Revamping the

Curriculum in Malaysia
With changing times, we need to take a closer look at our education system. Let's
explore the reasons for revamping the curriculum in Malaysia.

by NURUL RIANNA BINTI ISMAIL STUDENT

Addressing Future Demands
Integration of Technology
Technology is fundamental for
advancing a nation's economy.
Emphasis on technology in
education and practical
application is essential.
Encouraging Creativity
The new curriculum must
encourage creativity, foster
critical thinking and enhance
problem-solving skills to fulfil
future job requirements.
Promoting Sustainability
The curriculum must address
environmental challenges,
ensuring students have proper
knowledge on acting
sustainably and responsibly for
a better future.
Rethinking Assessments
Portfolio-Based
Assessments
Assessments should be
based on skills and
knowledge, not just content
regurgitation. Portfolios are
more comprehensive and
allow a holistic picture of
student development.
Performance
Assessments
Students are given tasks to
complete, and their
performance is evaluated
based on real-life scenarios.
This enhances problem-
solving skills with a
practical approach of
application and knowledge.
Cross-Disciplinary
Assessments
At the university level,
assessments should focus
on cross-curricular
integration of knowledge
instead of one-dimensional
approach.
Student-Centred Learning
Personalized Learning
Personalized learning makes education
more inclusive. This method adopts
lessons to better connect with students'
interests and learning styles, promoting
self-discovery and lifelong learning.
1 Collaborative Learning
Working together creates a sense of
community where students learn and
2 grow from one another. Encouragement
is key in collaborative learning for a
positive learning environment.
3 Experiential Learning
Students should be given opportunities
to get hands-on experience with
practical problem-solving experiences
to further develop critical thinking
skills.
Fostering Soft Skills Development
Collaboration
Students should be taught to
work effectively in teams and
build healthy relationships. This
enhances a positive work
environment, empathy and
communication skills.
Critical Thinking
The new curriculum must
facilitate critical-thinking skills,
equipping students with the
ability to evaluate, analyze and
formulate well-rounded
opinions and ideas.
Communication
Being able to articulate and
communicate ideas is essential
in life. Students should be given
opportunities to develop
communication skills through
debates, elocution and
presentations.
Redesigning Teaching Approaches
Project-Based
Learning
Project-based learning is
inquiry-based and
encourages students to be
self-directed learners. This
sparks curiosity and
encourages an interest in
lifelong learning.
Competency-Based
Learning
Competency-based learning
is based on skills
acquisition rather than
content knowledge alone—
promoting skills needed for
future employability.
Integrated Learning
Experiences
Instead of subject-specific
teaching, the curriculum
redesign should merge
different parts of
knowledge and experience
to enhance cross-
disciplinary thinking and
skill development.
Teacher Training and Development
Continuous Professional
Development
Continuous professional development
ensures teachers are equipped with the
necessary skills to put the new
curriculum and teaching strategies into
practice. The content should be subject-
specific.
1 New Pedagogical Strategies
The new curriculum should be a tool
for teachers. Training and development
2 sessions must be conducted to enable
teachers to effectively implement the
new approaches.
3 Supportive School Community
Schools should foster a culture of
learning, providing teachers and
students a supportive environment
where everyone can thrive.
Closing Thoughts
The new curriculum has the potential to improve student outcomes, encourage creativity and prepare
students to take on future challenges. Implementing the new curriculum provides an opportunity for
Malaysia to create a future-forward education system.