Brunei students’ achievement at the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022 from PISA 2018 in all three domains of mathematics, reading and science was highlighted at the 20th session of the Legislative Council (LegCo) meeting yesterday.
Minister of Education Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh in response to a query by LegCo member Yang Berhormat Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin said, “The improvement has shown that our strategy is successful. But we strive to enhance our strategy again by reviewing the curriculum, enhancing teaching and learning, and teacher’s professional development and to continue students’ assessment and enhancing ICT technology.”
The minister added, “However, it is yet to put the nation among the top in the rankings. Only four countries including Brunei Darussalam have shown an increase in these three domains.”
On early childhood programme, the minister said, “There is also correlation between PISA performance and early childhood. Students from the Sultanate recorded higher score in mathematics domain if they are studying at early childhood education. In the amendment in compulsory Education Act 2011, the age level for child is revised to five years from six years. About 75 per cent of those taking part in the PISA survey in 2022 had followed one year of early childhood.”
Meanwhile, asked on a catch phrase used to motivate students’ confidence and for education to be prioritised, also raised by Yang Berhormat Haji Salleh Bostaman, as many fear to remain unemployed despite having a Master’s degree and a PhD, the minister said, “Being Educated and Unemployed is better than Uneducated and Unemployed’.” – Azlan Othman
