Kuala lumpur: The government's initiative to introduce centralised learning assessments in primary and secondary schools under the Malaysian Learning Matrix is being lauded as a timely and pragmatic move to enhance students' educational outcomes.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Year Four Learning Assessment is set to be implemented this year, with the Form Three Learning Assessment scheduled for 2027. Dr. Anuar Ahmad, Deputy Director of the Malaysian Inclusive Development and Advancement Institute at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (MINDA UKM), emphasized that these centralised assessments, conducted by the Examination Board, are crucial for monitoring student progress and evaluating their mastery of essential skills.
"This initiative is recommended because assessment in Year Four allows fundamental competencies such as reading, writing, numeracy, reasoning, and critical thinking to be evaluated early. Once results are obtained, interventions can be implemented in Years Five and Six. This provides a two-year window to strengthen pupils' foundational skills so they are better prepared when transitioning to secondary school," he explained.
Dr. Ahmad pointed out that this approach addresses shortcomings in the previous system, which heavily relied on Classroom Assessment (PBD), leaving some students entering Form One without solid foundational skills. He also highlighted the benefit of centralised assessments at Form Three for early identification of students' strengths and aptitudes, aiding them in selecting suitable academic streams.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, while launching the National Education Blueprint (RPN) 2026-2035, stated that the Year Four Learning Measurement will cover subjects such as Bahasa Melayu, English, Mathematics, and Science. The Form Three Learning Measurement will include Bahasa Melayu, English, Mathematics, Science, and History. Anwar emphasized that these assessments would be centrally administered to build a comprehensive national education assessment system focused on students' mastery of learning.
Dr. Siti Sabihah Ghazali, a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Education, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), described the initiative as a progressive step towards effectively improving the national education system. She noted its alignment with current educational needs and global education demands.
Prof. Dr. Salleh Amat, a Faculty of Education lecturer at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), also praised the initiative for ensuring long-term educational effectiveness. He highlighted that comprehensive stakeholder engagement was conducted before announcing the plan. However, he stressed the need for the government to provide detailed information on the aspects to be measured, ensuring teachers and parents understand its implementation without causing unnecessary stress.
"I believe assessment in Year Four and Form Three is appropriate, as it allows early intervention if pupils' weaknesses are identified. During the initial stages, implementation may raise concerns among teachers, but this can be addressed through clear communication and effective support systems," he concluded.