Development of Mathematics Curriculum in Malaysia Week 5

Development of Mathematics Education in Malaysia How did the present Integrated School Mathematics Curriculum for Primary and Secondary Schools (KBSR and KBSM) come into the scene?

Development of Mathematics Education in Malaysia http://www.moe.gov.my/bpk/ Razak Report (1956) Special Project (1970) KBaruSR Mathematics (1983) KBersepaduSR Mathematics (1994) Revised Mathematics Syllabus (1998-2002) PPSMI 2003 ?? 2012 ??

Razak Report (1956) The Report of the Education Committee, 1956 proposed a national education system Thus, a common & official mathematics syllabus – but just rearrangement of old topics The Report of the Education Committee, 1956 popularly known as the Razak Report was the government’s educational blueprint for post-independence Malaysia to create a national education system aimed at fostering national integration.

Special Project (1970) To improve standard of primary school mathematics & science following the trend of Modern Mathematics in advanced countries Emphasis changed from memorization to concept understanding Teaching & learning materials were developed incorporating pupil-centered strategies Inquiry-discovery methods

KBaruSR Mathematics (1983) Not much different from Modern Maths - rearrangement with reduction of some contents Syllabus divided into Level 1 – mastering basic number concepts & 4 basic operations Level 2 – application in problem solving Emphasis changed to group & individual learning Enrichment activities to develop the individual’s potential Remedial activities to ensure learning in accordance with pupils’ ability

KBersepaduSR Mathematics (1994) To help achieve the National Education Philosophy (FPN) ambition – overall & integrated development of individuals in all aspects Aims & objectives of KBerSR Mathematics (refer Curriculum Specifications)

Revised Mathematics Syllabus (1998-2002) 4 main areas – Numbers Measures Shape and Space Statistics topics arranged from basic to abstract

New Mathematics Syllabus CDC (BPK) is currently revising all subjects curriculum Expected to be implemented in 2012 (ie the KSSR)

Educational Projects Compensatory Project InSPIRE Project Smart School Project Apart from the above main development, there were several other projects implemented to improve the quality of mathematics teaching in schools. These projects included the Compensatory Project (Projek Imbuhan), the Integrated System of Programmed Instruction for the Rural Environment (InSPIRE) Project, and the Smart School Project.

Compensatory Project (1975-1980) Special learning materials designed & supplied to rural area students Trained teachers chosen to attend special teaching skills Scope covered pedagogy (remedial education), socio-economic and political elements Subsidy in the form of food, facilities and financial assistance Main objective - to narrow gap of learning opportunity between the rich and the poor

InSPIRE Project (1983) Initiated by USM in 1977 Main objectives Develop education theories to improve effectiveness of T&L in rural primary schools Assist CDC in implementing remedial & enrichment programs Officially launched in 1983 Various remedial & enrichment materials were produced & distributed to rural primary schools

Malaysian Smart School Project launched in selected pilot secondary schools in 1998 3 pillars of “smart” learning: self-paced learning self-accessed learning self-directed learning Use of ICT is encouraged (ICT as enabler) Malaysian Smart School Project The Smart School Project was launched in selected pilot secondary schools in 1998. One special feature of the Smart School Mathematics Curriculum is the arrangement of learning outcomes according to three levels of difficulty. The three pillars of “smart” learning are self-paced, self-accessed and self-directed learning. Towards achieving these goals, the use of information and communication technology (ICT) is encouraged. Complete packages of courseware for learning the whole Smart School Mathematics Curriculum at the primary and secondary levels have been prepared and used in the respective Smart schools. Apart from the three pillars, generic skills (thinking skills, study skills, facilitation skills, assessment skills, ICT skills) are also emphasized in the teaching and learning of mathematics. The pilot Smart School status ended in December 2002. The Technology Division of the Malaysian Ministry of Education is currently monitoring the usage of the courseware in all schools.