Teacher returns to SPM hall for 26th time to inspire students

KUALA LUMPUR: After sitting for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination more than 20 times, mathematics teacher Zulkifli Md Pungut knows first-hand the pressure students face — and uses that experience to refine his teaching approach.

The principal of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Simpang Renggam in Johor, who is sitting for the examination for the 26th time this year, sees the SPM as an opportunity to experience what candidates go through and ensure his teaching methods remain relevant to their evolving needs.

Zulkifli, 58, who has been sitting for the SPM since 2011, said taking the examination allowed him to assess the difficulty of the papers and changes in the examination format while experiencing the challenges faced by students.

"Sitting in the examination hall has given me first-hand insight into the time pressure, mental fatigue and anxiety experienced by candidates.

"This experience has reshaped my teaching approach. I now go beyond teaching the topics in the syllabus by helping students develop time-management skills, strategies for answering questions under pressure and ways to manage their emotions," he said.

Zulkifli said he spends two to three hours a day revising and answering practice questions as part of his preparation, just like any other SPM candidate.

The Economics and Public Administration graduate also uses official Education Ministry modules and trial examination papers, while seeking feedback from fellow mathematics teachers to review his answers.

He said Mathematics and English had been his main focus throughout his SPM attempts, with his results consistently ranging from A to A+.

For this year's SPM, he is again aiming for an A+ in Mathematics, which he considers a personal benchmark as well as a way to inspire his students.

Zulkifli said one of the most notable changes in the modern SPM was the greater emphasis on Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS), with questions no longer focusing solely on routine calculations or memorisation.

He said candidates were now required to analyse information and understand concepts before applying them to real-world situations, including financial management, data analysis and interpreting everyday statistics.

"Mathematics is more than just calculations. It is mental training. Rather than being intimidated by lengthy questions, break the problem down into smaller, manageable steps.

"The key is to practise consistently, develop a solid understanding of basic concepts and never hesitate to ask teachers for help," he said.