buddhist or a Christian who gets a distinction for Pengetahuan Agama Islam will end up being a Muslim? Also, why doesn’t a good Muslim score an A for Pengetahuan Agama Islam?

In the same vein, it is a waste of time making Pendidikan Moral an examination subject! Do the authorities think that it is the only way to motivate students to be interested in the subject? Or is it their way of ensuring that teachers in charge of this subject do not slacken in their duties by giving students a free period every time there is a Pendidikan Moral lesson?

When the authorities decide that certain subjects will be assessed at school level instead, it is merely a cosmetic makeover of another educational innovation. In the long run, there is more paperwork for the teacher which means teachers spending less time on the real teaching-learning process!