Pulse Proposes Changes in Malta’s Education System

Earlier today, Pulse presented CHANGE THE SYSTEM: THE REPORT which encapsulated 7 months of study and research aimed at assessing and improving the very foundations of Malta’s education system.

President Wayne Sammut unveiled several proposals consisting of changes highlighted by the respondents of the 4,500+ surveys gathered from across Malta and Gozo. These respondents varied in age, gender and social and educational spheres and the data gathered, both qualitative and quantitative, has brought to light the following proposals;

PROPOSALS

  • Job shadowing becoming a nation-wide educational project.
  • A restructuring in the September examination sessions. – SEC examinations: Students should be given the possibility to sit for either Paper A or Paper B. – O’Level and A’Level examinations: Students should be given the possibility to sit for as many subjects as they would like. (with particular reference to the area of Medicine) – University examinations: Students should be given a higher grade than D in September sessions as this will ultimately aid the student to reach the necessary average to sit for their Masters Degree without being at a disadvantage.
  • The final assessment mark should be based on other material than solely the final exam, which may include presentations, research, assignments and public speaking opportunities.
  • Introduction of more optional subjects, with particular emphasis on choosing Physics without it being compulsory as is the case today in some schools.
  • Change in assessments for mathematical and science based subjects, adopting a hypothesis approach.
  • Removal of a one size fits all approach, as this allows for more individual attention increasing the possibility of students to perform at the best of their ability.
  • Introduction of more courses in Malta, promoting the possibility of further investment in education. The courses which can be introduced include, but are not limited to veterinary and pilot courses and an increase in sports-centered courses. This will also serve as a form of funding for the University of Malta.
  • Respondents proposed the re-introduction of the Junior Lyceum examinations & Common Entrance exams.
  • Rise in teachers wages. This will give added value to the profession and ensures that teachers will be more passionate when teaching their subjects, something which some students feel is lacking.
  • Respondents also proposed that they should sit for 3 A’levels and 1 intermediate rather than 2 A’Levels and 3 intermediates (excluding Systems of Knowledge). This is duly because students believe that this will help them focus on those subjects relevant to their career path without placing unnecessary burdens on themselves.
  • Respondents further suggested that Systems of Knowledge in post-Secondary institutions is to be an optional subject. In doing so, the respondents ultimately want to initiate a debate in this regard and evaluate deeply the advantages and disadvantages to this possibility

Pulse Education Coordinator, Fleur Abela reiterated that the aforementioned proposals are the fruit of various discussions held with students, lecturers and individuals who have been subjected to the current educational system. This was done in conjunction with surveys from which statistical results were gathered. The results of the surveys to which there were over 4,500 participants include;

  • The increase of importance to assessments given to students throughout the scholastic year, as this monitors their academic progression on a monthly or term basis. It was highlighted when 49% of respondents to this survey strongly agreed with the question, “Should assessments throughout the year be given more importance?”
  • The lack of preparation for University is highlighted when students were asked; “Do you feel that Sixth Form prepares students for University?” to which 20% were not sure and 39% answered, "No’. In so doing, students are concerned that they will not be able to handle the pressures of University life as this may be a culture shock to some, more than others.
  • Above all, it is interesting to take note of the fact that 62% of the respondents of the survey believe that our current education system does not prepare students for their future career. This is because there is no real understanding of the ambience of work since we have a textbook approach rather than an unorthodox one as is the case in Finland.

Pulse Vice-President, Ayrton Mifsud concluded that through the data gathered, the proposals and the final report, Pulse appeals to the the Ministry of Education and other relevant stakeholders to formulate a system which promotes critical thinking, arts and different abilities of all students on the educational spectrum.

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