PT3: Improve the system to regain rakyat confidence in national exams

The government has been urged to be able to turn Form Three Assessment (PT3) exams as a platform to regain the confidence of the rakyat in the country’s education system.

Vice-president of Gabungan Pelajar Melayu Semenanjung (GPMS), Datuk Irmohizam Ibrahim said, the results of the PT3 exams which were announced on Monday, have to date received a mixed bag of reactions expressing a series of dissatisfaction and frustrations by various quarters on the results.

“Various reactions were received from students and teachers who view the early establishment of the PT3 exams as something challenging. Furthermore, a handful of students started sharing their results on Twitter and Facebook on the social media to draw support from the people.

“Parents have also expressed disappointments how Form Three students to turn them into guinea pigs for the PT3 exams and fall victims to the disastrous results,” said Irmohizam to Astro AWANI here, today.

He was responding to the dismal performance reflected in the PT3 exams results believed to be attributed to the lack of time for teachers and students to prepare for the exams.

Irmohizam, however stated that, although many are dissatisfied with the results, it cannot be compared to the Penilaian Menengah Rendah exams.

“The teachings are different and the formats for both exams are far different where PT3 assesses students based on the Higher Level Thinking Ability (KBAT),” he explained.

Irmohizam has also suggested for the government to conduct a post-mortem and study PT3 weaknesses based on KBAT.

After weighing the views of all quarters, particularly students, parents and teachers, I would like to suggest the government to conduct a reassessment or post-mortem of the recently-announced PT3 results.

“The results must be addressed accordingly to be more proactive in taking necessary measures,” he said.

In the meantime, parents should also reevaluate the five aspirations the Malaysia Academic Development 2013-2025 which was tabled as aspirations for academic excellence in the country.

“This includes access, quality, equity, unity and efficiency and this must be achieved by the students in transforming the education system in the country.

“ All are based on the ability of the students themselves in empowering the education process that is competitive and global and challenging,” he said.

A total of 453,413 students sat for the PT3 exams at 2,608 examination centres in October. The results were announced on Monday.