Teachers’ Group Warns of Challenges in Introducing TVET Elements to Primary School Pupils
Prioritize 3R Skills for Primary School Pupils
Ikatan Guru Muslim Malaysia (iGuru) president Azizee Hasan has emphasized the importance of ensuring that primary school pupils are proficient in reading, writing, and arithmetic (3R) skills before introducing technical and vocational education and training (TVET) elements to their curriculum. According to Azizee, the focus during the first three years of school should be on mastering the 3R skills.
“Clear explanations are essential when imparting knowledge on technology. (As such) the priority now must be the mastery of 3R skills from Years 1 to 3,” he told FMT.
No Primary School Has a TVET Curriculum in Developed Countries
Azizee pointed out that even in developed countries, there has yet to be a primary school with a TVET curriculum, and there has not been a thorough study on implementing such a curriculum at that level. He believes that the education ministry must ensure that teachers are ready for the challenge of introducing TVET elements to primary school pupils.
Teachers’ Training is Crucial
Azizee also emphasized the importance of teachers’ training in TVET elements. “The ministry must introduce a suitable curriculum for the training of teachers in this discipline,” he added.
TVET Elements Have Been Taught Under Kemahiran Hidup Subject
Anuar Ahmad, the secretary of the education and human capital development cluster at the National Professors Council, pointed out that TVET elements have previously been taught under the Kemahiran Hidup subject. He believes that there is no need to rebrand the curriculum as “TVET”, adding that this would only worry parents about the ability of their children to master the new syllabus.
Focus on 3R Skills First
Anuar emphasized the importance of focusing on 3R skills first, especially for pupils in Years 1 and 2. “Years 1 and 2 are for us to focus on 3R skills so pupils are not left behind when they enter Year 3,” he said.
Conclusion
In conclusion, introducing TVET elements to primary school pupils requires careful planning and preparation. Teachers must be trained and equipped to deliver the curriculum, and pupils must be given the opportunity to master the 3R skills before being introduced to TVET elements.
FAQs
Q: Why is it important to prioritize 3R skills in primary school pupils?
A: Prioritizing 3R skills is important because it ensures that pupils have a strong foundation in reading, writing, and arithmetic, which are essential skills for further learning.
Q: Has any country implemented a TVET curriculum in primary school?
A: No, there has yet to be a primary school with a TVET curriculum in developed countries, and there has not been a thorough study on implementing such a curriculum at that level.
Q: What is the Kemahiran Hidup subject?
A: Kemahiran Hidup is a subject that teaches pupils practical skills, such as cooking, sewing, and first aid.
Q: Why is it not necessary to rebrand the curriculum as “TVET”?
A: Rebranding the curriculum as “TVET” may worry parents about their children’s ability to master the new syllabus, and it is not necessary because the subject matter is similar to what is currently being taught under the Kemahiran Hidup subject.