Chalk it up to exam day jitters, inadequate preparation, the mind going blank at a critical time...
Sometimes, we just don't get the hoped-for results in our key public examinations such as the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM).
Fortunately, there is no limit to the number of times a person can retake the SPM, to achieve academic targets or career requirements missed the first time.
Still, it has been reported that a teacher in Johor has taken the SPM more than 20 times – to be precise, 26, by the time this year's examination rolls around.
Is this for real?
VERDICT:
TRUE
Bernama reports that mathematics teacher Zulkifli Md Pungut has repeatedly sat for the exam to gain a first-hand experience of the pressure students face, using it to refine his teaching approach and help his charges enter the hall with greater confidence and composure.
For the principal of SMK Simpang Renggam, who is taking the examination this year for the 26th time, it is an opportunity to ensure his teaching methods remain relevant to the evolving needs of education.
Zulkifli, 58, who has taken the SPM since 2011, said it allows him to assess the difficulty of the papers and changes to the examination format, while experiencing the challenges faced by students.
"Sitting in the hall has given me first-hand insight into the time pressure, mental fatigue and anxiety experienced by candidates.
"This experience has reshaped my teaching approach. I now go beyond teaching the topics in the syllabus by helping students develop time management skills, strategies for answering questions under pressure, and ways to manage their emotions," he said in a recent interview.
Zulkifli said he spends two to three hours a day revising and answering practice questions as part of his preparation, just like a regular SPM candidate.
The Economics and Public Administration graduate also uses official Education Ministry modules and trial examination papers, while seeking feedback from fellow teachers to review his answers.
According to Zulkifli, Mathematics and English have been his main focus throughout his SPM attempts, with his results consistently ranging from A to A+.
For this year's SPM, he is once again aiming for an A+ in Mathematics, which he sees as a personal benchmark and a way to inspire his students.
Zulkifli said one of the most notable changes in the current SPM is the increased emphasis on Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS), with questions no longer focusing solely on routine calculations or memorisation.
He said candidates are now required to analyse information and understand concepts before applying them to real-world situations, such as financial management, data analysis and interpreting everyday statistics.
"Mathematics is more than just calculations. It is mental training. Rather than being intimidated by lengthy questions, break the problem down into smaller, manageable steps.
"The key is to practise consistently, develop a solid understanding of basic concepts and never hesitate to ask teachers for help," he said.
Zulkifli said his repeated experience as an SPM candidate has given him a deeper understanding of the pressures students face, helping him become a more empathetic educator attuned to their needs. – Bernama
