Bruneians Feel New Education System Will Bring Positive Changes
By Nurkhayrul Salam

Bandar Seri Begawan - Members of the public have hailed the new education system for the 21st century (SPN21), involving changes to the education structure, school curriculum, as well as vocational and technical education, as `a step forward' in educating the younger generation.

With growing frequency, the public recognises the need to improve the education system so that all graduates and school leavers are adequately prepared for college and work.

The education minister in the 34th Unesco General Conference in Paris, France said that the new system would be broad-based and can provide multi-pathways for the nation's children to further and higher education.

Hj Samad, a' retiree and a father of six said the education system plays a vital role in making education relevant to today's world and is critical to closing both the achievement gap and the global competition gap.

"From the information I gather, the new education system is showing many improvements. Students with high potential are given a chance to fast track' their studies and with the world getting increasingly competitive, the sooner they are able to complete their studies, the better chance they have in getting a good job," he said.

In a dialogue session held November last year, the education minister also said that in keeping up with globalisation, the new education system will enable all learners to reach their full potential with skills to survive in a highly evolving world.

Hj Damit Junaidi, a civil servant, said that the new education system which is also aimed at encouraging ICT in learning is a step forward, especially with the introduction of ICT in primary one. This move means that the ICT proficiency of children can be promoted from an early stage.

"ICT has changed and is changing the lives of everyone. Through teaching ICT at such tender age, we equip our children to participate in a rapidly-changing world where work and leisure activities are increasingly transformed by technology," he said.

A few educators have mixed attitudes towards increased use of ICT in lessons, but overall they are generally positive about it and many are looking forward to developing their ICT skills and knowledge.

Naziah Sahat, a teacher from Berakas Secondary School, recognises the importance of ICT in teaching and learning. "It provides tremendous opportunities to make our education system more aligned with the needs of the 21st century workforce," she said. "ICT can also contribute to students' enjoyment and sense of achievement by providing powerful tools to support their creativity, initiative and independent thinking." While a primary school teacher who declined to be named said although that she wholly supports the new educational system, she emphasised the need for good quality training and plenty of help and guidance for teachers to be able to deliver the new curriculum at its full potential.

But there are others voicing out their concern of the new education system.

Zaleha, a mother, thinks that the new education system will place a big gap between students and can result to those not able to get a place in the fast track system feeling demoralised and left out. "All we know is that the education system can benefit those who 'have the capabilities to go on the fast track system, but how about the students who can't?" she said.

Another parent who declined to be named said the end products of the segregation should be considered. "Not only will it place a gap among students in the coming years, as the far as the job market is concerned, it might affect employers' preferences in the future."

Even so, among the many interviewed, the overall views were positive and the public is united in supporting an education system that integrates 21st century skills into core academic subjects.

A lecturer from UBD's faculty of education said that the government can and should be doing more to prepare the younger generation to succeed in the 21st century.

"Skills such as problem solving, innovation and creativity have become critical in today's global economy, therefore integrating 21st century skills into the teaching of core academic subjects is a win-win proposition for everyone involved," he said.-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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