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Thematic Approach

having or relating to subjects or a particular subject. (oxford dictionaries)

The KBSR is divided into 2 Phases; Phase I comprises Standards 1 to 3, and Phase II, Standards 4 to 6.
Children are taught to listen, say aloud, recognize and form symbols, numbers and the alphabet, and to use all these in writing. Phase II strengthens and builds upon these basic skills: the emphasis here is on using these skills for thinking and communication, especially logical reasoning, and understanding social and current issues.

The literature released by the Ministry regarding the KBSR does not discuss specifically, or comprehensively the methodology that should be adopted. However, a close scrutiny of the handbook (Buku Panduan Khas), and the Curriculum itself reveal that the following factors are stressed: a spiral approach learning through doing a variety of activities a child-centered, learner-emancipated learning system integrated, interactive learning units the communicative, functional aspect of language the role of the teacher as a guide, and facilitator of learning

integration of the four skills is being achieved through a thematic approach. i.e. classroom teaching is structured across a series of language tasks in which the skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing are used in turn. In the Singapore context, the integration of language skills comes a little more naturally in the so-called language experience or whole language approach.

The style of language teaching in such classes is one of flexibility and the focus is on process rather than product.

Modular approach

The word modular is an adjective that comes from the noun module. According to Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary (2003), module is defined as:
1. one of a set of separate parts which, when combined, form a complete whole;

In a modular education, learners would learn topics, skills and units separately or by 'modules'. KSSR, teachers are expected to teach the skills separately and in sequence, starting with Module 1 (Listening and Speaking) Module 2 (Reading) Module 3 (Writing) Module 4 (Language Arts) Module 5 (Grammar).

According to the official Standard Document for KSSR published by the Curriculum Development Department of the Ministry of Education, primary education is divided into two stages: Stage One refers to Year 1, 2 and 3 and Stage 2 refers to Year 4, 5 and 6. In Year 1 and 2, there will be four modules: Module 1: Listening and Speaking Module 2: Reading Module 3: Writing Module 4: Language Arts

In Year 3 to Year 6, grammar is added to the above four modules: Module 1: Listening and Speaking Module 2: Reading Module 3: Writing Module 4: Language Arts Module 5: Grammar

Modular Approach in KSSR provides a 'scaffolded learning' experience. Skills should be taught in sequence because the previous skill provides the scaffolding for the next skill that follows. In the former KBSR, although integration of skills are very much emphasized, situations such as 'all English lesson is a reading and writing lesson and all English lesson is a grammar lesson' are very prevalent. Listening and Speaking as well as Language Arts are almost always forgotten. Why? Because in UPSR, reading and writing and grammar are the only skills being tested. The Modular Approach in KSSR is an attempt to rectify that.

The Modular Approach in KSSR is an attempt to give all pupils a 'fair chance'. During the KBSR era, we can see an education system that was so heavily examination-oriented. Pupils were not given enough opportunity to truly learn the language, to explore the beauty of it, to enjoy it. One of the modules included in the KSSR Modular Approach is the Language Arts module.

Although we did have the Children's Contemporary Literature Program in KBSR most of the time teachers wouldn't spend a lot of time on it with their pupils because the contents are not directly related to the syllabus content.

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