A Needs Analysis of Science Learning in Sekolah Agama Bantuan Kerajaan (SABK): Teachers and Students Perspectives

Abstract

Science learning at the lower secondary level, particularly for Form One students, constitutes an important foundation in the development of scientific concepts, science process skills, and the formation of attitudes towards science. However, the performance of Malaysian students in international assessments such as TIMSS and PISA consistently indicates significant weaknesses in aspects of scientific reasoning, conceptual understanding, and the ability to apply knowledge in real-life situations. These challenges become more pronounced in the context of Sekolah Agama Bantuan Kerajaan (SABK), which face constraints in laboratory facilities, limited instructional time, and restricted access to suitable experimental materials. Therefore, this study aims to identify the learning needs of Science in SABK from the perspectives of teachers and students as a basis for the development of a more structured, contextual, and student-centred instructional intervention. This study employs a quantitative research design supported by qualitative data in the form of open-ended questions, involving teachers who teach form one Science as well as form one students. Data were collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The findings of this needs analysis are expected to provide a clear picture of the actual challenges in the teaching and learning of Science in SABK. More importantly, the results of this study will serve as an empirical foundation for the development of a practical, easily implementable Self-Directed Science Experiment Module that is aligned with the learning needs of form one students in the SABK context.