'Overcrowding hinders student focus and teacher efficiency'

SHAH ALAM - The government needs to improve infrastructure in schools, especially those facing issues of overcrowding, as it creates discomfort not only for students but also for teachers.

Retired teacher Dr Murni Husin said the issue presented a challenge to educators in ensuring that each student could fully focus during teaching and learning sessions.

"It can't be said to be difficult because teachers have successfully conducted teaching and learning sessions well so far, but with incomplete or outdated facilities, students are not happy to come to school.

"Essentials such as chairs, tables, lockers, and fans need to be improved for students' comfort.

"The Education Ministry (MOE) or the Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG) can take gradual steps to ensure that school infrastructure is at its best," she said.

She said this as a panelist in the Wacana 434th series titled 'It's 2024, Is Overcrowded Classes Still an Issue?' which was broadcast live on all Sinar digital platforms yesterday.

The programme, hosted by Ismail Adnan, also featured MOE's Education Policy Planning and Research Division Deputy Director Dr Wan Noor Azhar Wan Sulaiman, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's Diversity Education Research Centre's senior lecturer Dr Anuar Ahmad.

In a related matter, Murni clarified that every teacher's dedication to teaching in schools, especially when facing issues of overcrowded classrooms, could be clearly seen through the preparations made.

"I see the tireless efforts of teachers even though some of them question the situation, but they still try their best because it is a trust.

"We come to school as a trust in seeking sustenance and consider students as our own children.

"We try our best to provide comfort to the children (students) by placing them according to their abilities so that no one is left behind during the teaching and learning process.

"That is one of the efforts we can do so far," she said.