Implementation of Classroom-Based Assessment in Malaysia
Implementation of Classroom-Based Assessment in Malaysia
Abstract
Classroom-based Assessment (CBA) was officially established and introduced to focus on
pupils' learning's holistic development and eradicate exam-oriented learning. Albeit the
specific circular was issued in 2017, teachers in schools still lacked the skills and confidence in
its implementation. The teachers presumed that the CBA is merely a teaching and assessment
task detached from the existing teaching and learning. The apprehension was formed due to
insufficient information on the implementation of the CBA. The practical implementation of
CBA requires a comprehensive and systematic planning stage, followed by the preparation,
implementation, and reporting stage. Henceforth, the Ministry of Education conducted
workshops and intensive CBA training for headteachers and school principals to understand
CBA implementation procedures. Based on the kind hand-in-hand, school leaders are
deemed responsible for disseminating the CBA knowledge and skills acquired to teachers in
their respective schools for implementation. However, the extent to which the
implementation of CBA would be a triumph is yet to be substantiated. Subsequently, this
study suggests a comprehensive CBA framework model to stakeholders by guiding their
70
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN PROGRESSIVE EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Vol. 1 1 , No. 4, 2022, E-ISSN: 2 2 2 6 -6348 © 2022
teachers in understanding the concepts and skills of CBA. This model, too, could assist
teachers and boost their confidence during the implementation of CBA in the classroom.
Keywords: Classroom-based Assessment, Exam-oriented Assessment, Teaching and Learning,
Model, Concepts and Skills.
Introduction
The review of Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025, where the main aim is to equip
students holistically to compete in the global economy and society in the 21st Century,
contains six key attributes needed by every student to be globally competitive. They are
knowledge, thinking skills, leadership skills, bilingual proficiency, ethics and spirituality and
national identity (Narinasamy et al., 2018). These attributes are aligned with the National
Education Philosophy, which aims to produce Malaysian citizens capable of achieving a high
level of personal well-being to contribute to the betterment of the nation, family, and society.
Therefore, the 21-st century skills have been intensively discussed and implemented in
Malaysia since 2016 with the vision of tailoring the approaches and assessments to help bring
out the talents of each individual as highlighted in the aspiration of the Malaysian Education
Blueprint 2013-2025. Subsequently, the new pedagogical method of the 21st-century, which
comprises higher-order thinking skills (HOTS), communication, creativity, critical thinking,
collaboration, citizenship, characteristics, and i-THINK, has been implemented in the
education system.
In this regard, the education system in Malaysia has employed several transformations
that emphasize thinking skills and the aspects of problem-solving (Mohammad et al., 2018).
The higher-order thinking skills have been encompassed in the Standard Curriculum Primary
School to instigate and pave the way for developing cognitive capabilities. The
transformations are comprehensively sustained through higher education institutions, and
the effect must be assessed.
Assessment is a fundamental attribute of pupils' learning. An assessment provides
students and teachers with knowledge and information about student learning outcomes,
strengths, and weaknesses (Mansor et al., 2020). Therefore, assessment is accepted as one
of the crucial parts of teaching, whereby educators can determine their students' level of skills
or knowledge (Taras, 2005; Tosuncuoglu, 2018). In addition, assessments also provide
teachers with helpful feedback about student learning acquisition (Taras, 2005; Stiggins,
1992; Tosuncuoglu, 2018) and offer the teachers the opportunity to evaluate learning and
then use that information to improve students' knowledge.
The importance of assessment as the heart of the teaching and learning process is
highlighted by (Zhengdong et al., 2017). Formerly, classroom assessment had often used
traditional academic assessment methods that relied on norm-referenced tests, also known
as standardized testing, to assess students (Patton et al., 2017). Comparatively, thinking skills
have been prioritized as the essential skills that should be developed to attain high
achievement (Tajularipin et al., 2017).
Accordingly, to improve classroom instructional activities, the classroom assessment
has been intensified and given attention in recent years (Barnes et al., 2017; Black, 2014; Black
& Wiliam, 2009; Narinasamy & Nordin, 2018). In Malaysia, to assess the students, School-
Based Assessment is administered by the subject teachers perpetually in the teaching and
learning process aligned with the 21st-century skills to access the quality of teaching and
learning in Malaysia's public schools. The assessment is planned, administered, viewed, and
reported deliberately following the procedures set by the Malaysian Examinations Board
71
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN PROGRESSIVE EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Vol. 1 1 , No. 4, 2022, E-ISSN: 2 2 2 6 -6348 © 2022
(MEB). To determine the quality of the evaluation, coordination and monitoring mechanisms
are employed to improve the reliability and validity of assessment scores implemented in
schools. However, the school-based assessment was postponed in 2014 to identify the
problems caused by the grievances of teachers and parents and to furnish with necessary and
immediate steps to improve school-based assessment.
Yamtim and Wonwanich (2013) accentuated that the positive impact on the SBA system
initially transformed to the opposite during its implementation in schools. It suffered from
many problems and unprecedented matters emerging beyond the ministry's expectations.
The Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) is very concerned about implementing School-
Based Assessments raised by teachers and views on their impact on students. A school-Based
assessment is a policy that involves a holistic assessment of students' achievement. MOE is
always objective and transparent to any complaints, comments, views, and criticisms from
the teachers and the community regarding its implementation. As a result, Classroom-Based
Assessment (CBA) was introduced after some modifications to develop student learning,
which is learning-oriented and eliminated the examination-oriented recognition. CBA is a part
of the learning process, and it is also one of the components of School-Based Assessment that
focuses on the development and progress of students holistically (Curriculum Development
Division, 2019). It employed several transformations that emphasized higher-order thinking
skills and problem-solving (Mohammad et al., 2018). The higher-order thinking skills have
been encompassed in the Standard Curriculum Primary School to instigate and pave the way
for developing cognitive capabilities. The transformations are sustained comprehensively
through higher education institutions.
Based on the circular disseminated by the Ministry of Education Malaysia (Ref:
KPM.600-5/1/5 Vol.3(6) dated the 23rd of November 2017), Classroom-Based Assessment is
one of the components of School-Based Assessment (SBA) and must be implemented dutifully
and with integrity commencing from the 2018 school session (MOE Circular, 2017). Regarding
the circular issued, all schools, including national schools (SK), national type schools (SJKC and
SJKT) as well as national secondary schools (SMK), are subjected to the instruction. Albeit the
instruction regarding the implementation was issued in 2017, the teachers in the schools were
observed to lack the skills in its performance. Therefore, CBA workshops were instigated in
all schools in Malaysia to provide exposure and provide the teachers with essential skills. In
addition, officers of the Curriculum Development Division personally went down to the field
to deliver information related to CBA to schools. Briefings and comprehensive information
were also delineated to headteachers and school principals to establish an accurate
understanding of the CBA concept in schools.
72
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN PROGRESSIVE EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Vol. 1 1 , No. 4, 2022, E-ISSN: 2 2 2 6 -6348 © 2022
challenging life in the globalization era causes information to travel rapidly without territorial
boundaries. The most prescient future in our schools would be the invasion of artificial
intelligence in our classrooms. Artificial intelligence and digital systems will affect many
human expectations, and lives will change (Siraj, 2017). Hence information could be accessed
instantly with the advent of technology. Are our students prepared for this state?
Essentially, students need to solve complex real-time problems faced in the future.
Other vital skills are thinking and working creatively in the job environment, both in the digital
and non-digital environment, to develop and produce solutions. Analytical thinking is also a
critical skill because it provides proficiency in comparing, contrasting, evaluating, and
synthesizing before implementing instructions. Depending solely on digital technology would
refrain the young generation from thinking creatively or critically because of the total
dependence on the technology.
To achieve the goal and survive the challenges of the 21st-century demands, as
mentioned, high-level thinking skills are essential to the young generation. (Vikneswaran &
Zanaton, 2016). Higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) include three concepts: a student's
capacity to apply the knowledge and skills to new situations, critical thinking, and problem-
solving (Collins, 2014). Higher-order thinking skill (HOTS) is a complex mental process that
requires nuanced judgment, interpretation, and analysis of difficult situations according to
multiple criteria (Resnick, 1987). HOTS occurs when someone gains new information, stores
it in memory, make connections, rearranges, and develops it to find possible answers in
confusing situations (Lewis & Smith, 1993; Ansori et al., 2019).
Many studies have established higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) as an essential and
vital skill in the present challenging era (Brookhart, 2010; Coffman, 2013; Yen & Halili, 2015;
Ansori et al., 2019). Thinking skills are also crucial for people in the 21st Century, both in the
workplace and in making reasoned choices in daily lives (Coffman, 2013). Parallelly, most the
teachers agree that it is vital to teaching HOTS since it is pertinent to global economic growth,
the development of information and communication technology (ICT), a knowledge-based
economy, and a fast-paced world (Yen & Halili, 2015; Ansori et al., 2019). This move is crucial
to prepare the students for the future. The notion is in line with the goal of the national
education system, which is "an ongoing effort towards further developing the potential of
individuals in a holistic and integrated manner, to produce individuals who are intellectually,
spiritually, emotionally and physically balanced and harmonious, based on a firm belief in and
devotion to God" (National Education Philosophy). The philosophy is designed to ensure
future Malaysians would-be knowledgeable and competent citizens, possess high moral
standards, execute responsibility competently and contribute to society and the nation.
However, the report published by the Malaysian Ministry of Education (MOE, 2013)
disclosed that 60% of 15-year-old students who had completed lower secondary school failed
to achieve the minimum proficiency level in thinking skills of knowing, applying, reasoning,
and transferring knowledge and skills learned in classrooms for application in the real-world
(Yusoff & Seman, 2018). The teachers in many schools were found to have employed
conventional and teacher-centered teaching methods, including chalk and talk-based
teaching. By utilizing this method, most learners only learn the essential and initial elements
from the lessons. Students are not given sufficient opportunities to develop their thinking
(Abdul & Effandi, 2013; Noraini, 2005; 2007). The ramification of the failure in teaching
according to the higher thinking order skills causes students to be passive information
receivers, and it does not result in conceptual understanding (Abdul & Effandi, 2013; Noraini,
2005).
73
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN PROGRESSIVE EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Vol. 1 1 , No. 4, 2022, E-ISSN: 2 2 2 6 -6348 © 2022
74
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN PROGRESSIVE EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Vol. 1 1 , No. 4, 2022, E-ISSN: 2 2 2 6 -6348 © 2022
learning. Inevitably, CBA is a part of teaching and learning in the classroom and is performed
continuously. The exercise necessitates collecting and analyzing information to establish
continuous reflection on teaching and learning to secure consistent judgments towards
improving pedagogical skills. The focus of the Classroom-Based Assessment was shifted from
examination-oriented to the development of student learning or learning-oriented, and solely
examination-oriented assessment was abolished. The school-Based assessment relates to
teachers designing and providing feedback on assessable activities within classroom contexts.
Teachers play a vital and prominent role in implementing CBA by determining learning
objectives based on Learning Standards to be assessed, planning and building assessment
instruments, performing assessments, recording assessment results, analyzing assessment
information, and reporting and follow-up steps. All data obtained from the assessment is not
intended for comparison or competition between students. Alternatively, the information is
regulated to assist the school and parents in planning follow-up steps to uplift the students'
mastery and achievement in learning (Curriculum Development Division, 2021).
According to (Sanders & Rivers, 2016), teacher quality is the most influential and vital
factor at the school level in determining students' achievement. However, some problems in
the implementation of CBA were identified and detected based on the scores obtained from
an analysis conducted regarding the issues of CBA implementation among the 176
participants of the Professional Qualifications Program for National Education Leaders
(NPQEL) Cohort 1/2019. (MOE, 2019). Among the issues that emerged is the concept of
initiative towards CBA, which was inexplicit to the implementers and hindered their
apprehension on the notion of CBA. It was also apparent that the implementers were
ambivalent regarding the duties and responsibilities. As a result, teachers feel detached and
isolated from CBA as the benefit gained by the students is not evident. The other view of the
teachers is that CBA does not facilitate their work but benefits the District Education Office,
State Education Department, and Ministry of Education Malaysia only. Moreover, the
teachers find CBA to be intricate since they do not possess prerequisite competencies and are
too demanding in time and effort even though CBA is relevant.
To achieve success in CBA, the ministry has provided knowledge and skills to the
pertinent parties. Courses and workshops were conducted for administrators and teachers
in schools nationwide. The concept, implementation, and importance of CBA were imbued
to strengthen the understanding of the importance and implementation of CBA among
teachers and parents (Curriculum Development Division, 2021). However, there is still no
effort to develop a comprehensive and holistic model to help stakeholders comprehend the
concepts and skills related to CBA Teaching and learning for Level one primary schools. Albeit
the presence of plights in the CBA implementation, the CBA has marked its way to the
secondary schools. The move has provided the impetus for investigations and discussions.
75
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN PROGRESSIVE EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Vol. 1 1 , No. 4, 2022, E-ISSN: 2 2 2 6 -6348 © 2022
assessment for learning. The three components of the approach characterize different
purposes tailored to the learning objectives in the classroom pedagogical content knowledge.
In addition, CBA is also a component of formative assessment that is implemented
continuously during teaching and learning in School-Based Assessment.
The previous Assessment Literacy studies conducted by several researchers from the
Malaysia National University (UKM) exhibit the validity and reliability of the assessment
literacy instruments, which contain standards pertinent to assessing the assessment literacy
of teachers in Malaysia (Mazliana et al., 2018). However, this study does not discuss the
assessment literacy of teachers who are also the study participants in Malaysia. Similarly,
studies by Chapius (2012); Yantim and Wongwanich (2013) lack data related to teachers'
assessment literacy. Therefore, the findings of these studies correspond with the views of
the Ministry of Education as articulated in the statement of problems related to CBA, which
states that teachers are less skilled in assessment literacy (KPM, 2018). Furthermore, many
teachers' assessment studies in the 20th Century focused only on paper and pencil tests. A
study report by Shulman (1986) 40 years ago illustrated that these paper and pencil tests are
inconsistent and unrelated to the students' daily lives. As a result, the school children failed
to relate the concepts learned with everyday life occurrences. The implication is that many
students simply memorize facts without understanding the idea of a topic in the subjects
taught in school.
Based on these findings, Mazliana et al (2018) have proposed that assessment literacy
training should be provided to teachers to improve their knowledge, skills, and competencies
to keep them abreast with the imminence of the future. This statement is supported by the
study of Radin (2008), who also recommended that it is vital for teachers to be given
appropriate training to improve their assessment literacy. Lack of confidence in implementing
CBA is a constraint for teachers and hinders successfully implementing 21st-century learning
skills. Indistinguishably, the Examination Board (2012) 's study also revealed the disinclination
of teachers to implement CBA due to a lack of skills in the preparation of assessment
instruments in various forms. His study also substantiates that teachers are the ardent
practitioners of assessment utilizing paper and pencil. (Noorzieliana et al., 2014). A study by
Noraini and Zamri (2015) on 315 school students in Muar, Johor, discovered that the
readiness of secondary school students is at a moderate level with a mean of only 3.62. This
clearly illustrates that students are still not proficient with the concept of CBA because the
implementation of the examination system is still preferred. In addition, the findings of this
study also convey that high school students still need teachers to provide information to
them, which is very contrary to the government's intentions in Malaysia Education Blueprint
2013 - 2025.
Relatively, it is the responsibility of the researchers to build a model of CBA to be utilized
as a guide for teachers to implement CBA in the classroom.
76
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN PROGRESSIVE EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Vol. 1 1 , No. 4, 2022, E-ISSN: 2 2 2 6 -6348 © 2022
utilizes diagrams to increase the comprehension of the process involved. The CBA model
diagrams depict information about the elements and requirements of the framework to be
developed.According to the Effective Learning Model discussion, the primary purpose of the
learning materials developed is to promote student learning, quality, regular and systematic.
Therefore diagram 1 illustrates the conceptual framework of the Classroom-Based
Assessment.
The framework mentioned above can explain the issues that emerge from several
aspects and their origins. Based on the problems, the framework conveys the steps to be
implemented in CBA. Educators have received training and reference books on implementing
the mentioned CBA, but it is not structured for teachers to comprehend the steps to
materialize and implement CBA instantly. Hence the framework of this model aims to
facilitate the educators to run the CBA program more conveniently and systematically. This
framework also promotes creative teaching. A lesson taught in the classroom would be more
creative through the proposed teaching strategies, and students would have enjoyable and
fruitful activities in the classroom. Through the Classroom-Based Assessment, teachers would
have the opportunity to enhance their skills in:
• Determining learning objectives – highest targets during the teaching planning process
• Unpack and repack the curriculum according to the syllabus
77
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN PROGRESSIVE EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Vol. 1 1 , No. 4, 2022, E-ISSN: 2 2 2 6 -6348 © 2022
78
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN PROGRESSIVE EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Vol. 1 1 , No. 4, 2022, E-ISSN: 2 2 2 6 -6348 © 2022
unique potential. The CBA is proposed to replace the year six primary school achievement
test and form three assessment so that students' placement of students in the science or art
stream does not merely depend on the achievement at year six or form three. The Ministry
of Education has provided many options for students in Malaysia to focus on their expertise
and not rely solely on exams.
The proposed conceptual model would impact schools, specifically to assist teachers
who lack the skills and knowledge to implement CBA in schools. It would be more convenient
for the schools to identify the implementation procedures. The model would enlighten the
teachers, diminish their burden in implementing CBA, and boost their confidence in attaining
success in CBA. The utilization of the model would facilitate a smooth implementation of the
CBA and establish a successful Classroom-Based Assessment in Malaysia.
Educational change is a complex phenomenon. The success of the new evaluation
system will depend on the proper management of resources and manpower. This study
reveals some important facts about the knowledge and integrity of teachers in implementing
this new evaluation system. Therefore, a comprehensive and holistic model can help
stakeholders comprehend the context of problem and this proposed concepts and skills as
solutions to teaching and learning that facilitate the objective of this study which developing
a new and easy model to establish successful Classroom-Based Assessment.
Reference
Abdul, H. A., & Effandi, Z. (2013). Enhancing students' level of geometric thinking through van
Hiele's based learning. Indian Journal of Science and Technology 6: 4432– 4446.
DOI:10.17485/ijst/2013/v6i5.13
Ansori, M., Nurkamto, J., & Suparno (2019). Teacher's beliefs and practices in the integration
of higher order thinking skills in teaching reading. ELS Journal on Interdisciplinary
Studies in Humanities, 2(4), 541-555. Doi.org/10.34050/els-jish.v2i4.8164
Chappuis, J., Stiggins, R., Chappuis, S., Arter, J. (2012). Classroom assessment for student
learning: doing it right using it well. Pearson Assessment Training Institute.
Collins, R. (2014). Skills for the 21st century: Teaching higher-order thinking. Curriculum &
Leadership Journal, 12, 10.
Curriculum Development Division. (2021). Classroom assessment implementation study
(PBD) primary school 2021. Malaysian Ministry of Education.
Faizah, A. M. (2011). School-based assessment in Malaysian schools: The concerns of the
english teachers. US-China Education Review B3(2011), 393-402
Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia. (2019). Panduan pelaksanaan pentaksiran bilik darjah.
Bahagian Pembangunan Kurikulum.
Lewkowicz, J., & Leung, C. (2020). Classroom-based assessment. Language Teaching. 54. 1-
11. DOI:10.1017/S0261444820000506
Mansor, A. N., Vikaraman, S. S., Medina, I., & Alias, B. (2020). Managing school-based
assessment: Challenges and solutions for educational practice. International Journal of
Innovation, Creativity and Change, 7(7), 63-84
Mazliana, M. S., Zolkepeli, H., & Shahlan, S. (2018, Julai 5). Kesahan dan kebolehpercayaan
instrumen literasi pentaksiran bilik darjah melalui model pengukuran RASCH. Seminar
Antarabangsa Isu-Isu Pendidikan. Auditorium Utama, Fakulti Pendidikan, Universiti
Malaya
Ministry of Education Malaysia. (2013). Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025. Malaysian
Ministry of Education
79
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN PROGRESSIVE EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Vol. 1 1 , No. 4, 2022, E-ISSN: 2 2 2 6 -6348 © 2022
Mohammad, A. S., Mohamed, A., Aidahapini, D., Aslina, A., & Samsiah, M. J. (2018).
Development and testing of high order thinking skills (HOTS) training module for
sciences subjects among secondary school students in Malaysia. Indian Journal of Public
Health Research & Development. 9(5), pg 41-46. DOI: 10.5958/0976-
5506.2018.00409.6
Narinasamy, Ilhavenil & Nordin, A. (2018). Implementing classroom assessment In Malaysia:
An investigation. Jurnal Kurikulum BPK 55-63. DOI:10.6007/IJARPED/v9-i2/7499
Noraini, I. (2005). Spatial visualization and geometry achievement of form two students.
Jurnal Pendidikan, 25/1, 29–40. DOI:10.1.1.514.1214
Noraini, I. (2007). The effect of Geometers' Sketchpad on the performance in the geometry
of Malaysian students' achievement and van Hiele geometric thinking. Malaysian
Journal of Mathematical Sciences, 1/2, 169–180.
Radin, M. S. Z. (2008). Penilaian program pentaksiran kerja kursus berasaskan sekolah.
Teknologi Kejuteraan SPM. (Master Thesis) Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Resnick, L. B. (1987). Education and learning to think. National Academies Press. ISBN: 0-309-
56411-5
Sanders, W. L., & Rivers, J. C. (2016). Cumulative and residual effects of teachers on future
student academic achievement. University of Tennessee
Shulman, L. (1986). Those who understand: knowledge growth in teaching. Educational
Researcher, 15(2), 4–14. Doi.org/10.3102/0013189X015002004
Siraj, I. (2017). Teaching kids 21st-century skills early will help prepare them for their future.
The Conversation, 1-2.
Stiggins, R. J., Schafer, W. D., & Hills, T. D. (2005). Assessment literacy, Phi Del Kappan 83(10),
758–765. Retrieved January 9, 2020, from https://www.oise.on
Tajularipin, S., Vickneswary, M., Diwiyah, M., Raidah, H., & Suzieleez, S. A. R. (2017).
Implementation of higher order thinking skills in teaching of science: A case study in
Malaysia. International Research Journal of Education and Sciences. 1(1), 1-3.
https://www.masree.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Implementation-of-Higher-
Order-Thinking-Skills-in-Teaching-of-Science.pdf
Tosuncuoglu, I. (2018). Importance of assessment in ELT. Journal of Education and Training
Studies. 6. 163. Doi.org/10.11114/jets.v6i9.3443
Yamtim, V., & Wonwanich S. (2013). A study of classroom assessment literacy of primary
school teachers. Social and Behavioral Sciences 116. 2998 – 3004.
Yusoff, W. M. W., & Seman, S. C. (2018). Teachers' knowledge of higher order thinking and
questioning skills: A Case Study at a Primary School in Terengganu, Malaysia.
International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development,
7(2), 45–63. DOI: 10.6007/IJARPED/v7-i2/4120
Zhengdong, G., Emily, P. T. O., & Chris, D. (2017). ESL students' oral performance In english
language school-based assessment: Results of an empirical study. Language Testing in
Asia 7:19 DOI 10.1186/s40468-017-0051-2
80