The Malaysian Insight

PARENTS are worried that the Education Ministry’s decision to end the school session for SPM pupils so they can prepare for the examination will put added pressure on them.

They said the face time was needed as pupils had been away from the classroom for a long time and the classroom attention was badly needed.

Mahmood Kassim, 46, said that as a father, the decision adds pressure on his son and other SPM candidates and they could lose focus on their studies.

“It is very strange to have the two weeks for self-study while they have missed classes for a long time. 

“They finally had one month of school and then now as they approach the final lap to the exam they are told to stay home again.

“We are disappointed with such a decision because it disturbs the future of pupils who are trying to chase from what they have left,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Mahmood is a former teacher who had retired early, he said the ministry should have given the pupils an option.

“Based on my experience, these pupils need the subject teachers to guide them up until they enter the examination hall.

“Online studying at home is not the same. The face-to-face learning within a month was not enough for the pupils to discuss and catch up on lessons,” he said.

A housewife who wanted to be known as Anisah, 46, said she wants her child to remain in the school hostel even though the school session is over.

Anisah said her son would certainly not be able to concentrate on his studies if he returns home.

“I want my child to stay back in the dormitory because it is easier for them to study even though there are no classes. At least they can focus there,” she said.

Through a circular dated January 4, the Education Ministry announced that face-to-face learning for all SPM and SVM candidates throughout Malaysia will end this Tuesday.

It is to give space to candidates to make their own preparations before the examination starts on February 22, said education director-general Habibah Abdul Rahim.

Habibah also said that the hostels’ pupils have the choice to either stay in the dormitory or return for the Chinese New Year holidays.

Those who return will have to undergo a 10-day quarantine if they return to school, or they can opt to change for an examination centre closer to home.

Their arrangement should be notified to the school before this Tuesday, she added.

Meanwhile, a SPM pupil from Mara Junior Science College in Kuantan, who wants to be known as Hafiz, said he chose to stay in college to revise for the exam.

“The confusion in the beginning when we heard that classes were terminated was how do we study, moreover, the teacher’s schedule has been made.

“Afterwards, my friend and I decided it would be better to stay in the dormitory, so at least we could study with other friends,” he said.

A SMK Shahbandaraya pupil from Klang, Elijah Roshan Ganesh Kumar, said the school closure meant he needed to double up his studying efforts.

The student said he is fortunate even though the school session was over because he had other alternatives such as attending tuition classes.

“When we returned to school on January 20, classes were from 7.30am-3.30pm, instead of the usual 1pm. 

“It is quite a long day but the teachers are preparing us against the worst-case scenario which is failing the exams.”

Elijah added that despite the pressure, the crucial thing is to not postpone the SPM test. 

“One more month and then we are out of our nightmares. If we drag any further, we are just wasting time.”

Education Ministry should give pupils options

The Parent Action Group for Education (PAGE) said the ministry should give pupils the option to study face-to-face at school or self-study.

Its chairman Noor Azimah Rahim said it was normal for SPM pupils to not attend classes nearing the examination because they wanted more time to revise at home.  

However, she said given the current situation, it is very important for them to meet in school to satisfy all the questions that they have. 

“Some may be able to self-study, but the majority of pupils cannot do so. The option should be given to the pupils.

“Schools must open to those who need help. At this stage, it is a matter of passing and failing SPM rather than achieving As or Bs in their results.”

She further suggested for pupils living in dormitories to stay back as these places provide for a conducive study environment.

However, she said the relevant ministries may need to relook at the sleeping conditions and improve the physical distancing measures in dormitories.

“Clusters are prone to happen in living areas compared to classrooms.”

The National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP), on the other hand, supports and believes that the decision by the ministry was made after considering the safety of the pupils and teachers.

NUTP secretary-general Harry Tan Huat Hock said no issues would arise that would affect pupils’ learning preparation.

“They must be given time to study on their own. They can still contact their teachers for final preparation tips individually,” he said. – February 8, 2021.