Abolition of UPSR opens doors for learning of skills

WITH the abolition of UPSR (Primary School Achievement Test) from 2021, the education fraternity should now place greater emphasis on teaching skills instead of drilling students for exams. Skills training took a back seat when parents and teachers focused on preparing their children for exams just so they could score excellent grades.

In order to generate confidence, the assessment protocol in schools should be enhanced. I would like to suggest that a comprehensive method of reviewing the assessment protocol be worked out quickly. Members of the Examination Syndicate together with specialists from the Curriculum Development Division should combine their resources together to bring this about.

Let education for younger learners be about skills enhancement and promotion of creativity. They should be encouraged to explore the world and learn the skills they need in life, especially language mastery and thinking and reasoning skills. Inculcation of ethical values can also be given greater emphasis when the pressure of sitting for exams is removed.

TENG

Batu Pahat, Johor