TSL 3110

Compare & Contrast the Thematic

Approach in KBSR and the Modular
Framework in KSSR Syllabus
prepared by: Myra, Adnin, Farah, Fuzah
INTRODUCTION
The word modular is an adjective. 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;

2. one of the units which together make a complete course taught especially at a college or
university;


Therefore, we could roughly interpret 'modular approach' in education as an approach
where different units (or skills) taught separately or individually make up one whole
complete curriculum when they are combined together.
WHAT IS THEMATIC APPROACH
Thematic approach is a way of teaching and learning in such a way that
many areas of the curriculum are integrated and connected within a
theme. It allows learning to be less fragmented and more natural.
BENEFITS OF THEMATIC
APPROACH
It allows learning to be more natural and less fragmented than the way,
where a school day is time divided into different subject areas and whereby
children practice exercises frequently related to nothing other than what the
teacher thinks up, as he or she writes them on the chalk board.
It allows literacy to grow progressively, with vocabulary linked and with
spelling and sentence writing being frequently, yet smoothly, reinforced.
It guides connected ideas to follow on easily.
CURRICULUM ORGANISATION IN
KSBR
The KBSR is divided into 2 Phases;
a) Phase I comprises Standards 1 to 3,
b) Phase II, Standards 4 to 6.
The former emphasizes the basic communication skills, that is, reading,
writing and arithmetic.
Children are taught to listen, say aloud, recognize and form symbols
(lambang), numbers and the alphabet, and to use all these in writing.
CONCLUSION TO THEMATIC
APPROACH (KBSR)
The KBSR is rooted in sound educational theories, but it depends for its
success to a very large extent, on a trained, dedicated and hard working
teaching-force which needs massive support from the administrative and
bureaucratic machinery that surrounds it.
Teachers should be trained to create materials and activities that exploit the
KBSR methodology.
Modular?

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;

2. one of the units which together make a complete course taught
especially at a college or university;


'Module' is the noun, and 'modular' is the adjective.
Describing something as 'modular' means referring to it as having
separate units that when combined together make a complete
whole.
Therefore, we could roughly interpret 'modular approach' in
education as an approach where different units (or skills) taught
separately or individually make up one whole complete curriculum
when they are combined together.
Furthermore, using the spaceship analogy, learners subscribed to this
curriculum are also expected to be able to use (or 'operate') the
individual skills ('parts') independently of the other skills, even (and
especially) when separate from them.
CURRICULUM ORGANISATION IN KSSR
Primary education is divided into two stages:

Stage One = Year 1, 2 and 3

4 modules in Year 1 & 2 :
Module 1: Listening and Speaking
Module 2: Reading
Module 3: Writing
Module 4: Language Arts (additional from kbsr)

* Stage Two = Year 4, 5 and 6.

5 modules in Year 3,4,5 & 6: (Grammar is added)

Module 1: Listening & Speaking
Module 2: Reading
Module 3: Writing
Module 4: Language Arts (additional)
Module 5: Grammar (additional)


KSSR STANDARD DOCUMENT
According to the KSSR Standard Document, through the modular curriculum,
"pupils will be able to focus on the development of salient language skills or
sub-skills under each module through purposeful activities in meaningful
contexts" (KSSR Standard Document, page 7).

How? :
- Skill integration is exploited strategically ( to enhance pupils development of
specific language skills)

COMPARE AND CONTRAST
KSSR ASPECTS KBSR
2011

Introduce On

1993 2010 (subsequently
reviewed in 2003 for PPSMI)
1 and 2

Year

1-6 (currently 3-6)

Curriculum written based on
content and learning
standards

Curriculum Written

Curriculum written based on
learning outcomes

National examination (UPSR) +
school based assessment

Examination / Assessment

National examination ( UPSR)
only

KBSR ASPECTS KSSR
Based on 6 areas :
Communication
Spiritual, Attitude and Values
Humanitarian
Physical and Aesthetical
Development
Science and Technology
Curriculum Design Based on 3 areas :
Coomunication
Man and his environment
Self-development of the
individual
Curriculum Standard
documents
Curriculum Materials Study syllabus
Modular Design of the Curriculum Linear
KBSR ASPECTS KSSR
The elements of creativity and
innovation, entrepreneurial,
information technology and
communication
Elements ( added value) Elements of analytical and
creative thinking skills
Level I ( Year 1, 2 and 3)
Basic Core Modules and
Elective Modules

Level II (Year 4, 5 and 6)
Core and elective subjects

Organisation of the Curriculum Level I (Year 1, 2 and 3)
Core, compulsory and
additional subjects

Level II (Year 4, 5 and 6)
Core, compulsory and
additional subjects