Malay language curriculum for secondary schools in Singapore : An evaluation of its development and implementation

Abstract

ABSRACT The Malay Language curriculum for secondary schools in Singapore has been undergoing a lot of changes and development from time to time. This is necessary to meet the changing demands and needs of the society and nation due to the changes and development which are taking place in and outside the country. To ensure its relevance and significance, the Malay Language curriculum should be reviewed and evaluated continuously and consistently. Such evaluation functions as a means of gathering feedback and provides relevant and useful input to curriculum developers, curriculum implementers, language policy makers and those who are involved in the development of curriculum especially in making judgement and decisions about the existing curriculum and considering sensible follow up actions. This study aims to evaluate Malay Language curriculum for secondary schools in Singapore. The evaluation focuses on two aspects of the system of Malay Language namely standard pronunciation (Sebutan Baku) and lexicon, and the role of Malay Language learning as a means of inculcating positive values among the students. Basically, this study aims to measure the effectiveness of the curriculum and to identify areas of concern related to its implementation especially of the areas under study and to provide views and recommendations for consideration. On the whole, this study finds that MOE has put in considerable and conscious effort in order to achieve the objectives of the Malay Language curriculum. However, more efforts should be done to increase the involvement and improve the awareness of the curriculum developers, curriculum implementers and language users on the importance, level and role of the three language aspects under study and their relations to the development, stability and survival of Malay Language.