Razing or Raising the Standarad of MUET

Star Q

i.  Nasi Dagang Terengganu - Versi Manir

ii.  Kelantan Revisited

Image sourced from Google

Raising the standard of MUET

It is indeed frustrating to learn that only a mere 36% of last year's MUET exam candidates scored Band Three (The Star, 31/3/13)  It is even more frustrating to state that this group also includes Pre-University students.  Of course it would be most encouraging if there were more students who scored Band Four.

After reading about this information, reality starts to sink in that there are also those who actually scored Bands One and Two in that particular exam and indeed similar MUET exams carried out all these years since 1999.

The first thing to consider as to the possible 'cause' of this outcome, is the qualifications of the students who enter Pre-University after their SPM exams.  Most students (in this particular school) are accepted into Pre-University not based on their merits in their SPM English 1119 results.  It is disheartening to learn that some of them even got an E for English in their SPM exams.  It is therefore quite understandable that most candidates can only manage a Band Three for their MUET.

Another possible reason why many candidates only manage to achieve a Band Three is the lack of focus on MUET.  Students who enter Pre-University already have a set plan as to what they want to do in the future, mostly eyeing a place in local universities.  And these students know that MUET is merely a prerequisite for entering universities.  What makes matters worse is, they also realize that they are only required to acquire Band One to be accepted into universities.  Based on that information, students focus more on the other subjects.

Many students also know that by getting a minimum pointer of 2.5 in their STPM exams, they still stand a chance of entering universities even if they get Band One for their MUET, let alone those who get 4 flat!  So, students focus in Pre-University has never been on MUET, specifically due to this sad situation.

Asking for a minimum SPM qualification of, say B+ for English 1119, to enter Pre-University, or a Band Three to be able to enter universities, would be a futile move for the education 'franchise' in this country.   Some would even say that such an idea is ridiculous.  But, something has to be done if we want more Pre-University students to achieve Band Three or higher for their MUET exams!

Serious thoughts should be given to this situation.  Any future steps taken by the relevant authorities should be carefully planned to target the students because they will be instrumental (or detrimental!) in either 'raising' or 'razing' the standard of MUET in this country!