KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry has clarified that the co-teaching or team-teaching approach will not be implemented across all subjects, but will be limited to two integrated learning subjects under the 2027 school curriculum.
Its Deputy Minister Wong Kah Woh said his ministry will introduce a new subject at Level 1 (Years 1 to 2), which is Integrated Learning: Nature and Humanity.
This subject will incorporate elements of science, arts, music, health, TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training), technology, and digital literacy, he explained.
At Level 2, for (Years 3 and 4), the Education Ministry will have two different integrated learning subjects; Integrated Science and Technology Exploration, which includes science education, environmental studies, TVET, technology, and digital elements and Integrated Arts and World Exploration, which covers geography, history, arts, and music.
The Ministry plans to implement co-teaching for both of these integrated learning subjects, he said.
"Contrary to claims by certain quarters, it is only applied to the two integrated learning subjects I mentioned," he said in his winding-up speech of the Education Ministry for the Supply Bill 2026 at the committee stage on Wednesday (Nov 12).
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Wong revealed that the ministry has already conducted a pilot involving 130 teachers in 65 primary schools of various categories.
To address misunderstandings with the existing teaching staff, he said co-teaching focuses on the “Nature and Humanity” subject because it integrates multiple disciplines and multiple educational elements.
"The Ministry will implement this pedagogical practice carefully, considering all aspects of gradual implementation and taking into account the readiness of schools and teachers," said Wong.
In this matter, subject panels and school principals have the autonomy to determine the co-teaching approach at their schools, he said.
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This is part of the ministry's effort to empower principals, giving them autonomy as they know best how to manage their schools, he further said.
"For example, a school may have enough teachers to implement co-teaching for the integrated subjects at one time, but at another time, teachers may be on sick leave or maternity leave.
"In such cases, the principal has the autonomy to decide whether to replace the absent teacher with another teacher or continue with a single teacher for the integrated learning sessions.
It is clear, therefore, that the co-teaching approach we adopt is flexible. The Ministry and schools will ensure sufficient teaching staff without creating additional burdens for our teachers," he said.
