Brunei’s Education System

Contents

1.0 Introduction 3

1.1 Introduction to the Video 3

1.2 Limitations 3

2.0 Issues and Challenges of Brunei’s Education System 4

2.1 Rote Learning 4

2.2 SPN21 4

2.3 Private Schools vs Government Schools 5

3.0 Conclusion 6

4.0 References 7

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Introduction to the Video

To seek knowledge is a sacred duty, thus it is obligatory for all Muslims, both male and female, to seek education as Islam has always promoted knowledge. The Messenger of Allah said, "He who goes forth in search of knowledge is considered as struggling in the Cause of Allah until he returns”.

Brunei Darussalam is a welfare state with well-developed social facilities. Citizens receive free education from the age of 5 to the highest level at local and overseas universities. Islam placed a high value on education and as the faith spread among diverse peoples, education became an important channel to create a universal and coherent society.

1.2 Limitations

There were several limitations faced during the process of making the video. For instance, the team initially had difficulties in setting up appointments for meetings and discussions due to the time constraint. Moreover, the team also had a hard time editing the video, as all members are not equipped with the necessary skills in video editing. In addition to that, there was also a problem with limited equipment such as the unavailability of a proper video camera and microphone.

2.0 Issues and Challenges of Brunei’s Education System

2.1 Rote Learning

Brunei’s education system is based on rote learning that does not allow students to think analytically and creatively. It also does not enable them to appreciate the importance of learning as an ongoing journey that passes through life discoveries by seeking knowledge and information.

Rote learning is basically a memorization technique based on repetition. This type of learning paralyses the minds of many students today and made them think that attending lectures is boring place because many lecturers do not allow them to think creatively. Regrettably, it is also true that through rote learning, students have been taught to memorize various topics in the recommended textbooks to enable him or her to pass the examination successfully without understanding fully the meaning. Therefore, the education system should address the problem of students not able to think critically as they continue to memorise facts for the sake of examinations.

2.2 SPN21

SPN21 stands for Sistem Pendidikan Negara Abad Ke-21, The National Education System for the 21st Century, which was first implemented in 2009. It is a gainful step taken by the Ministry of Education as it is an education system that fits to provide rounded education to attain fullest potential for all students in order to achieve the nation’s 2035 goals. In spite of this, in the early days since its inception, the system revealed a number of weaknesses and its implementation have caused an extensive change to the educational system in Brunei. The three major changes in SPN21 include the education system structure, curriculum and assessment, as well