Innovations in Science Education in Malaysia

1. Innovations in Science Education in Malaysia By Dr. Soon Ting Kueh FASc Fellow, Academy of Sciences Malaysia

2. Malaysia – the Current Priorities Human Capital Development Science, Technology and Innovation Knowledge Society High income nation Environment and Biodiversity

3. Malaysian Government places strong emphasis on science education to achieve the above priorities • In 2004, Education Ministry split into: • Ministry of Education (MOE) • Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE)

4. About Malaysia Malaysian Fact Sheet Independence (1957) 2008 Population 7.4 million 26.1 million Life Expectancy (Years) M 56 F 58 M 71 F 76 Infant Mortality Rate 76 per 1,000 5.5 per 1,000 Gross Domestic Product USD 1.43 billion USD 3114 billion Per Capita GNP < USD 229 USD 10,531 Literacy Rate 50% 97% School Enrolment Rate M 50% F 32% M & F 97.4% Poverty Rate 51.2% 5.1%

5. Pre-university education under MOE – 13 years: • Primary Education – 6 years • (not including pre-school) • Secondary Education – 5 years • (3-year lower secondary & 2-year upper secondary) • Pre-university – 2 years

6. Science education begins (formally) at Secondary level – Forms I – V • At primary level, there are various topics in science that are taught as parts of the primary curriculum • Streaming occurs at the Upper Secondary Level – Forms IV & V into Arts and Science streams

7. Recent emphasis on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) as a key vehicle for sustainable economic development and uplifting the quality of life has led to new innovations in science education in Malaysia • Knowledge – Contents • Learning Theories and Concepts • Teaching Methodology and Techniques • Planning and Research

8. Innovations in science education in Malaysia: • Knowledge – Contents • Pusat Pembangunan Kurikulum (Curriculum Development Centre, CDC) • Curriculum reviews • Conducting courses for in-service teachers • Curriculum Development – including course materials, etc.

9. Pusat Pembangunan Kurikulum (Curriculum Development Centre, CDC) • Curriculum reviews to include latest development in STI (Biotechnology, Advanced Materials, Nanotechnology, climate change, etc) • Developing new course materials based on these new knowledge and • Conducting courses on these new topics for in-service teachers

10. Learning Theories and Concepts • Psychology of Education • New learning theories – new thinking skills and effective communication • Incorporated into teachers training (pre-service) and in-service training program at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), teachers training colleges (26) and other universities

11. Teaching Methodology and Techniques • New teaching methodology (pedagogy) and techniques are being used to enhance the effectiveness of the teaching process • Use of ICT, Internet, www and other communication tools • Best Practices in Science Education including inquiry-based education, new thinking and analytical skills, and inter-personal behavioural skills

12. Planning and Research • Planning and Research for secondary science education is being carried out at the Educational Research and Planning Division (EPRD) of MOE. • EPRD also oversees the development of education policy and strategies in Malaysian schools.

13. Teacher Education in Malaysia • 26 Teacher Training Colleges and Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) that trains teachers for primary and secondary schools • Faculty of Education at local public universities also provide some form of training for teachers for special needs.

14. Teacher Education in Malaysia • Teacher Education has improved over the years where the Government encourages young graduates to take up teaching as a profession with various incentives including better salaries, promotion and recognition

15. Conclusion • With these changes and innovations we can train our younger generation and develop knowledge economy • Our dream to propel Malaysia into an advanced nation by the year 2020.