Khamis, 30 Ogos 2012

Beautiful Wong Kelansau

Decision taxing on students – BorneoPost Online

by Lian Cheng & Peter Boon, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on August 28, 2012, Tuesday

Public fret over ministry’s move to make History a compulsory pass subject

Edwin Jemat

KUCHING: The people are generally taken aback by the decision to make History a compulsory pass subject for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination next year by the Education Ministry.
The decision was reported by a national Chinese daily yesterday and a survey on the reaction to the news by The Borneo Post showed that there were fears that another compulsory subject might be too taxing on students and teachers.
Sarawak Teachers Union (STU) president William Ghani Bina said it was unfair for the ministry to implement the decision without giving notice to schools and teachers unions without consulting them.
He added such a serious educational issue should have gone through a consultative process involving academicians, educationalists, historians and teachers and politicians should not be involved in it.
Ghani disclosed that STU had not received notification on the change.
“There are now so many compulsory subjects – Bahasa Malaysia, English Language, Science and Mathematics, this is an additional burden to our students.”
He pointed out adding History to the present list of compulsory pass subjects for public examination would make the nation’s education even more examination oriented.
“Our education should focus on learning, like that of developed nations and not on passing exams.”
Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar when contacted said making History a compulsory pass subject was to inculcate patriotism among the young generation.
“The younger generations now have no knowledge on how independence was achieved and they have been taking things for granted.
“However, it is too drastic to make History a compulsory passing subject just because of that. The subject should be made compulsory for all students but not a compulsory passing subject.
“It should be taught to them with the positive aim of making them understand the country better rather than penalising them for not excelling in the subject,” said the Santubong MP.
Meanwhile, Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How questioned the sustainability of making history a compulsory pass subject for SPM students.
“Over the years, the Education Ministry has been making changes every now and then, showing much inconsistency. We are just wondering how long this change will last,” said See.
His main concern was the increased burden on students and teachers in coping with another compulsory subject.
“Certainly, once the subject is made compulsory, it will affect the performance of the students as there are also other subjects they have to pass to get a full SPM certificate,” said See.
Retired teacher Edwin Jemat was more concerned about the content of history syllabus.
“The Malaysian history now consisted mainly of the history of Peninsular Malaysia while the history of Sarawak and Sabah has been sidelined.
“What the Education Ministry needs to do first is to give a fair share to Sarawak and Sabah in the nation’s history before talking about making it a compulsory subject to pass SPM,” said Jemat.
In Sibu, academician Felician Teo said making history a compulsory pass subject in SPM was to make our youth understand the spirit and solidarity of nationhood and that it was good for national unity.
However, he felt making passing the subject one of the pre-requisites to obtain a SPM certificate was too extreme and would add extra pressure on students and teachers.
University lecturer Dr Ting Chek Ming said he did not agree with making history a compulsory pass subject in SPM.
He hoped the decision was not politically motivated.
“Our children are exposed to the subject from Form One till Form Five. But history is not a survival skill as such. In the wake of globalisation, they should be exposed more to English language.
“We need history but not to such an extent as to make it a compulsory pass subject,” Dr Ting said.

History The Basis Of Nation-Building Civilisation

History The Basis Of Nation-Building Civilisation – BorneoPost Online

by James Kon. Posted on August 30, 2012, Thursday

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The history of a race plays a very important role in the development of a nation and civilisation. This is because history and its heritage serve as proof to the existence and glory of a race. To an independent country and sovereignty, a historical account is a knot that binds the unity of the nation and is also a catalyst for the development of the country, Borneo Bulletin reported.

The importance of History was highlighted by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Diraja Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Hazair bin Hj Abdullah as guest of honour at the final of Inaugural History Oratorical Competition 2012 yesterday.
“In the context of Brunei Darussalam, understanding and embracing history among the community and younger generations serves as a basis towards strengthening the embrace of the Melayu Islam Beraja concept,” he said.
Through the embrace of history, he explained, the younger generation will be able to see how Brunei’s people appreciate the purity of Malay customs, culture and conducts, which are based on the stronghold of religion. Under the wise leadership of the monarch, the country has achieved glory and maintained the existence of the race. To this day, the nation continues to enjoy peace, prosperity, independence and sovereignty”.
“The community in Brunei needs to reflect on the history, learning from the paths and bends of the country’s history. In the al-Quran itself, there are many historical stories that provide useful teachings to human beings,” said Pehin Dato Set Setia Awg Hj Hazair.
In the context of nationhood; the minister added, “history ignites the spirit of patriotism and love for the king, country, religion and nation. History teaches the younger generation to be smarter and mature in facing challenges in the era of globalisation and borderless world”.
The minister further said, “The teaching of history is not only about knowing the facts, dates, pikes and incidents that have taken place in narrative, but also to get an in-depth understanding, including the significant impact made to the lives and heritage of the current society as well as the nation.”
He later called on the teaching workforce to make use of historical oratory as one of the methods of teaching and as a creative approach to the subject of history.
This initiative will make history an interesting field of knowledge for students to learn and explore in order to strengthen the spirit of patriotism and loyalty to the king, nation amid religion, Pehin Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Hazair added.