KUALA LUMPUR: An Opposition lawmaker is urging the Education Ministry to clarify the co-teaching method in schools to avoid confusion over the roles of teachers and teaching assistants.
Datuk Idris Ahmad (PN-Bagan Serai) said co-teaching refers to a method where a teacher and a teaching assistant work together in the same classroom.
"However, there has been a heated debate among teachers over this issue. There must be clear guidelines to avoid any confusion on their roles in one same classroom," he said while debating the Supply Bill 2026 at the committee stage for the Education Ministry on Wednesday (Nov 12).
He questioned the differences in experience between teachers and teaching assistants, whether there is a gap in experience or standards, and how this can be standardised to prevent any negative impacts on students.
He also requested information on the number of teaching assistants in schools, noting that implementation would depend on school size, such as small rural schools versus urban schools with larger class sizes of about 45 students.
"These are the factors that must be taken into account in its implementation," he said.
The PAS MP also asked if this adds to teachers' workloads.
On Nov 5, the Education Ministry announced that the co-teaching method, with two teachers managing a single classroom, would be introduced in 2027 to balance academic achievement and character development.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the approach aims to make teaching and learning more engaging and effective by allowing teachers to be more creative and interactive.
