Do you think that if parents had to pay RM100 per child per month in this proposed “semi private govt school”, there will be an uproar by the public? a march protest by umno, mca and mic youth walking down putrajaya?
I am being practical here. If we assume each class has an average of 30 students and there are 6 classes per year, we can expect a school to have an average of 1500-2000 students for both sessions. At RM100 per student, the school will collect approximately RM2.5m per year! The Ministry will still cover all teacher salaries and infrastructure costs related to development and existing budget for maintenance and support.
Not all schools will and should be transformed into this semi private concept and perhaps a ratio of 1 out of 20 schools only should adopt this system so parents have a choice. For parents who think that RM100 is too much for a decent education environment for their children and that their government must do everything, then they can opt for the normal schools. We all have a choice.
What will these semi private schools offer that is different? here are some ideas:
1. A more comfortable teaching environment – renovated air conditioned classrooms with better furniture and teaching equipments
2. Additional qualified teachers/professionals for sports, performing arts, music, language etc
3. A fully equipped wireless internet technology center with latest PCs for “real” learning by “real” technology experts
4. A better cafeteria with a standardized menu and central kitchen outsourced to a known entity like Secret Recipe! and a swimming pool because Malaysian kids must learn how to swim
5. Additional subjects that value add the current “one size fits all” syllabus and introduce knowledge such as world history, communications, foreign language etc
6. An advisory teaching panel of retired prominent teachers on a consulting type fee arrangement to guide, motivate and encourage the current batch of young teachers supplied by the MOE. Perhaps also teach them English as a 2nd and survival language!
7. Organize outside speakers to come and talk to the children on various knowledge subject matters. Can negotiate a package deal for nearby regional schools!
8. Build a proper library and employ a librarian (have we ever seen a school in Malaysia with a proper library?)
9. Build a simple clinic in the school premise with 1 nurse on full time employment with a standby doctor (private clinic) covering at least 5 schools in the same region
10. Open the schools at nights and weekends for free general tutorials and to encourage group study time and extra curricular activities if need be. The school should be the focal point for student interaction so they avoid wasting time hanging out at shopping malls etc
As crazy as this idea may sound, I think it is something worthwhile thinking about and definately needs fine tuning. However, lets set up an Education Advisory Council consisting of top notch proven educationists and strategist (not the MOE) to develop a better primary and secondary schooling concept for Malaysia. Hopefully they will have time to look at the syllabus overhaul too. But that story is for another time!
SRS
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down boy, they can’t even decide what language should be used!
It is good that Shaik Rizal has decided to start his own blog. This American trained and Penang born MBA entrepreneur who collects fine works of art and sponsors young Malaysian artists should congratulated for taking this bold initiative to share his views and ideas with his fellow Malaysians and others. You are bold, Shaik, because you know can be crticised or damned for daring to say your piece.
Shaik, you have made a good start. May the spirit of The Lone Ranger be with you. I like you layout and your style of writing. We sincerely congratulate you. I am placing you on my blogroll so that my readers and friends can read you.—Din Merican and Dr. Kamsiah.
ps. Kamsiah has 2 copies of Marina Mahathir’s latest book, 50days–Rantings by MM . There is no doubt that talented writer Marina loves her dad, our former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad and is very protective of him. She has always been his special girl.
All 10 points mentioned above are available in the Royal Military College. One thing that you missed is the monthly allowance to the students. The school is multicultured, produces names like Ramli Ibrahim, Shaharudin Ali, Ling Liong Sik, Mirnawan Nawawi etc. and Tun loves the idea and even attended our annual dinner, but of course some will not like a bright idea like this kaaan. It doesn’t have to be militarized though.
Hi Shaik,
I didnt have to read the other 9 points. Sold at item 1- airconditioned rooms! My boy just started standard 1 yesterday. As a parent, yes, wouldnt mind paying RM100 for schools with better condition. Heck-the car to pick him up alone costs that much.
we can have a better facility and all, but the core problem of Malaysian Education is the “Download the textbook mentality” by our current teachers. This needs to be reengineered. “Teaching” itself is a science, or some may call it art, but definitely not a job! Character building and recognition is far more important then the syllabus itself. With the right character inculcated, our kids will see any boring textbook, as exciting as a Harry Potter novel. This is what Malaysia is still far lacking in terms of education quality.
my 2 cents worth.