KBSR VS KSSR

In 1983 Kurikulum Baru Sekolah Rendah (KBSR) was introduced and made some changes to
the education system. 10 years later its name was changed to Kurikulum Bersepadu Sekolah
Rendah (KBSR). Now a new curriculum was introduced about three years ago, 2011 to
replace KBSR. KSSR was introduced to recognise and upgrade the current curriculum.
Change can be clearly seen in the aspect of key areas, curriculum documentation,
curriculum design, curriculum organisation, curriculum content, element and focus.
The KSSR was introduced to overcome certain shortcoming within the older system. It is
hoped with this new restructured and improved curriculum, our children would have the
necessary knowledge, skill and also the value to face and overcome the challengers of the
current times. The use of technology and people skills for one, are vital tools that needed to
be in cooperated into the curriculum to ensure that our children can perform successfully
on a global platform. They need to be equipped not only with the strength of character and
leadership qualities to be successful.
KSSR has one new word Standard, in this new curriculum there are set standard of
learning that our children have to achieve at the different levels of their schooling. This
mean that when our children complete a particular level of schooling, they are expected to
have achieved a present standard of knowledge. All specific times at each level from these
learning standards will be measured to ensure that no child gets left behind. If a child fails to
meet the required standard, the teacher is required to do more or she eventually achieves
the required standard.
The new curriculum has also been designed to go beyond acquiring communication skills,
self development and the child immediate environment as in the KBSR. It is designed to
enhance and embrace the use of science and technology, develop values, understanding
humanitarian issues and also focus on the childs physical and aesthetical development.
Although the KBSR focused on holistic learning, the current curriculum seeks to go beyond
this. The KSSR curriculum uses what is known as a modular- based system. For easy
understanding let look at the teaching and learning of the English Language.
In KSSR for the primary school, the English Language syllabus is divided into two separates
levels. Level 1 for Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3 and for level 2 for Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6.
Level One they are focusing on module 1 (Listening and Speaking), module 2 (Reading),
module 3 (Speaking) and module 4 (Language Arts). At level 2, grammar will be added to the
four module taught in Level 1.
Textbook are being used in the teaching and learning process, learning is more accessible
with students playing a more important role in their learning. Rote learning is no longer
encouraged and with the introduction of Language Arts component in the curriculum, there
is now space for interactive actives. These include the use of drama, role play, debates,
language games and songs to make the lessons more meaningful and facilitate the learning
of the language. Lesson are more fun and there is also more movement activities in the
process of learning. This fun element learning removes the elements of stress and pressure
and make lessons fun while ensuring that language acquisition takes place.
KBSR focusing on students centered but KSSR is focusing on how to make learning fun and
meaningful to the young learners. The classroom atmosphere is more relaxed where
students are given more room for decision making and encouraged to voice their own
opinions. From the 3Ms reading , writing and counting, the new curriculum has 4Mswith
Reasoning added to the original 3Ms. The need for our children to think and reason of
making connection between their actions and consequences now stressed. There is a shift
from rote learning where students simply followed instructions and are overly dependent
on teachers. Students are now being taught to be active decision makers and be
accountable for their action.
The new curriculum also appears to be moving away from exam oriented system and the
streaming of students according to their academic ability is discouraged. In KSSR , students
are encouraged to work together and help each other rather than being focused on
competing to being the best.
The long term objective of the KSSR is to produce individuals who have positive self image
and high self esteem, which characters building emphasized. Hoped that our childrenwould
only have the adequate knowledge and skills but would also have strong leadership qualities
and character to face the challengers of the current scenario.