ANALISA KECICIRAN AKADEMIK DALAM KALANGAN PELAJAR SPM: FAKTOR PENYEBAB DAN PERSPEKTIF BELIA TERHADAP RELEVANSI SPM DALAM ERA MODEN

ANALYTICS OF ACADEMIC DROPOUT AMONG SPM STUDENTS: CONTRIBUTING FACTORS AND YOUTHS’ PERSPECTIVES ON THE RELEVANCE OF SPM IN THE MODERN ERA

Abstract

Keciciran akademik dalam kalangan pelajar Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) semakin membimbangkan dan menjadi isu signifikan dalam sistem pendidikan negara. Kajian ini dijalankan bagi mengenal pasti faktor-faktor penyebab utama yang mendorong pelajar untuk tidak meneruskan pengajian sehingga ke peringkat SPM serta meneliti perspektif belia terhadap relevansi peperiksaan SPM dalam era moden. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif melalui soal selidik yang diedarkan kepada 150 responden terdiri daripada pelajar sekolah menengah dan lepasan pelajar. Hasil kajian mendapati bahawa faktor seperti tekanan emosi, masalah kewangan keluarga, kurang minat terhadap pelajaran, serta pengaruh rakan sebaya memainkan peranan penting dalam mendorong keciciran akademik. Di samping itu, analisis terhadap persepsi pelajar menunjukkan wujudnya perbezaan pandangan terhadap relevansi SPM, di mana sebahagian besar pelajar menganggap SPM masih penting untuk laluan ke pendidikan tinggi, namun terdapat juga golongan yang mempersoalkan keberkesanan sistem peperiksaan tradisional dalam menyediakan pelajar menghadapi cabaran dunia moden. Dapatan kajian ini diharap dapat membantu pihak berkepentingan seperti Kementerian Pendidikan, sekolah, dan ibu bapa dalam merangka pendekatan yang lebih holistik untuk menangani isu keciciran dan menambah baik sistem penilaian sedia ada.

Academic dropout among Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) students is becoming an alarming issue within Malaysia’s education system. This study aims to identify the primary contributing factors that lead students to disengage from their studies before completing the SPM examination, and to explore youth perspectives on the relevance of SPM in the modern era. A quantitative approach was employed through the distribution of questionnaires to 150 respondents comprising current and former secondary school students. The findings reveal that emotional pressure, family financial constraints, lack of interest in academics, and peer influence are among the key factors influencing academic dropout. Additionally, the study highlights differing youth perspectives regarding the significance of SPM—while many students still view it as an important gateway to higher education, others question the effectiveness of traditional examination systems in preparing students for the challenges of a modern, dynamic world. The outcomes of this study are expected to assist stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education, schools, and parents, in developing more holistic strategies to address academic dropout and enhance the relevance of student assessment methods.