I REFER to the article “Inconsistent marking for Moral paper” (StarEducation, Nov 7) where the writer Henry was shocked he could fail in this “easy” paper.
I would like to suggest the reason why some students fail is because they take the subject for granted and choose to ignore it.
As a result, when the teacher teaches, no-one listens, especially those who think they are too intelligent for everyone else.
I for one take pride at being the top scorer in class for the whole year in Moral and completing all the given tasks by my Moral teacher while some of my friends have not even scratched ink on their Moral books. And then they blame the marking scheme for being illogical. Because they have ignored the “lessons”, they miss knowing the function of each of the Moral values, not to mention the answering tips.
However, I do agree with Henry that Moral should not be an examinable subject.
Instead, it should be replaced with a more practical subject like CSE or “Community Service and Etiquette”.
This way, the problem of Malaysians having “First World facilities” but “Third World mentality” can be minimised.
CSE would stress on
1) Image building
2) Self grooming
3) Interpersonal social skills
4) Health care
5) Relaxation and recreation
6) Dining etiquette and social norms
7) Respecting the disabled
8) Civic mindedness
9) Community service
10) Faith in God
I am proposing this because I feel it is important for the average Malaysian to have these basic values.
As a case in point, I once saw a well-to-do man in a buffet line using his own spoon to scoop food instead of the prepared one and eating right off the tray without a plate! A whole legion of tourists was present to witness his lack of table manners.
It must be stressed that CSE must be a practical and not merely a theoretical subject so as to maintain interest in it. It can also incorporate current teen issues such as the “Tak Nak” or “Say No to Smoking” campaign and the teenage pregnancy problem. And who should teach it? Why any qualified teacher, including religious teachers!
The days of memorising Moral values should be numbered in favour of a more practical solution.
MALVINOSRICHDER
Ipoh, Perak
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