The KSSR: What Can Go Wrong

KSSR stands for Kurikulum Standard Sekolah Rendah. This is the new
thing in relation to education in the primary level. There are so many benefits
in the new system. As I had already mentioned in my earlier blog, the system
ensures that no child gets left behind an each child has to achieve a preset
standard of achievement before proceeding into the next level. The system
does not stress on exams. Evaluation takes into count student’s attitude,
focus, and leadership qualities apart from the content of the subject. This is to
ensure a total development of the child is taken into count and not just his
academic standing. The child is encouraged to seek, discover and give
opinions. The passive learner is a thing of the past. Technology is widely used
and students are taught to use technology to seek, learn and present material.

The blueprint for the KSSR was wonderful. All the elements were in place
and what was left was the implementation. This is where the problems begin.
As parents we should be aware of all the possible shortcomings so as to be
able to take the necessary remedial actions.

1. Each Child Has To Achieve A Preset Standard Before Moving On

The obvious problem is the size of the class. If a class has 35 students,
waiting for each child to achieve a preset standard will take a long time. Of
course streaming or placing students into sets is an answer but remember
KSSR does not encourage streaming! The ‘better’ students can be given
other projects to do but by the end of the year the students achievements will
be staggered with some struggling to redo tests while others who have always
achieved to set standards may be bored! Parents should be alert to kids who
come home saying they are bored or that their teacher was spending all her
time conducting quizzes for the weaker students. Get additional workbooks or
even reading materials for your kids to take to school.

2. Is There Enough Taught?

This is the one greatest fear that most parents have spoken about. If so
much time is spent by the teacher administering quizzes and conducting
evaluation during class time, when does the poor teacher have the time to
really teach the content? In our country, there is no such thing as teacher
assistant where one can teach a group while the other help with conducting
the evaluation. Parents should monitor their children’s progress and get
involved hands on if they find that their child is not learning much. Parents
were once students and should be able to spot problems quickly.

3. No Exams
My kids need exams to give them a target to work towards and I am sure
yours does too. Without exams, there is a risk that kids might not learn much.
This is not entirely true but than again all kids are different. Exams are a
measure of things that are yet to be mastered or the weakness of our
children. The earlier the intervention, the better the long-term effects. Parents
need to know what their kids are weak in and help them to catch up. Exams
also help in teacher evaluation. Some teachers do more than others. This is a
fact. Without the exams there is no real benchmark and this is worrying.
Parents should ensure that students do work at home even if there is no
homework. There are a wide variety of workbooks and academic material in
the market that parents should take advantage of.

4. Non-Measurable Evaluation
Many parents love examinations because evaluation is fair and
transparent. When evaluation is based on behaviour codes like leadership
qualities, responsibility and attitude, there will always be room for
unhappiness. Our teachers have to be absolutely fair and give the grades that
the student really deserves without taking any external factors into count. Can
they do this?

5. Students Use Technology

Are we ready for this as a nation? If we are looking at computers, will
each student be given a computer to work on or if the research has to be
done at home, does each child have a computer at home? Think about this as
a nation as a whole and you will see the problem.Is the technology used
reliable and not prone to problems? If the system breaks down, do we have a
reliable support system that can rectify the problem immediately? Again think
nation wide.Have the teachers been given adequate training to carry out
lessons using the modern technology. Many of our young ones today are fast
and pros in using the iPad, iBook, and every other device that we adults use.
In fact my children are better than me. Based on this, teachers should be one
step ahead to be able to hold the respect of their students and get their
teaching done!
To end, I can only say this. All systems have their merits and flaws. The
KSSR is no different. As parents we cannot merely leave it to the school and
hope our child will reap maximum benefits from the system. We should
always monitor and be aware of the shortcomings and take the necessary
actions when there is a need. In this way, I am sure your child will have a
wonderful schooling experience.