Two Heads in One Classroom: A Step Forward

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19, 2025: “Two heads are better than one,” as the saying goes — and soon, this may become a familiar sight in Malaysian classrooms. The Ministry of Education (KPM) plans to introduce the team-teaching, or co-teaching, approach beginning in 2027.

Experts have already called it a timely move to strengthen teaching and learning (PdP), especially as classrooms today are more diverse than ever.

Under this approach, two teachers work together in the same classroom to support students with different needs, strengths, and learning styles. While some have questioned the necessity of this model, it is by no means new. Countries like Japan, Thailand and South Korea have long adopted co-teaching for selected subjects — and with positive outcomes.

Here at home, the method will be introduced specifically for a new subject, Alam dan Manusia: Pembelajaran Bersepadu (Nature and Humanity: Integrated Learning), for Year One students under the 2027 School Curriculum. The goal is clear: to nurture well-rounded young Malaysians who are academically capable, morally grounded and secure in their identity.

Personally, I welcome this move. Having practised a similar co-teaching method during my years as a media trainer, I’ve seen its benefits firsthand.

Although I have paused training work in recent years, many of my two- or three-day workshops relied on the strength of two facilitators. I’ve conducted solo one-day sessions before — and they were exhausting. One person managing the entire flow, from delivering content to guiding practical exercises, is undeniably draining.

But with a co-trainer, everything becomes more dynamic. My sessions were bilingual: I handled the English segments while my partner led the Malay portions. Participants gained more than just theoretical knowledge — they listened, discussed, and worked in groups while both of us had the time and energy to support them. Topics ranged from writing news and press releases to handling the media and navigating press conferences.

If co-teaching can enrich adult learners in a workshop setting, imagine what it could do for young children beginning their formal education.

Of course, the real test will come in implementation. Will teachers receive proper training? Will timetables allow genuine collaboration? Will classrooms be equipped for shared facilitation?

So, what do you think? Is Malaysia ready for this two-teacher model? What are the pros and cons you foresee?