Combined classes not seen as a long-term solution

PETALING JAYA: Combined classes should only be a temporary measure and the quality of education must not be compromised, said educationist Datuk Dr T. Marimuthu.

“In low enrolment schools, combined classes may be necessary but the ideal is to have one teacher to a class,” he said.

He said with many still waiting for their posting, and many others eager to join the profession, shortage of teachers should not be an issue.

United Chinese School Committees Association of Malaysia (Dong Zong) does not see the need for combined classes because the problem of teacher shortage in Chinese primary schools had been solved.

“Generally, we have enough teachers though there may be a shortage in the beginning of the year before the new postings are sorted out,” said Dong Zong chairman Vincent Lau.

While acknowledging that combined classes would save cost, he said there would be more pressure for teachers, and the pupils’ learning experience would be compromised.

“Whatever system you implement, the quality of education must be the priority.”

National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) secretarygeneral Harry Tan said its members are ready to teach combined classes.

“We’re adaptable and qualified professionals. It’s our responsibility to ensure society’s expectations are met,” he said.

Acknowledging there may be initial hiccups, he called for a committee to be set up to ensure smooth implementation in schools.

Thanking the ministry for “doing its best” to address the issue of teacher shortage and low enrolment, he said there are schools with more than one teacher to a single pupil.

“Yet these schools were not closed down. This shows that our Government takes education seriously,” he said.

He said combined classes are for schools with fewer than 30 pupils, and more than 10 teachers.

“If three teachers are redeployed, the school would still have seven to nine teachers.

“So, students still have more than ample face time with their teachers, and it will help alleviate the workload of teachers in overcrowded classes,” he said.

On Friday, Deputy Education Minister Datuk Chong Sin Woon said next year, primary schools with fewer than 30 pupils would have their classes combined.

Years Two and Three, as well as Four and Five, will combine while Years One and Six remain separate.

Extra teachers from such schools would be transferred to other schools.

The move was among measures to be implemented by the ministry to address the shortage of teachers nationwide.