Modelling the progression and retention of students in secondary school education in Sarawak : a case study using system dynamics

Mansor, RM

Abstract

The age group of 17-19 years is considered as one of the most vulnerable and dynamic
groups which if fully utilised and equipped with skills training can be developed into a
skilled workforce that will contribute highly to the economic development of Sarawak.
This research is focused upon a government-level problem of concern, namely the loss
of school students amongst Form 5 and Form 6 (aged 17-19 years) after attaining Sijil
Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM) qualifications.
Many fail to progress into higher learning institutions. This creates a wastage of
human resources which challenges the progress towards an industrialised state, a main
objective of Vision 2020. The goal is to fully develop and train this group with a
Technical Vocational Education of Competency-based Education & Training (CBET)
so that they can be part of the skilled workforce of the future.
The main purpose of this study is to recommend how strategic modelling can evaluate
policies for the progression and retention of students from secondary school education
into competency based training and education. To achieve this purpose the work
addresses the following research objectives:
To formulate a model-based tool which can be employed in Sarawak to evaluate
policies designed to maximize numbers entering vocational education who are
unsuited or unable to undertake higher education;
To devise and publicise a suitable model as an exemplar for other countries with
similar educational policy issues; and
To employ the model to design illustrative policies which show how to encourage
a shift amongst the less academic achievers in Form 5 and Form 6 away from
leaving the education system and promote instead a progression into Competency
Based Education and Training in the vocational sector.
The system dynamics methodology is applied to investigate this complex problem.
The methodology is based upon feedback interrelations between the causes and effects
of various contributing factors in the educational system and it will allow strategic
policy actions to manage, and hopefully improve, the problem to be assessed.
By conducting this study, it is expected to be able to recommend to the State of
Sarawak the dynamic policies necessary for improving the quality of human resources
in so far as this relates to the progression and retention of secondary school students
into competency-based education and training. Recommendations will be in the form
of improved policies for implementing CBET. CBET will stand as a serious relevant
choice within the education mainstream. Also, it is to be supported by introducing
flexible life-long learning for school leavers. This helps to create a critical mass of
skilled human resources required for the future workforce of Vision 2020. Another
aspect will involve enhancement of the recruitment and training system so as to recruit
potential school leavers into on-the-job training schemes.

Citation

Mansor, R. Modelling the progression and retention of students in secondary school education in Sarawak : a case study using system dynamics. (Thesis). Salford : University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 3, 2012
• Award Date: Jan 1, 2010