Latest news with #Mathematics
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Science
- Malay Mail
Of calculators and trust — Fatin Nabila Abd Latiff
JUNE 26 — My experience teaching Mathematics in two countries, Malaysia and China, has revealed an important reality: the way students master this subject is deeply influenced by the educational culture and assessment systems of each country. In today's modern educational era, tools such as scientific calculators and artificial intelligence (AI) have become increasingly prevalent in the classroom. However, students' approaches to using these tools are still firmly rooted in the foundational values shaped by their respective systems. In Malaysia, the use of scientific calculators is standard practice beginning at the upper secondary level. Students rely on calculators for a wide range of mathematical operations, and for some, they become an inseparable part of problem-solving. While calculators help speed up calculations and minimize errors, overreliance can sometimes lead to weaker mastery of basic computational skills and reduced understanding of core mathematical concepts. This culture of calculator dependency is also reflected in Malaysia's national examination, the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM). In SPM, calculators are permitted for Mathematics and Additional Mathematics papers. The structure of the exam often assumes that students have access to calculators, especially for questions involving trigonometry, logarithms, or statistical calculations. While this allows for efficiency, it may inadvertently discourage the development of mental calculation and manual problem-solving strategies. In today's modern educational era, tools such as scientific calculators and artificial intelligence (AI) have become increasingly prevalent in the classroom.— Picture via Unsplash By contrast, my experience teaching foundation students under the PASUM offshore program at Xi'an International University in China revealed a very different learning environment. Many students there had never used a calculator. Since they were preparing to pursue their undergraduate degrees at Universiti Malaya, I took the initiative to introduce calculator usage and made it a requirement in both lectures and assessments. Initially, they were unfamiliar and hesitant, but I could see their excitement when they first tried using the device. Even so, most of them continued to prefer solving problems such as multiplication, square roots, and trigonometric expressions manually with remarkable confidence, speed, and precision. This comfort with manual computation stemmed from their early training and a system that actively reinforces such skills. One of the main reasons for this is China's national university entrance exam, Gaokao. Known for its intensity and competitiveness, Gaokao strictly prohibits the use of calculators in the mathematics paper. This policy is intentional. It aims to assess a student's genuine computational skills, ensure fairness across all regions and backgrounds, and encourage deep mastery of mathematical principles without reliance on technology. As a result, Chinese students are trained from a young age to memorize formulas and solve problems manually. The outcome is a generation of students who possess strong fundamental skills and a high level of discipline when tackling complex problems using logical and structured steps. Despite these systemic differences, global developments continue to impact both countries. Students in Malaysia and China are now increasingly turning to AI-powered apps such as ChatGPT, DeepSeek, Symbolab, and Photomath. These tools allow students to input or scan questions and receive complete answers, including solution steps, within seconds. While these technologies offer convenience and accessibility, I have observed a troubling trend: students are becoming increasingly dependent on AI-generated solutions without fully engaging with the problem-solving process. To address this, I apply a simple yet effective approach in my classroom. Students are required to first attempt questions manually, using their own reasoning, before they are allowed to check or verify their answers using AI. This method trains students to think critically, assess their own solutions, and compare them thoughtfully with the output provided by AI tools. It also builds confidence in their conceptual understanding. What I find most encouraging is how students respond when their answers differ from AI-generated ones. On several occasions, I have heard students say confidently, 'I think my answer is correct. The AI is wrong.' To me, this is a clear indicator of authentic learning. These students are not simply replicating solutions — they have internalized the logic, can explain their reasoning, and are unafraid to challenge the authority of a machine when they believe in their understanding. I am not against the use of technology. On the contrary, I fully support the integration of AI as a learning tool, provided it is used wisely and with the right guidance. However, I believe that manual problem-solving and conceptual mastery must remain the foundation of Mathematics education. Technology should enhance students' learning but not replace their ability to think. Calculators, SPM, Gaokao, and AI each represent tools, systems, and educational paradigms that shape students in different ways. What truly matters, however, is ensuring that students are able to understand, reason logically, and trust their own thinking. When a student can confidently say, 'AI is wrong, I know my answer is correct,' because they fully understand the concept, that is where the true success of a teacher lies. *Dr. Fatin Nabila Abd Latiff is a Senior Lecturer of the Mathematics Division, Centre for Foundation Studies in Science, Universiti Malaya (PASUM), and may be reached at [email protected]. ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
The Star
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Only 10A+, solid A SPM students get automatic matriculation offers, says Fadhlina
SELAYANG: Only students who score 10A+ and solid A grades in their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), will be given automatic admission into matriculation colleges, Fadhlina Sidek clarifies. However, the Education Minister said that those with A- grades can still apply to matriculation institutions and are not excluded from being eligible for matriculation programmes. 'We never made any statements that said A- is not an A or that an A− is not excellent. We never said that at all,' she told reporters after an award presentation ceremony for STPM top scorers on Tuesday (June 24). She also said that 86% of students applying for matriculation took nine subjects, while only 14% took ten subjects. 'We must be fair to the 86% who sat for nine subjects. Only 14% took ten subjects,' she said. She added that the ministry's focus on merit remains, especially since matriculation is a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) pathway. 'We give priority to that. But we have never said that students with A− are ineligible to apply for matriculation. 'They can still apply and will go through the normal merit-based process,' she said. Fadhlina also said that other factors, such as Physical Activity, Sports and Co-Curriculum Assessment (PAJSK), are also considered during selection. 'We want to ensure all students are given opportunities based on merit, set priorities, and the quota system. 'These opportunities must continue to be given to our students according to their merits and capabilities. 'The 86% deserve our focus just as much as the 14% who took ten subjects. We are making sure that all students are given placements based on a fair assessment of their individual circumstances,' she said. The clarification comes in response to public concern that students with A− were being sidelined in this year's matriculation intake. Previously, Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) students with 10As and above were guaranteed a place in the matriculation programme, as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in June last year. However, a new circular issued on April 30 now stipulates that only those with 10 straight As, comprising only A+ and A grades, qualify automatically for the 2025/2026 intake. On May 30, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong criticised the Education Ministry's revised entry criteria, which no longer recognises A- as equivalent to an A. Dr Wee said the change marks a major shift from last year's policy, which considered students with 10As and above for matriculation, following a commitment made by the Prime Minister. The Ayer Hitam MP said students had prepared based on last year's criteria, only to find the goalposts had shifted, a move he described as unfair. He added that MCA has received hundreds of appeals from students and parents who are confused and disheartened by the change.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
MOE launches 1,000 Sekolah Angkat MADANI for digital skills
KLUANG: The Ministry of Education (MOE) is committed to producing students skilled in digital technology through the implementation of the Sekolah Angkat MADANI initiative, which involves 1,000 pilot schools nationwide. Its secretary-general Datuk Dr Aminuddin Hassim said the effort aligns with the rapid development of technology, a crucial foundation for propelling Malaysia towards developed nation status. 'Through this initiative, pupils and students will be exposed to technology-based learning, which will strengthen their skills in using gadgets and digital devices before they move on to higher education,' he said after launching the MOE Secretary-General's Sekolah Angkat MADANI initiative at Sekolah Kebangsaan Seri Kampung Tengah here today. He said of the 1,000 schools announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last week, a total of 790 primary and secondary schools have been identified for the initial phase of the initiative. The ministry has also held discussions with the Ministry of Finance, as well as industry and corporate players, to enhance digital-related needs, including in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), he said. Aminuddin further said that to date, more than 50 industry and corporate leaders, including government-linked companies (GLCs), have pledged their commitment to supporting the programme. Focus is also being placed on future-oriented learning such as artificial intelligence (AI). He said the implementation of the initiative focuses on five key pillars – upgrading school infrastructure and facilities, strengthening academic programmes, teacher training and development, financial assistance, and the provision of scholarships for students.
Mint
16-06-2025
- General
- Mint
MHT CET Result 2025: PCB OUT tomorrow at cetcell.mahacet.org — Check steps to download scorecard
MHT CET Result 2025 Live: The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (CET) result for the Physics, Chemistry and Biology (PCB) group will be declared tomorrow, June 17, at The results for the Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM) group has already been announced on June 16. The MHT CET Result 2025 date for PCM and PCB groups were announced by the CET Cell through a notification on June 14. Steps to check MHT CET 2025 Result link? Candidates can check the MHT CET 2025 results for both PCM and PCB streams online by visiting the official website. The step-by-step process to download the scorecard can be checked below- 1. Visit the official website - 2. Click on the result link available on the homepage section 3. In the MHT CET 2025 candidate login, enter the registered email ID and password. 4. The result will be displayed on the screen. 5. Download and save the scorecard The MHT CET examination was conducted from April 9 to April 17, 2025 for the PCB group, and from April 19 to May 5, 2025 for the PCM group. A total of 3,01,072 candidates were registered for the exam in the PCB group. Of them, 2,82,737 candidates appeared for the exam. Is MHT CET Scorecard important? According to reports, the MHT CET Scorecard is required at the time of counselling and therefore, candidates have been advised to keep a copy of their MHT CET result scorecard until the completion of the admission process. MHT CET Topper's List 2025 Along with the Maharashtra CET results 2025, the exam authorities will publish the MHT CET topper's list as well. The toppers list will comprise of the candidate's name who secured 100 percentile score in the exam. MHT CET Counselling 2025 The authorities will conduct the MHT CET counselling in June 2025, soon after the MHT CET results are announced. There will be three rounds of counselling, followed by the seat allotment process. To participate in the counselling, candidates must register at the portal and upload the documents and pay the fees.
Hindustan Times
16-06-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Assam HSLC Compartmental Result 2025 declared, direct link to check SEBA Class 10th results here
The Assam State School Education Board has declared the Class 10 or HSLC Compartmental exam results on Monday, June 16, 2025. Candidates who appeared in the exam can check and download their results from the official website at Assam HSLC Compartment Results 2025 live updates Students will need to enter their roll number to check the results on the official website. The board conducted the HSLC compartment exam from May 23 to May 29, 2025. The exam started with MIL/English and Sanskrit papers and concluded with Advanced Mathematics, Geography, History, Computer Science, Commerce and Hindi papers. The examination was held in two shifts. The first shift began from 9 am to 12 noon, while the second shift from 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm. Students were given 15 minutes extra time from 8.45 am to 9 am in the morning shift and 1.15 pm to 1.30 pm in the afternoon shift to read the question papers. The Compartment examination served as another opportunity for students who failed in maximum of three subjects in the regular HSLC examination and obtained a minimum of 170 marks in aggregate. A candidate has to secure a minimum of 30 per cent marks in the subjects appeared and his/her total marks must be 180 or above. Meanwhile, the SEBA had declared regular HSLC result on April 11. The overall pass percentage stood at 63.98 per cent. Students can follow the steps mentioned below to check their results: For more details, students are advised to visit the official website of ASSEB.
