Students’ Understanding On The Similarities Between Malaysia And Indonesia Education System

Abstract

Malaysia and Indonesia are two neighboring countries with their own education system. The implementation of the education systems in both countries is basically for the purpose of developing their human resources for nation development. This paper discusses findings of a survey study conducted to identify students' understanding on similarities between Malaysian and Indonesian education system for the aspects of education philosophy; curriculum and its implementation; and pupils' learning assessment. Selected Malaysian students who studied in Indonesia and Indonesian students who studied in Malaysia were involved as participants of this study. The finding shows that the participants understand that there are similarities on the concept and its implementation of such aspects. Philosophically, divinity is the main foundation that underlying both countries' education systems. For the aspect of curriculum, it is found that knowledge, skills and values are to be developed among school pupils in an orchestrated and harmonious way for the purpose of preparing competence future citizens and human resources for the countries. Pupils' learning assessments are not mainly on the final paper and pencil test but also on the learning process. On a positive note, these similarities can be viewed in terms of the benefits to both countries. As in the wave of globalization and global challenges keep on changing, one day there might become ideas to have mutual collaborations between Malaysia and Indonesia in educating their future citizens for human resources development.