His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, underscored the imperative need for an overhaul in the pedagogical psychology within religious schools.
During an unannounced visit to the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) in Jalan Dewan Majlis on Wednesday, the monarch not only emphasised the urgency of strengthening teaching psychology among religious educators but also expressed reservations regarding the curriculum’s content.
His Majesty stressed the need for a comprehensive reevaluation, advocating for a shift from the subject of “Tarikh” to “Tarikh Islam,” making it a mandatory component of the curriculum.
His concerns also extended to the subject of “Tasawuf,” which he believed could pose challenges for children aged 10 to 13. The monarch suggested that restructuring “Tasawuf” into a subject focusing on values, more comprehensible to young learners, was paramount. His Majesty questioned why the name “Tasawuf” persisted in primary-level books, signaling a need for alignment.
Furthermore, His Majesty acknowledged grievances from parents who lamented their children’s unhappiness in religious schools due to overly strict teaching practices. He theorised that teachers may be neglecting the psychological aspects of education. “If such claims hold, it points to a deficiency in addressing the psychological well-being of students by their educators,” noted His Majesty.
The monarch’s visit also encompassed a tour of several departments within the Ministry, including the Department of Waqf, Zakat & BaitulMal Affairs.
More details on Thursday’s Borneo Bulletin
