PENANG, 19 June 2009: The proposed introduction of a modular system to replace the terminal system for the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) examination is good as it can make students understand better the purpose of education, instead of focusing only on passing examinations, Malaysian Examinations Council (MEC) Board chairperson Prof Tan Sri Dzulkifli Abdul Razak
said.
He said through the modular system, the society’s perception of examinations would not be so rigid, and the purpose of education can be broadened through the learning process.
“We don’t want the focus to be only on examinations that all aspects of learning are neglected. The idea is good, but has to be implemented cautiously for fear that it would create issues which could be politicised,” he told reporters after signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and the Malaysian Institute of Architects here today.
Yesterday, Deputy Education Minister Dr Wee Ka Siong said the MEC would introduce a modular system to replace the terminal system for the STPM examination by 2011.
He said the modular system would be similar to that in universities, where students needed only to concentrate on the modules for a particular semester, and that 20-30% of the marks would be based on coursework, projects and other assignments, as well as practical work. — Bernama
victor says
What about matriculation?
You want everything to be easy is it?
No need to work hard la, STPM becomes just like another SPM.
kip says
By doing away with the current STPM system, the gems of the exam will be lost. Students groomed out of this exam tend to be more independent and less spoon-fed compared to those from matriculation or foundation courses. I believe so as most of my friends (bumiputera and non-bumiputera) are mostly post-STPM students and they are doing quite well with and without the privileged policies. Maturity is cultivated in Form 6.
STPM exams have their merits – it separates those with merits from those without. By implementing a modular system, it has its pro and cons – pro being that students can avoid being exam-minded and learn more; cons being that every tom, dick, and jane can enter university. The quality of our local university will further be overwhelmed with too many students; students of suitable qualification or none.
I still remember quarreling with a course mate about her being piggy-backing on the group. All she stressed is that she is a matriculation student and she doesn’t even want to be in the degree course. As usual, they have problems answering the questions. Ask about ‘A’, they answer ‘B’. Zzzz.
jitsinexpress says
[Whether we] keep or [don’t] keep the terminal exam system, STPM students should be given equal chance in getting a place in the course they want and deserve at public universities.