SIRI 1 - PODCAST PENTAKSIRAN BERASASKAN SEKOLAH (PBS) JABATAN PENDIDIKAN NEGERI SABAH TAHUN 2025

Summary

In this podcast, Puan Hajah Siti Hamni Alayasani, a senior official from the Department of Education in Sabah, explains the concept of Pentaksiran Berasaskan Sekolah (PBS), or School-Based Assessment. PBS offers a holistic evaluation of students, focusing not just on written exams but also on continuous assessment through various methods like projects, observations, and coursework. Puan Hajah discusses how this system, introduced to replace traditional exams like UPSR and PT3, helps develop essential soft skills, fosters deeper learning, and prepares students for future challenges in a globalized, digital world. The discussion also addresses misconceptions and the benefits of PBS for both teachers and students.

Takeaways

• 😀 PBS (Pentaksiran Berasaskan Sekolah) is a comprehensive school-based assessment system that evaluates students' development holistically, not just through written exams.
• 😀 Unlike traditional exams like UPSR and PT3, PBS emphasizes continuous assessment using various methods such as projects, presentations, coursework, and observations.
• 😀 PBS aims to assess not only academic skills but also essential soft skills, like communication, teamwork, and leadership, which are crucial for students' overall development.
• 😀 The shift from centralized exams like UPSR and PT3 to PBS was designed to provide a more balanced and fair assessment of students' abilities and potential.
• 😀 PBS supports the development of important life skills by encouraging hands-on learning, which helps students understand and apply what they are learning in real-world contexts.
• 😀 Teachers are guided by clear and specific assessment guidelines, ensuring that the evaluation process remains fair, consistent, and transparent.
• 😀 Parents' involvement is key in supporting the success of PBS, as they help reinforce the learning process at home and collaborate with teachers.
• 😀 PBS promotes students' development across multiple domains: intellectual, physical, emotional, and spiritual, in line with the national education philosophy.
• 😀 One of the challenges with PBS is the misconception that it burdens teachers and students with additional work. However, the system is designed to support students' growth and development, not create extra stress.
• 😀 The holistic approach of PBS ensures that students are not just preparing for exams but are also developing the necessary skills to thrive in a globalized and digital world.

Q & A

What is PBS (Pentaksiran Berasaskan Sekolah)?

PBS, or School-Based Assessment, is an educational system introduced by the Ministry of Education Malaysia. It aims to assess students' progress holistically, not just through written exams, but also through continuous evaluation via projects, coursework, presentations, and teacher observations.

How is PBS different from traditional exams like UPSR and PT3?

Traditional exams like UPSR and PT3 focused solely on academic performance through written tests. In contrast, PBS evaluates students continuously, considering their intellectual, emotional, physical, and social development, offering a more comprehensive view of their potential.

Why was PBS introduced in Malaysia?

PBS was introduced to address the limitations of traditional exams, which only assess academic skills. The system aims to ensure a more holistic and fair evaluation of students, emphasizing not just their academic abilities but also their soft skills and overall personal development.

What are the key benefits of PBS for students?

PBS helps students develop essential life skills, such as teamwork, communication, and leadership. It provides a more accurate assessment of a student's overall abilities, including their emotional and social growth, rather than just academic knowledge.

How does PBS encourage 'hands-on' learning?

PBS encourages hands-on learning by involving students in projects and tasks that require them to plan, execute, and report their work. For instance, during the pandemic, students were involved in science projects where they developed, planned, and presented their findings to their teachers.

How do teachers assess students under PBS?

Teachers assess students under PBS through various methods, such as observing student behavior, grading projects, coursework, and presentations. Teachers are guided by clear assessment criteria to ensure fairness and consistency in their evaluations.

Are there concerns about the fairness of PBS assessments?

Some parents and teachers worry about the fairness of PBS assessments. However, PBS is guided by strict guidelines provided by the Ministry of Education to ensure fairness, transparency, and consistency in grading. Teachers are expected to maintain integrity when assessing students.

What role do parents play in PBS?

Parents play an important role in PBS by supporting their children's learning and understanding the purpose of the assessment system. They are encouraged to collaborate with teachers to ensure their children develop holistically and are given the right opportunities to succeed.

What is meant by 'holistic development' in the context of PBS?

Holistic development refers to the comprehensive growth of a student, considering not only their intellectual abilities but also their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. PBS aims to evaluate students across all these dimensions to ensure they are fully prepared for life beyond school.

What are the potential concerns with PBS, and how are they addressed?

One common concern is that PBS may burden both students and teachers with additional tasks. However, the system is designed to provide a more accurate representation of a student's abilities and potential. Teachers are trained to follow established guidelines to ensure fair assessments, and parents are encouraged to understand and support the system.