HISTORY AND THE NEW MEDIA: TEACHING FORM FIVE HISTORY IN MALAYSIA: PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES

This paper analyses findings about the experiences and desires of history teachers from the MARA Junior Science College (MRSM) nationwide and their openness to using the new media in teaching Form Five history. Compared to the national teaching population, MRSM history teachers enjoy enhanced facilities and a pool of brighter students. Therefore, these teachers are perceived to be better than their counterparts at maximizing students’ achievement in the Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM). Yet, it has been found that, despite their openness to using technology, these history teachers lack the skill and motivation to go beyond completing the Form Five history syllabus, to provide an active learning environment to their students. Their main motivations are to finish the syllabus and ensure high exam scores. Creativity and innovation are neglected. This study aims to encourage teachers to use the new media in teaching and learning Form Five history by providing a resource website with high-quality online modules, combining new critical thinking approaches with digital and media technology. This study demonstrates that, given the skills and motivation, history teachers are willing to use the new media in teaching history. However, there is an urgent need for the Ministry of Education to address the current lack of infrastructure, incentives, and time for teaching Form Five History.