Integrated Secondary School Curriculum (KBSM): Implementation With Special Reference to English Subject at the Secondary School in Malaysia

[摘要] This study was designed to investigate the most recent innovation in the secondary school curriculum in Malaysia known as the KBSM (The Integrated Curriculum for Secondary school), a fundamental change in the curriculum with emphasis on the languages and basic skills. Teachers teaching English at Form 1 level, principals and personnel were chosen as the subjects of this study. The investigation showed that efforts were made to ensure effective implementation of the new curriculum: Materials for teachers and pupils were produced; training for teachers and other personnel was conducted; on-the-job support for teachers was provided; and the essential administrative, financial and material support was available. However, in certain respects, the adequacy or quality of the provision did not fully meet the standards hoped for, especially in the rural schools. Nonetheless, a number of positive changes had been effected in the classroom, even though the demands on teachers were heavy. The curriculum was considered a 'success' for there was an improvement in pupils' performance and their proficiency in English. From the findings, it was concluded that a number of issues came to be highlighted. In particular, these relate to the need to take into account variations in interpretation of the proposal, the provision for professional development of teachers and other personnel, the links between administrative and professional matters and the unintended outcomes that a change is likely to bring. It is only through an awareness of such issues and the concerted efforts by all sectors that the success of the KBSM could be assured.

[发布机构] University:University of Glasgow

[关键词] Curriculum development, Southeast Asian studies, English as a second language