The Effectiveness of 'Program Intervensi 2M' in Helping to Improve the Minimum Mastery Level of Primary School Pupils

Abstract

Basic literacy (reading, writing, and counting) difficulties among primary school pupils in this country is a continuous problem and it is worrying many parties especially the Ministry of Education Malaysia. Therefore, the Ministry of Education Malaysia through the Malaysia Education Blueprint (PPPM) 2013-2025 emphasises achieving the Key Performance Indicators (KPI) for zero percent of pupils having difficulties mastering basic literacy skills. This action research aims to identify the effectiveness of ‘Program Intervensi 2M’ (reading and writing) in helping to improve the minimum mastery level of primary school pupils. This qualitative research is carried out based on case study research. The research framework is built based on Behaviorism Theory as well as the Intervention Model and Response-to-Intervention (RTI) Model. This research was carried out in a primary school in a suburban district of Debak, Sarawak. Research participants were chosen through purposive sampling. There are 15 pupils selected from level 1 classes (Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3). The research participants are those who were still unable to master the minimum level which is TP3 in Pentaksiran Bilik Darjah (PBD). The data were collected through observation, pre and post-test, as well as document analysis. The findings show that ‘Program Intervensi 2M’ helps to improve the minimum mastery level of primary school pupils which leads to a decreasing number of pupils unable to master reading and writing skills in primary school in line with the objectives of Pelan Pembangunan Pendidikan (PPPM). This research was carried out smoothly and faced very minimum challenges where the researcher had categorised the challenges into four main themes which include behaviour, time, teaching aids, and environment. In order to overcome the 3M problem among primary school students, all parties needs to unite, contribute ideas and work together to support the Ministry of Education Malaysia. The results are important for Ministry of Education Malaysia to provide interventions and improve programs related to the 3M problem. Further research needs to be conducted to help teachers explore different teaching approaches, curriculum design and contextual factors will ultimately affect student experiences and outcomes.