By Fatimah Zainal
When I think about what constitutes an ideal education model for higher learning in our country, I find myself mining the rich vein of Western education models. Anti-globalists and nationalists may argue that this is due to typical Malaysian mentality of having an incurable obsession with our former colonial masters. They may say that Im just one of those who are bent on salvaging our colonial remains i.e. the educational system, because we are neither adept nor smart enough to come up with our own frames of references and models.
However, this is not the case. In my opinion, many aspects from the Western higher education models can be applied suitably to the incumbent educational model in Malaysia. Let me tell you my idea of an ideal higher education model, which is the Student-Centric Model, currently being implemented in many American universities.
The Student-Centric Model rejects the common model of higher education here whereby students lives must be in tune with their universities schedules and timelines. Rather, this progressive model serves diversified student population in ways that are specifically tailored to fit every students needs. The current approaches that serve traditional undergraduates are often not suitable for certain sub-population of students such as those completing their degrees, commuting students, caregivers, or working adults. Therefore, the latter groups of students are best served by a competency-based approach.
Some students should be given a study plan that optimises time to a degree meanwhile some others might work better with a career-focused curriculum. Other students might acclimatise better to a low residency model or a co-op approach in which paid internships are a fundamental part of the students undergraduate journey.
Through the application of this model, education will be a better experience for students as it best accommodates their needs, which no doubt differs from student to student. It will ensure that each student nets success and gains the best degree experience. This will create an inclusive experience for all students because their universities care about their particular personal needs. With the Student-Centric Model, education becomes a personal ritual; one that is created especially with the student in mind.
This model can help the sub-population of students in Malaysia such as the working professionals who do not have the time to enrol in a full time degree course due to their work commitments; or stay-at-home housewives who are uncomfortable with the idea of finding stop-gaps for their important role as nurturing mothers to their children while they pursue their education; or even the single mothers who want to pursue a higher education but need to balance their time between working and caring for their families.
This will remove the barriers to higher education and allow Malaysian students, from any background and lifestyle to seek knowledge. If applied, this model will definitely be a pull factor for Malaysian universities. The Student-Centric Model is indeed the ideal model that I see for Malaysian higher education institutions.
However, the fact remains that many things still need to be changed in the Malaysian higher education structure. Changes are the most monumental feats to perform in any country, but are vital if Malaysia wants to join the worlds leading power networks of higher education institutions.***