Innovations in Science Education in MalaysiaByDr. Soon Ting Kueh FAScFellow, Academy of Sciences Malaysia

Malaysia the Current Priorities

Human Capital DevelopmentScience, Technology and InnovationKnowledge SocietyHigh income nationEnvironment and Biodiversity

*Malaysian Government places strong emphasis on science education to achieve the above priorities

In 2004, Education Ministry split into:Ministry of Education (MOE)Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE)

Malaysian Fact Sheet

Independence (1957)2008Population7.4 million26.1 million

Life Expectancy (Years)M 56 F 58M 71 F 76

Infant Mortality Rate 76 per 1,0005.5 per 1,000

Gross Domestic Product USD 1.43 billionUSD 3114 billion

Per Capita GNP < USD 229 USD 10,531

Literacy Rate50%97%

School Enrolment RateM 50% F 32%M & F 97.4%

Poverty Rate51.2%5.1%

*Pre-university education under MOE 13 years:

Primary Education 6 years(not including pre-school)

Secondary Education 5 years(3-year lower secondary & 2-year upper secondary)

Pre-university 2 years

*Science education begins (formally) at Secondary level Forms I V

At primary level, there are various topics in science that are taught as parts of the primary curriculum

Streaming occurs at the Upper Secondary Level Forms IV & V into Arts and Science streams

*Recent emphasis on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) as a key vehicle for sustainable economic development and uplifting the quality of life has led to new innovations in science education in Malaysia

Knowledge ContentsLearning Theories and ConceptsTeaching Methodology and TechniquesPlanning and Research

*Innovations in science education in Malaysia:

Knowledge Contents

Pusat Pembangunan Kurikulum (Curriculum Development Centre, CDC)

Curriculum reviewsConducting courses for in-service teachersCurriculum Development including course materials, etc.

*Pusat Pembangunan Kurikulum (Curriculum Development Centre, CDC)

Curriculum reviews to include latest development in STI (Biotechnology, Advanced Materials, Nanotechnology, climate change, etc)Developing new course materials based on these new knowledge andConducting courses on these new topics for in-service teachers

*Learning Theories and Concepts

Psychology of EducationNew learning theories new thinking skills and effective communication

Incorporated into teachers training (pre-service) and in-service training program at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), teachers training colleges (26) and other universities

*Teaching Methodology and Techniques

New teaching methodology (pedagogy) and techniques are being used to enhance the effectiveness of the teaching process

Use of ICT, Internet, www and other communication toolsBest Practices in Science Education including inquiry-based education, new thinking and analytical skills, and inter-personal behavioural skills

*Planning and Research

Planning and Research for secondary science education is being carried out at the Educational Research and Planning Division (EPRD) of MOE.

EPRD also oversees the development of education policy and strategies in Malaysian schools.

*Teacher Education in Malaysia

26 Teacher Training Colleges and Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) that trains teachers for primary and secondary schools

Faculty of Education at local public universities also provide some form of training for teachers for special needs.

*Teacher Education in Malaysia

Teacher Education has improved over the years where the Government encourages young graduates to take up teaching as a profession with various incentives including better salaries, promotion and recognition

*Conclusion

With these changes and innovations we can train our younger generation and develop knowledge economy

Our dream to propel Malaysia into an advanced nation by the year 2020.