Malaysian Pre-University Students' Level Of Intellectual Quality

This study identifies the level of intellectual quality of pre-university students in Malaysia. A mixed method approach is adapted to acquire data and information from the samples and informans. A total of 500 sixth form pre-university students from 38 secondary schools in Penang was selected quantitatively. Classroom observations of pre-university classes of 8 students from 8 schools in Penang were done to obtain information for qualitative method. Data analysis using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used. The research findings show that the intellectual quality of pre-university students is at a moderate level with girls showing higher intellectual level than boys for all six dimensions of intellectual quality. Meanwhile, the Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) and Problem Solving Skills dimensions have the most number of students at a high level compared to other dimensions. The study also showed that the students who major in religious studies shown a higher intellectual quality for all dimensions compared to those who major in science and arts. Information gain through qualitative study also found that students shows an interest in learning the subject when the teachers integrated the usage of ICT during teaching and learning session. This enhanced the students to apply HOTS as well as Problem Solving Skills. Information gathered through this study will provide new understanding and knowledge to teachers and researchers related to intellectual thoughts and pedagogical practices that can be used to improve sixth form pre-university students intellectual quality and hence help improve students’ intellectual capital to keep abreast with the rapid developing country in the 21st century.