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Concepts and aims of National
Philosophy of Education
Philosophy can be interpreting as thinking about thinking, or rational and
constructive opinion or idea, which is usually related to worldliness and eternal
matters. The philosophical through or opinion is actually the result of research
conducted by philosophers using scientific, systematic and logical methods. The
main aim of philosophy is to search for, as well as to prove reality, and to
provide direction or guide for the improvement and advancement of the
mankind, culture and nation.
Philosophy of education can be explained as guidance, course of
direction, or rational opinion on matters related to education. The formulation of
National Philosophy of Education (FPK) was based on rational and critical
thinking, with reference to the national ideology which had been clearly defined
in the past Education Reports and Education Policy, including the Five National
Principles (Principles which guide and govern the nation: Rukun Negara). This
National Philosophy of Education will enlighten pupil to excel and, at the same
time, provide guidance and course of direction to all education effort, weatherwithin or outside the situation of learning. It is also carefully and systematically
designed by education experts who had considered comprehensively all
education aspects related to the requirements of individuals, society and nation.
The National Philosophy of Education (FPK) served as an enlightenment
to provide guidance and course of direction to all efforts on education. Thus, it is
important for teachers and educators to study and interpret its contents in detail
in order to implement successfully all education programs according to the aim
and aspirations of the National Philosophy of Education (FPK).
Actually the contain of the National Philosophy of Education (FPK) and
teachers education is as following below:
Education in Malaysia is an on-going effort towards further developing the
potential of individuals in a holistic and integrated manner, in order to produce
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individuals who are intellectually, spiritually, emotionally and physically,
balanced and harmonies, based on a firm belief in and devotion to God. Such an
effort is design to produce Malaysian citizens who are knowledgeable and
competent, who possess high moral standards and who are responsible and
capable of achieving a high level of personal well-being to contribute to the
betterment of the nation, family and society.
(Source: BPG)
Based on the roles of the FPK, the main objective of the National
Education is to produce knowledgeable, competent and responsible individuals
to become useful Malaysian citizens. In other word, the Objectives of National
Education are mainly aimed for Malaysians to acquire some qualities. There are
believe in and devotion to God, knowledgeable, be responsible to self, society,
religion and nation; possess balanced and firmed personality and to practice
tolerance so as to foster unity among people of various races.
Other than developing the overall and balanced potentials individuals, it is
also hoped that through the process of education, Malaysia will achieve some of
the education objectives. There are to produce individuals who will be
responsible and able to fulfill their as good and useful citizens. Moreover, theobjective is also to produce individuals who will be progressive, skillful and
competent in carrying out their duty perfectly, with the aim to contribute towards
the advancement and advancement and development of the nation. In addition,
it is also want to produce individuals who will be able to understand, accept and
abide by the democratic principles and laws of the Constitution. Other than that,
the objective is also to produce individuals who will be loyal to the King and love
the nation and to produce individuals who will be able to understand and
practice the five National Principles (Rukun Negara), and possess tolerant
attitude so as to foster unity among various races. Finally, the education
objective is also to reduce the gap among races in various fields through the
provision of adequate facilities to the less fortunate groups.
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As a conclusion, the FPK is important to us because it will make the
citizen more skillful and knowledgeable. Every citizen should follow the element
of FPK.
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FACTORS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF FPK
There are various factors which had played important roles in the
determination of the contents, aims and aspiration of the FPK. These include
religious, political, economic, individuals and other factor as well. Each of the
factors has its important.
The religious factor says Islam is the official religion in Malaysia. Other
religious such as Christianity, Buddhism and so on are free to embrace and
worship. All these elements are clearly written in the National Construction.
Islam is the import basic factor to be a considered during the process of planning
FPK. This religious factor could be clearly identified in the following expression
of the FPK. It says that to produce individuals who are intellectually, spiritually,
emotionally and physically balanced and harmonies, based on firm belief and
devotion to God..
The social factor is also one of the main factors due to various races of
citizens residing in Malaysia. The harmony and prosperity of the nation depend
very much on the peoples attitude towards the practice of tolerance, cooperative
and mutual respect among the various races. This positive attitude is the mostimportant factor to achieve racial harmony which is also considered an important
criterion to attain peace and stability of a multiracial society. The aim of
achieving racial unity has become one of the main objectives of FPK as stated in
the expression to produce Malaysians citizens who are capable of
achieving a high level of personal well being to contribute to the betterment of
the nation, family and society.
Political factor in FPK stated that it was drawn up according to the spirit of
national ideology which was reflected in the official documents such as
Education Report, Malaysia Plans and the Five National Principles (Rukun
Negara). The objective to achieve racial unity was the basic considerations
when planning up the FPK.
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In the economic factor, it says that Malaysian who is trained with special
skills in various fields can assist in the development of the national economy by
upgrading their productivity. Such noble aim can be achieved with efforts to
produce individuals who are knowledgeable and competent, responsible and
capable to contribute towards the betterment of the nation, family and society.
The ambition to develop Malaysian economy obviously becomes the prime
objective of the national education based on the FPK.
Other that that, the individual factor says that potential of individuals can
be developed through the process of education. These individuals potentials
cover all intellectual, spiritual, emotional and physical aspects. Holistic
development by integrating all potential of individuals in such a manner will
produce balanced and harmonious citizens. They will always try to inculcate
positive attitude, enjoy spiritual peacefulness and ever ready to face challengers
in life. Thus, the ambition to produce balanced and harmonies individuals were
also one of the aspirations of FPK.
Moreover, the international factor, another important factor which could
be ignored was the influence of the development of international education
system. In this connection, new ideas acquired from international education
seminars and forums would definitely influence the design of the FPK; forexample, the education programmers such as democratization and globalization
of education, and lifelong which were discussed and adopted by the UNESCO in
the eighties. The influence of these international factors can be identified at the
beginning of the FPK which stated that Education in Malaysia is an on-going
effort., which clearly reflected the concept of lifelong education with respect
to globalization of education.
As a conclusion, there are a lot of factor in FPK which is playing important
role in aim of the FPK. So, as a Malaysian citizen, we should know that entire
factor in order to develop the FPK.
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ELEMENTS IN FPK
We know that the education of Malaysia is an on-going process to
develop human potential in all aspects, in order to produce harmonious and
balanced individuals based on the belief in and devotion to God. Hence, the
main objective of education is to produce citizens who are knowledgeable,
competent, responsible and possessed noble character. This is to ensure that
they are capable of achieving personal well-being and also to contribute for the
harmony and progress of the nation.
We can use ontology, epistemology, axiology and logic to analyze all
essential elements contained in the National Philosophy of education (FPK).
There are several elements in the National Philosophy of Education (FPK). One
of the elements is to develop potential of individuals. Potential are inborn talent
and abilities possessed by individuals. The talent and ability are considered gifts
of God, which cover intellectual, spiritual, emotional and physical aspects of any
individual. These potential ought to be developed and improved constantly
throughout process of education. Other than that, holistic and integrated
potential will also make the individuals potential ought to be developed up to the
optimum level by way of integrating their talent and ability which are closely
related to each other
Moreover, a balanced and harmonious individual is also one of the
elements in FP. This objective can be achieved when all potential have been
developed in an overall, consistent, and harmonious manner. A well-balanced
and harmonious individual is one who possesses integrated personality and able
to enjoy contentment and happiness spiritually. In the same way, the person will
always feel grateful and ready to accept challenges as well as willing to makeefforts to overcome problems encountered. However, the Intellectual aspects is
covers the element of cognitive knowledge, including critical and creative
thinking.
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In addition, Spiritual and emotional aspects are the covers elements such
as belief in God, embrace religious faith, spiritual stability, emotional intelligence,
appreciation of moral values and norms of society, good behavior, loyalty and
willing to sacrifice for the people and country.
Other than Spiritual and emotional aspects, physical aspects is one of the
aspects in FPK. This aspect includes such as maintaining physical agility and
good health so as to be able to work independently and contribute towards
personal well-being as well-being as well as the betterment of family, society
and nation.
Belief in devotion to God is the belief concern with the human confidence
that the surrounding environment does not exist by itself. It was created by God.
The laws of nature are actually laws of God. Thus, individuals should exemplify
devotion, trust and responsibility to God in respects of the efforts to administer
and developed the environment.
Next, the element of educated people Malaysia who possess positive
attitude, such as love to read, diligent to acquire and apply the knowledge, will
not only benefit themselves but also others as well. In addition, the Malaysians
who are competent possess knowledge and various skills are able to contribute
for the progress of the nation. They are capable to perform duties competentlyand satisfactorily according to the condition and requirement.
Moreover, the Malaysians with noble character are also one of the
elements in FPK. This elements is refers to people who possess qualities such
as politeness, well-disciplined, harmoniously integrated and practice noble value
in their daily activities. Malaysians who are responsible conscious of their
responsibility towards God, race and nation will perform their duties honestly and
dedicatedly.
The element in FPK is Malaysians who are capable to give contributes for
the countrys development. Through proper training, people can use their
productive and innovative skills to upgrade their productivities to a higher level of
economic development.
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The last element in FPK is harmony and prosperity of society and nation.
Racial harmony can be achieved through the practice of proper attitude such as
religious tolerance, cooperate with others, mutual respect and foster unity
among various races. The harmonies environment which is peaceful and stable
will guarantee economic development and advancement in all fields, and
eventually, national prosperity and advancement will be materialized in due
course.
As a conclusion, I would like to say that to become a knowledgeable,
competent and responsible, every citizen in Malaysia should follow the elements
in FPK due to our vision 2020.
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IMPLICATIONS OF THE FPK TOWARDS THE
NATIONAL EDUCATION SYSTEM
National Philosophy of Education (FPK) is considered an important
document for teachers and pupils to study, to understand, to heed and to follow
closely. In addition, educators need to understand its profound implications, in
order to realize the aims with successfully and the aim and aspirations of the
FPK. Since its official proclamation in 1998, FPK had become the basic
consideration since its official proclamation in 1988 for the reformation of the
education system in Malaysia. From the eighties, all educational planning and
activities were based on the aspirations of the National Philosophy of Education
(FPK).
The introduction of the FPK in the community has bought along various
implications to the education system in Malaysia. There are three types of
implications of the FPK. Implications of FPK on school tradition/culture,implications of the FPK on education reforms, and implications of the FPK on the
roles of teacher are the three most important implication of the introduction of
the FPK.
The first implication is Implication of FPK on School Tradition/culture.
The organization of school was to be restructured to create conducive
atmosphere so that pupils can follow closely the aim and aspiration of the FPK. These reforms include Upgrading the existing facilities for pupils to developed
their potentials in the aspects of intellectual, spiritual, emotion and physical
harmonious and well-balanced. Other than that, FPK reorganize social activities
to foster the development of the school culture. These social activities will
influence pupils to acquire noble values according to the aspirations of the FPK.
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Moreover, the changes in the school learning environment would encourage
pupils to develop intellectual potentials, so as to acquire sophisticated
knowledge, especially through the Information and Communication Technology
(ICT), effectively. This would eventually foster the love for knowledge, and finally
establish firmly a learning culture among them. The co-curriculum activities will
become an important component in the school curriculum, with the aim to
develop the emotional and social aspects of the pupils, and to foster unity
among various races through social interaction.
In Malaysia, schools have gone through several stage of reformation on
the education system since Independence. These are called Implication of FPK
on education Reforms. There are some examples which show the school has
gone several stages. For example, the introduction of the comprehensive
education system which is implemented in 1965 and the introduction of the
Integrated Science and Modern Mathematics for primary and secondary schools
which is implemented in 1971. Other that that, the introduction of new
curriculum KBSR for primary schools which is implemented in 1983 and the
introduction of integrated curriculum KBSM for secondary schools which is
implemented in 1989 shows that the schools have gone through several stage of
reformation . Moreover, they introduce of Science and Local Studies as two newsubjects to replace the subject of Man and Environment in the primary school in
1994. There are also the implemented of the Smart Concept in 2000 and Malay
language was replaced by English language as the medium of instruction for the
subjects of Mathematics, Science and other technical subjects since 2003.
These education reformations provide conducive atmosphere for schools
to develop and upgrading according to the strategies which have been
determined. Schools have to accommodate changes so as to develop and
progress according to the context of dynamic schools.Effective changes in theMalaysian education system are based from the usual and routine type to a new
system. The changes are including the style of administration and leadership in
schools changes from autocratic to democratic style.
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Other than that, the routine, stereotype service changes to loving and
empathic type of service. The technical rationally which assumed that all are
equal and homogenous, routine and static changes to reflective rationally with
different and heterogeneous, unique and dynamic individualities among pupils.
In addition, the strategy of teacher-oriented in teaching learning activities
changes of the application of pupil-oriented strategy. The education
programmed from knowledge-base changes to integrated education program
which includes development of spiritual, intellectual, emotional, social and
physical aspects.
Teachers who are dynamic will always be responsive and adaptable to face
education changes from time to time. Only dynamic teachers are able to face
these new challengers. Similarly, only dynamic schools are capable of playing
effective role to fulfill the aspiration and progress of individuals, society and
nation.
The third implication is implication of FPK on the Roles of Teacher. With
the declaration of FPK and Vision 2020 in 1988 and 1991 respectively, the main
objective and aspiration of Malaysians to build a united society through the
education programs has become clearer. Teachers as agents of change in
education for the future generation are responsible to assists in realizing theaims and aspirations of the FPK and Vision 2020, particularly the National
Education Objectives.
The responsibilities and roles of teachers in Malaysians schools are to
educate pupils to become useful citizens of the future generation, who should be
knowledgeable, possess noble character and able to achieve well-being for
personal self, and contribute for the development and progress of the society
and nation. Other than that, teacher must educate pupils so that they will
possess various types of living skills, especially in the technical and vocational
fields, as well as to fulfill the aspiration and progress of individuals, society and
nation according to the aspiration of FPK
Moreover, the roles of teacher in Malaysian schools are to act as agent of
change to bring along innovations to fulfill the aspirations and progress of pupils,
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society and nation, so as to realize the objectives of National Education based
on FPK.
With these developments, changes in the school curriculum should be in line
with the course of direction determined according to the aspiration of FPK.
These are include changes in the syllabus which should be oriented towards an
integrated programmed and changes in learning materials with emphasis on
noble values which should be integrated with every subject in the school
curriculum.
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