Bloom’s Taxonomy And OBE: Manifestation Of Reductionism In Malaysian Education
Zaky Jafaar Reductionism has long been a source of concern for thinkers and scholars, as it has been linked to the degradation of several key institutions in modern society, including the economy, science, politics and education. This paper investigates the presence of reductionism in its more extreme form, or ‘wild reductionism’, within the Malaysian education system. Two key concepts have been identified as vessels for reductionism: Bloom’s taxonomy and Outcome-Based Education as interpreted by the Malaysian Engineering Education Council and adopted by many institutions. Reductionism is evident in the paradigmatic framework of these two concepts. This paper explores the issues and criticisms arising from their adoptions are presented. The criticisms against both have been ignored by educators and policymakers in shaping the education ecosystem. Bloom’s Taxonomy and Outcome-based Education is currently adopted as the basis of the Malaysian education framework. Amidst the ...