A university lecturer says schoolchildren lose interest in science and mathematics because of poor teaching methods and the focus on getting high marks. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, August 13, 2023.
He said the teaching method was uninteresting and focused more on the goal of getting high marks, correct and accurate answers, resulting in primary school children being afraid of making mistakes. Using Thomas Edison as an example, the academician said the American inventor had failed many times, but tried repeatedly until he finally succeeded in inventing a light bulb that is still in use today.
Anuar said the science and mathematics syllabus used by the Education Ministry is too heavy, which contributes to the subjects being not popular in primary schools. “Sometimes, there are students who don’t quite understand what the teacher has taught, but the teacher does not have time to explain or make sure they have really understood. The teacher then has to move on to the next subject because he has to catch up with the syllabus,” he said.