K to 12 Trends in Southeast Asia International Comparison of Curriculum, Structure and Content of Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore By Dr Ethel Agnes P. Valenzuela SEAMEO INNOTECH 1
Philippine Education for All 2015 National Plan Urgent and Critical Tasks No. 5, the increase the cycle of schooling to reach 12 years of formal basic education by 2015 2
Aims of Education Brunei Country Emotional and Spiritual Development 21 st century skills Developed Society and Environment Values/ Ethics /Morals/ Religion Socio-economic Development of the country Citizenship/ National Development Needs Functional Literacy For All Malaysia Philippines Singapore There is a strong trend towards Educational Goals for the development of 21 st century skills, resulting to massive curriculum revamp and restructuring affecting governance, content and assessment. 3
Duration of Elementary, Secondary and Pre- University Education in Southeast Asian Countries Country Pre-primary Years of Elementary /Primary Education Years of Secondary Education Lower Upper Post- Secondary/ Pre- University Education Total Basic and Pre-University Education Brunei 1 6 2 2-3 2/3 13/15* Cambodia 6 3 3 12 Indonesia 6 3 3-12 Lao 5 4 3-12 Malaysia 2* 6 3 2 2/3 13/14 Myanmar 5 4 2-11 Philippines 1* 6 4 - - 10 Singapore 1-3* 6 2 2-3 2/3 12/14 Thailand 6 3 3-12 Timor-Leste 6 3 3-12 Vietnam 5 4 3-12 * Pre-primary is optional but moving towards mandatory pre-school program in one to 2 years. 4
Duration of Basic and University Education in Four Countries Country Entry Age Years of Basic and Pre- University Education Years of University Education Eng g Nursing Commerce and Business Education Teacher Education IT courses Total No of Education Brunei 5 13/14 4 3 4 2/2 4 17/18 Malaysia 7 13/14 4 4 3-4 4 3-4 17/18 Philippines 6 10 5/6 4 4 4 4 14/15-16 (Eng g) Singapore 7 12/13 4 3* 4 4 1/2 4 15/16/ 17 Sources: University Brunei Darussalam, *Nanyang Technological University of Singapore, University of Science Malaysia, University of the Philippines 5
School Calendars Brunei Darussalam Malaysia Singapore Philippines Start January 1 st week of January January June End 1st week of December 2 nd wk of November 2 nd week of December 1 st week of April Terms 4 terms 2 terms 4 terms 4 terms Days 200 198-210 200 200-205 Sources: Dr Chong MOE Curriculum Division of Brunei, Dr Zamzaimitul of the Curriculum Division, MOE Malaysia and Ms Yoke, Curriculum Division, MOE Singapore, Department of Education BEE (Mr. Galileo Go) and BSE (Dr Lolita Andrada), February 8-11, 2011 6
Teacher-Pupil Ratio Preschool Brunei Darussalam 2:20 (with teacher assistant) Malaysia Philippines Singapore 2:25 preschool (one teacher and one assistant) 1:20 Elementary 1:12 (with teacher assistant) 1:19 (normal but in some, the ration is1:50) 1:36 1:20 Secondary 1:11 1:19 (normal but in some, the ration is1:50) 1:38 1:20 Philippines has the highest teacher-pupil ratio in all levels of educaiton. 7
8 Government Mandate/Support Brunei Darussalam Malaysia Philippines Singapore Preschool Open, compulsory and free for citizens but pay yearly fund of U S$3.3; non-citizens must apply for student pass Open, free and compulsory Open, free and compulsory in public schools Optional Elementary Open access and compulsory Free for Brunei citizens Open access and compulsory Free for Malaysian citizens Open and compulsory Free in public schools Open access and compulsory Secondary Open access and compulsory until Year 8 Free for Brunei citizens Open access and compulsory until Year 9 Open access and noncompulsory. Free in public schools Open access Streaming exists based on the PSLE 8
9 Government Mandate/Support Brunei Darussalam Malaysia Philippines Singapore Preschool Open, compulsory and free for citizens but pay yearly fund of U S$3.3; non-citizens must apply for student pass Open, free and compulsory Open, free and compulsory Optional Elementary Open access and compulsory Free for Brunei citizens Open access and compulsory Free for Malaysian citizens Open and compulsory Free Open access and compulsory Secondary Open access and compulsory until Year 8 Free for Brunei citizens Open access and compulsory until Year 9 Open access and noncompulsory Open access Streaming exists based on the SP:E 9
Curricular Reforms Brunei Darussalam Malaysia Philippines Basis of Reforms Wawasan Brunei 2035 towards educated, highly skilled and accomplished people, quality life, and dynamic and sustainable economy Vision 2020 to make Malaysia a developed nation by 2020 President Aquino s Education Agenda Emphasis of Reforms Education structure Curriculum and assessment Technical Education Content Curriculum materials Pedagogy Assessment methodologies School management Increase the Cycle of basic education Timeline SPN21 2009 for Year1 2012 for Year 7 National Standardbased Curriculum 2010 for Preschool 2011 for Primary 2014 for Secondary K-12 Education Reform 2011 for Universal Kindergarten 1 to 12 (2012onwards) 10 10
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Preschool Entry Ages and Nomenclatures and Languages of Instruction in Four SEA Countries Age at Entry and LOI Brunei Darussalam 0-4 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Malaysia Philippines Singapore Child Care Education Day Care Child Care Education 5-6 Preschool (kindergarten) Preschool (kindergarten) Preschool (kindergarten) Kindergarten Languages of Instruction (LOI) Bilingual Chinese, Tamil, Malay, English English, Filipino English 12
Framework of Kindergarten Curriculum Basis of Kindergarten curriculum Brunei Darussalam 2009 SPN21 Early Learning Standards Malaysia Philippines Singapore National Standards-based Preschool Curriculum 2010 National Kindergarten Curriculum Guide Framework for A Kindergarten Curriculum in Singapore Expectations of Preschool Curriculum Approach For the holistic development of children in five domains in preparation for primary education Structured, playbased approach Develop children in holistic and integrated manner to increase skills, self-confidence, positive selfesteem to adapt and excel in primary school Standard-based and modular-based Improve readiness and foundation skills to be ready for primary grades Planned activities following DepED Standards Support and foster the holistic development Preparation for the journey of the life-long learning Use of play and structured learning 13
Content/Learning Areas of Preschool Curriculum Brunei Darussalam Malaysia Philippines Singapore Moral values/ education, Islamic education Mathematics Physical (health and safety, aspects of movements, games and early science. Aesthetics/ Creativity (arts and crafts, singing, stories and drama ICT awareness Language, literacy and communication Islamic and moral education, Others: morning routine, recess and reflection 3 Rs (literacy and numeracy) Values education, Physical health and motor skills, Socio-emotional skills, Cognitive skills, Creative arts skills, Language and readiness for reading and writing Communication skills. Language and literacy skills, Basic number concepts Social skills Creative and problem solving skills Appreciation of music and movement Outdoor play. 14
Instructional Time of Preschool Classes in Four Southeast Asian Countries Brunei Darussalam Malaysia Philippines Singapore Hours per Day 3-3.5 4 2-3 3-4 Days per Week 5 5 5 5 15
Kindergarten Assessment Brunei Darussalam Informal formative assessment through observation, checklist, oral interviews and written work Malaysia Philippines Singapore Informal formative assessment through checklist, anecdotes, and narrative reports Informal formative assessment School Readiness Assessment Examination Observation through profiling and portfolio 16
Primary/Elementary Education Structures in Four SEA Countries Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Brunei Malaysia Lower Primary (ages 6-8) Upper Primary (ages 9-11) Stage 1 (ages 7-9) Stage 2 (ages 10-12) Philippines Singapore Primary Grades (ages 6-9) Foundation Stage (ages 7-10) Intermediate Grades (ages 10-11) Orientation Stage (ages 11-12) 17
Learning Areas in Elementary Common Core Subjects are: 1. English 2. National Language/Mother Tongue 3. Science 4. Mathematics Common Complimentary Subjects are: 1. Civics Education/Moral Education/Values Education/Religious Education 2. Physical Education 3. Arts, Culture, and Music 4. Social Studies 18
Time Allotment in minutes per week Mother Tongue/National Language, Elementary Philippines Brunei Darussalam Malaysia Singapore Grade 1 350 300 360 360 Grade 2 350 300 360 360 Grade 3 350 300 360 270 Grade 4 300 240 300 270 Grade 5 300 240 300 270 Grade 6 300 240 300 270 19
Time Allotment in minutes per week English, Elementary Philippines Brunei Darussalam Malaysia Singapore Grade 1 450 300 330 450 Grade 2 450 300 330 450 Grade 3 450 300 330 390 Grade 4 300 240 300 390 Grade 5 300 240 300 360 Grade 6 300 240 300 360 20
Time Allotment in minutes per week Science, Elementary Philippines Brunei Darussalam Malaysia Singapore Grade 1 120 60 Grade 2 120 60 Grade 3 200 120 60 120 Grade 4 300 150 120 120 Grade 5 300 150 120 150 Grade 6 300 150 120 150 21
Time Allotment in minutes per week Mathematics, Elementary Philippines Brunei Darussalam Malaysia Singapore Grade 1 350 300 180 240 Grade 2 350 300 180 240 Grade 3 350 300 180 330 Grade 4 300 240 180 330 Grade 5 300 240 180 300 Grade 6 300 240 180 300 22
Time Allotment in minutes per week Social Studies, Elementary Philippines Brunei Darussalam Malaysia Singapore Grade 1 300 30 Grade 2 300 30 Grade 3 300 60 Grade 4 200 90 60 60 Grade 5 200 90 60 90 Grade 6 200 90 60 90 23
Time Allotment in minutes per week Music, Arts, PE, & Health (MAPEH), Elementary Philippines Brunei Darussalam Malaysia Singapore Grade 1 150 180 240 Grade 2 150 180 240 Grade 3 150 180 270 Grade 4 100 150 180 270 Grade 5 200 150 180 240 Grade 6 200 150 180 240 24
Time Allotment in minutes per week Values Education (VE), Elementary Philippines Brunei Darussalam Malaysia Singapore Grade 1 150 120 180 60 Grade 2 150 120 180 60 Grade 3 150 120 180 60 Grade 4 100 150 180 60 Grade 5 100 150 180 90 Grade 6 100 150 180 90 Notes: For Brunei Darussalam, VE are Religious Study and Moral & Natl Philosophy. In Grades 1-3 Religious Studies and Moral Education are integrated, in Grades 4 to Year 9, they are separate subjects. For Malaysia, Islamic Education is for Muslims while Moral Education (120 min in secondary) is for non-muslims. For Singapore in Year 1-2, Civics and Moral Education (CME) time allotment is shared with PCCG, NE and SEL. For 25 Philippines, it is Character Education for elementary.
Time Allotment in minutes per week Design & Technology/ Technology & Livelihood Education, Elementary Philippines Brunei Darussalam Malaysia Singapore Grade 1 30 Grade 2 30 Grade 3 30 Grade 4 200 30 60 Grade 5 200 30 60 Grade 6 200 30 60 26
Assessment in Elementary Assessment framework Assessment framework Exit Exam/ Progression Exit Exam/ Progression Brunei Malaysia Singapore Philippines School Darussalam based School based School based School based assessment School based assessment School based assessment School based assessment School based assessment (centralized) assessment assessment assessment School School Progress School Primary School No Exit Exam progress Examination exam progress exam Leaving but has on Primary the 6 th on Primary the 6School th Examination Primary School National No Exit Exam grade School grade Evaluation (PSLE) Leaving Achievement but has Assessment Test Examination Test National (NAT), (PSLE) which Achievement assesses school Test (NAT), rather than which students assesses school rather than students 27
Languages of Instruction Assessment framework Elementary Exit Exam/ Progression Brunei Malaysia Singapore Philippines School Darussalam based School based School based School based English assessment and English assessment and English, assessment English assessment and Malay Malay (centralized) in Mother Tongue School progress exam on the 6 th grade National Schools School English progress exam and on the 6 th National grade Type Chinese/Tamil in Schools Filipino and vernacular in 8 dialects 28
SECONDARY: REGIONAL COMPARISON 29
Secondary and Post-Secondary Education in Four Southeast Asian countries Year 1 Year2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 Total PHILIPPINES SECONDARY LEVEL(YEAR 1-4) General Special (Arts, Cultural, Science, Sports, and Tech-voc, Journalism, foreign language) General plus special (e.g. Gen Sec Cur plus Special program for the Arts/Theater Arts/Music/Creative Writing/; Visual Arts) General plus Eng g Science Educ Program) BRUNEI DARUSSALAM Lower Secondary (Year 7-8) General Education Program MALAYSIA Lower Secondary (Form 1-3) General Education Program (13-15 years old) SINGAPORE Lower Secondary (4-5 year) Special/express course Normal Technical Normal Academic Upper Secondary (Year 9-10/11) General program (Academically inclined) Applied Program (Technical Vocational) Upper Secondary (Form I4-5 ) Academic Technical /Vocation Religious (16-17 yrs old) Lower Secondary (4-5 year) Special/express course Normal Technical Normal Academic Post Secondary Sixth Form Colleges (2-year pre-university program) Technical Colleges Vocational Schools Pre-university (Form 6 or STPM (Art or Science streams) Matriculation Program Pre-university (2-3 years) Junior College Arts Stream, Science, Commerce Polytechnic Diploma (Nanyang, Ngee Ann, Republic, Singapore, Temasek) Institute of Technical Education 4 7 7 7-8 Integrated Program (lower Secondary to Pre-University) 30
General Characteristics of Secondary Education in Four SEA Countries Secondary Education Curriculum Framework Desired Outcomes/ Expectations Organization of Curriculum Brunei Darussalam Malaysia Philippines Singapore National Education The Education (National 2002 RBEC/ Education Act Amended 2009 System for the 21st Curriculum) Regulation 1997 2010 Secondary Century (SPN 21) 2009 National Standards-Based Education Curriculum Curriculum 2014 Consolidation and strengthening of various knowledge & skills development of aptitude & interests, personality, attitudes & values; development of talents & interests; preparation for prevocational, higher education and future career Consolidation of skills acquired at primary & prevocational level; Development of aptitude, interests, personality, attitudes and values, specialization, career & higher education Development of functional literacy and 21 st century core skills needed to be globally competitive have moral integrity believe in their abilities and be able to adapt to change be able to work in teams and show empathy for others be creative and have an inquiring mind be able to appreciate diverse views and communicate effectively take responsibility for their own learning enjoy physical activities and appreciate the arts believe in Singapore and understand what matters to Singapore Spiral and progressive Spiral and progressive Discipline-based Spiral and progressive 31
Content/Learning Areas in Secondary Content/Learning Core Other Areas Learning Lower Areas* Secondary Electives (for Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia and Singapore) English National Language/Mother Tongue Science Mathematics Civics Education/Moral Education/Values Education/Religious Education Physical Education Health Education Music Arts Technology/Home Economics Social Studies Languages Mathematics Sciences Humanities and Social Sciences Religion Arts ICT Technical-Vocational *other subjects fall under electives 32
A-Level Math Secondary Level Primary Scope of Mathematics Curriculum between Philippines and Singapore Philippines Fourth Year: Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry and Statistics Third Year: Geometry Second Year: Intermediate Algebra First Year: Elementary Algebra Whole numbers, rational numbers, measurement, geometry, graphs Singapore Pure Mathematics (Functions & Graphs, Sequence & Series, Vectors, Complex Numbers, Calculus) Statistics (Permutation & Combination, Probability, Distribution Models, Sampling & Hypothesis Testing, Correlation & Regression Number & Algebra, Measurement & Geometry, Statistics Additional at Upper Secondary Algebra, Geometry & Trigonometry, Calculus Number & Algebra, Measurement & Geometry, Statistics Sources: Philippine 2002 Basic Education Curriculum, Singapore Ministry of Education 33
34 Scope of Math Curriculum (Singapore Model) A-level Mathematics (Optional) 2 broad groups of topics Pure mathematics (Functions and Graphs, Sequence and Series, Vectors, Complex Numbers, Calculus) Statistics (Permutation & Combination, Probability, Distribution Models, Sampling and Hypothesis Testing, Correlation and Regression) Secondary Mathematics 3 inter-connected strands Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, Statistics & Probability Additional Mathematics at Upper Sec (Optional) Algebra, Geometry & Trigonometry, Calculus Primary Mathematics 3 inter-connected strands Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, Statistics 34
Scope of Science Curriculum between Philippines and Singapore A-Level Math Secondary Level Primary Philippines Fourth Year: Physics Third Year: Chemistry Second Year: Biology First Year: Integrated Science People, Animals, Plants, Matter, Energy Singapore Physics, Chemistry (organic and biochemistry), Biology (cell and microbiology) Upper: Physics, Chemistry, Biology Lower: Measurement, Science, & Technology, Diversity, Models & Systems, Interactions, Energy Diversity, Cycles, Systems, Interaction Sources: Philippine 2002 Basic Education Curriculum, Singapore Ministry of Education 35
36 Scope of Science Curriculum (Singapore Model) A-level Physics, Chemistry, Biology Physics emphasis on modern Physics Chemistry emphasis on organic and biochemistry Biology emphasis on cell and molecular biology Upper Secondary Physics, Chemistry, Biology Lower Secondary Science 6 Themes: Measurement, Science and Technology, Diversity, Models and Systems, Interactions, Energy Primary Science 5 Themes: Diversity, Cycles, Systems, Interactions, Energy 36
Time Allotment in minutes per week English, Secondary Philippines Brunei Darussalam Malaysia Singapore 1st Year 300 210 200 240 2nd Year 300 210 200 240 3rd Year 300 210 200 320 4th Year 300 210 200 320 5th Year 210 200 320 37
Time Allotment in minutes per week Mother Tongue/National Language, Secondary Philippines Brunei Darussalam Malaysia Singapore 1st Year 240 120 240 180 2nd Year 240 120 240 180 3rd Year 240 120 240 240 4th Year 240 120 240 240 5th Year 120 240 240 38
Time Allotment in minutes per week Science, Secondary Philippines Brunei Darussalam Malaysia Singapore Grade 1 120 60 Grade 2 120 60 Grade 3 200 120 60 120 Grade 4 300 150 120 120 Grade 5 300 150 120 150 Grade 6 300 150 120 150 39
Time Allotment in minutes per week Mathematics, Secondary Philippines Brunei Darussalam Malaysia Singapore 1st Year 300 180 200 150 2nd Year 300 180 200 150 3rd Year 300 180 200 240 4th Year 300 180 200 240 5th Year 180 200 240 40
Time Allotment in minutes per week Social Studies, Secondary 1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year 4th Year Philippines 240 240 240 240 Brunei Darussalam 210 210 360 360 Malaysia 120 120 120 120 Singapore 120 120 41
Time Allotment in minutes per week Music, Arts, PE & Health (MAPEH), Secondary Philippines Brunei Darussalam Malaysia Singapore 1st Year 240 60 160 210 2nd Year 240 60 160 210 3rd Year 240 60 160 120 4th Year 240 60 80 120 5th Year 60 80 120 42
Time Allotment in minutes per week Values Education, Secondary Philippines Brunei Darussalam Malaysia Singapore 1st Year 120 180 160 120 2nd Year 120 180 160 120 3rd Year 180 240 160 80 4th Year 180 240 160 80 5th Year 240 160 80 43
Time Allotment in minutes per week Design & Technology/ Technology & Livelihood Education, Secondary Philippines Brunei Darussalam Malaysia Singapore 1st Year 240 120 90 2nd Year 240 120 90 3rd Year 240 120 4th Year 240 5th Year 44
Assessment in Secondary Brunei Darussalam Malaysia Singapore Philippines BJCE O level examination after Form 5 BJCE A level examination after Form 7 Lower Secondary Assessment (PMR in Malay) Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) after 5 th year equivalent to O Level General Certificate of Education Examinations (GCE) N level for Normal stream. CGE O Level for Express/5 year normal academic No Exit Exam but has National Achievement Test (NAT), and National Career Aptitude Examinations (NCAE) 45
UPPER SECONDARY/FORM 6/MATRICULATION COLLEGE/JUNIOR COLLEGE/POLYTECHNIC AND ITE COURSES AN INTERNATIONAL COMPARISON 46
Post -Secondary Education Duration of Post Secondary Education Streams Brunei Darussalam Malaysia Philippines Singapore 2-3 2-3 None 2-3 Form Six Colleges (2- year preuniversity program) Technical Colleges Vocational Schools Islamic Studies Form 6 or STPM (art or science streams) Matriculation Program Islamic Studies Junior College -Arts Stream -Science -Commerce Polytechnic Diploma (Nanyang, Ngee Ann, Republic, Sin gapore, Temasek) Institute of Technical Education 47
Language/Medium of Instruction Post- Secondary Brunei Darussalam English and Bahasa Malaysia Malaysia Philippines Singapore English and Malay in National Schools; English and Chinese/Tami l in National- Type Schools English and Filipino English and Mother Tongue taught as subject 48
49 Common Upper Secondary Curriculum Upper Secondary Subject Combinations S/N 9 Subjects 8 Subjects 7 Subjects 1 English English English 2 MTL MTL MTL 3 Mathematics Mathematics Mathematics 4 Additional Math Additional Math Additional Math 5 Physics Physics Science (Phy/Chem) 6 Chemistry Chemistry Combined Humanities 7 Biology Combined Humanities Sc/Hum/Art/Music/D&T/F&N 8 Combined Humanities Bio/Hum/Art/Music/D&T/F&N - (SS + Hist/Geog/Lit Elective) 9 Hist/Geog/Lit or 3 rd Lang - - Core Subjects : EL, MTL, Math, Science, Humanities Subject combinations : 5 core + 2/3/4 electives 49
50 Curriculum Framework Pre-University LANGUAGES English Language Mother Tongue Language KNOWLEDGE SKILLS HUMANITIES & THE ARTS GP Literature History Geography Economics Art, Music Theatre Studies & Drama LIFE SKILLS CME, NE, CCA, PCC G, PE, Health Edn KI PW MATHEMATICS & SCIENCES Mathematics Physics Chemistry Biology Computing 50
51 Pre-University Curriculum Arts Combination General Paper Mother Tongue Language Project Work Literature Hist/Geog Economics Math/Phy/Chem/Bio Science Combination General Paper Mother Tongue Language Project Work Mathematics Chemistry Physics/Biology Econs/Hist/Geog/Lit/Art/Music Minimum subject combination: GP, MTL, PW, 3H2, 1H1 Contrasting subject requirement 51
Key Recommendations 1. Revise the current Philippine education goals to make it relevant and anchored on the development of 21 st century literacies 2. Extend the years of basic education through k to 12 curriculum providing multiple pathways and career oriented studies in upper high school. 3. Address the deficiencies of the existing curriculum, by balancing breadth, content and depth of learning areas at par with the regional comparators (Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore) 52
Key Recommendations 4. Strengthen ICT Integration in the basic education curriculum 5. The learner assessment certification system needs to be overhauled to align with the K to 12 curriculum, expanding the range of assessment methods used and strengthening the role of formative assessment as an important component of the teaching learning process. 53
Key Recommendations 6. Maintain continuity of the curriculum across the main phases and stages, aligning k to 12 with international practice in offering integrated science and technology approach, integrated mathematics, and civics education, which is not solely devoted to history. The comparator countries used spiral approach in all the secondary subjects. 54
Key Recommendations 7. Alternative delivery modes (ADMs) such as open high school, distance, and correspondence course be considered to ensure that delivery of education across k to 12. The ADMs will provide equal opportunity for all. 8. Assessments need to be fully aligned with standards-referenced frameworks to define outcomes to specify content to be learned and to describe level of achievement. 55
Recommendations 9. Provide end-of-cycle assessment in Grade 6, lower secondary (year 10 ) and upper secondary (year 12) to be able to develop the interest, abilities, and skills of the learners. Children needs to show mastery of competencies at the end of primary, lower secondary, and upper secondary by means of certificate. This will also assess learner s readiness for the next level. 56
Recommendations 10. Develop multiple pathways for upper secondary education. The study recommends 3 tracks or modes: General secondary (Yr to Yr 6 same subjects) Applied Secondary (Yr 1 to Yr 6 with vocational electives with TESDA certification schemes for COS) Integrated programme (4 years of secondary + 2 year Junior College) 57