National School Program
Duration: 3 weeks/ 15 days teaching
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Malacca
The original program, delivered via engagement between the Malaysian Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Department of Education Counselor at the Australian High Commission, has now moved from Kuala Lumpur to more recently being delivered in Kuching, Sarawak, with the Ministry keen to move it move it to other states to ensure more students can benefit from the engagement with the Australian pre-service teachers.
The Malaysian education system differs from the Australian system in several ways including much larger class sizes, primary school teachers teaching a specialty instead of being generalists, differences in timetabling and in many cases, the practice of corporal punishment. Together with the different English speaking capabilities of the children, all are challenges PST’s are prepared for during a compulsory day long pre-departure program, delivered by the steering committee in Melbourne prior to each program.
The MOE selects the schools who identify dedicated mentors for each PST. Staff from each participating university accompany the PST’s off-shore to assist with navigating the challenges, observe the teaching practice, and to build relationships with the mentor and the school. This is necessary due to the state accreditation bodies requirement that placements are observed by a qualified educator.
PST’s must apply to their home institution who confirm suitability for the program. They are selected from a range of disciplines and come from all tiers of the education system. (Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary).
Challenges to overcome:
School begins in many Asian countries by 7.30 and finishes by 12.30, with one short break.
Teachers dress formally so PST’s are expected to follow suit with males wearing a collar and tie.
Class sizes are well above australians standards with classes of 40-50 not uncommon.
classrooms, while well ventilated, are not air conditioned
What’s included?
Compulsory pre-departure session
Orientation to Malaysian schools
Bahasa Malaysia Language and Culture class
Professional development sessions with academic staff
visit to local teacher training institute for engagement with local PST’s
