The Impact of Policy Changes at the Pre-University Education on Teaching, Learning, and Student Performance

Purpose of the study: This study aims to investigate the impact of pre-university education reforms on students’ performance, teaching and learning process, school management and demand and supply of Economics course at pre-university level. Methodology: A quantitative research approach involves data collection using survey design and interviewing of Economics teachers from high schools in the state of Perak and Kelantan. Data were analysed using descriptive analysis and pair sample t-test. Data also collected using interview for triangulation and analysed manually. Main Findings: The findings of this study showed that pre-university reforms had given a positive impact on teaching preparation, teaching and learning implementation, school management, reducing teacher’s workload and enhancing students’ performance. However, pre-university educational reforms are not significantly impacting the demand for the economics subject at this level. Applications of this study: This research is useful to provide information, input and knowledge for those who want to choose between forms six education, matriculation or diploma as their path to higher education institutions. Novelty/Originality of this study: This paper investigates an early impact of the pre-university policy reform, in particular to the classroom environment for teaching, learning and management for the economic subject. The source of information for data gathering comes from teachers who experienced before and after the reforms.