Exams Abolished to Reduce Stress?

The abolishment of exams and exam-oriented learning in schools aims at reducing academic stress among students. That is our Education Minister’s statement recently. The Education Ministry is adopting an approach where the focus of learning in schools will be based on inquiry, exploration, experience, context and assessments that take into account the holistic development of students, she said.

The new approach aims to shift away from an exam-focused system and reduce stress on students, adding that it would offer a much more engaging learning ecosystem. The ministry prioritises the welfare and well-being of students, including their psychosocial and mental health.

 

Source: https://www.wikiimpact.com

Several initiatives have been implemented to identify students who are suffering from emotional disturbance issues. The Saringan Minda Sihat (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale test) is conducted once a year for pupils from Year 5 to students in Form Six, with students identified with severe emotional disturbance issues undergoing the screening twice a year. The ministry also provides access to psychoeducational materials through infographics, short videos, healthy mind pages, and self-wellness guides across various social media platforms.

Students identified with severe or very severe levels of depression, the school will hold a consultation session with the parents or guardians before referring the student to a medical specialist for the necessary treatment.

We don’t want stress. So remove exams. Why do we need SPM, STPM or university exams? Isn’t it stressful? How about in the work environment? Shouldn’t we work as and when we can? Because it is too stressful! How about marriage or family? Isn’t that stressful?

This idea of abolishing exams because of stress is plain silly! Granted there are people who have a problem with stress, but this is a fraction of the total. Couldn’t we cater for them while the vast majority are prepared to work through exams? It is a measure, it is a standard. Just look at Singapore, South Korea, Japan or developed nations, do they abolish exams? And why are they developed? Because exams and meritocracy leads them to progress!

Reference:

Exams abolished to reduce academic stress, says Fadhlina, Nor Ain Mohamed Radhi/Qistina Sallehuddin, New Straits Times, 26 November 2024