Malaysian Educators Selection Inventory (MEdSI) Certified Interviewers’ Perspectives on its Implementation: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

The implementation of Malaysian Educators Selection Inventory (MEdSI) test and interview for screening teachers’ intake beginning the academic session 2007/2008 portrays the government's effort to attain its inspirations as stated in the National Education Blueprint (Chapter 8, NEB, 2006-2010). With this implementation, candidates are required to take the MEdSI test that measures their personality as teachers before they are shortlisted for an interview. Such screening procedures are adopted in line with the MOE's plan to have more quality teachers. Indeed, improving the quality of teachers through rigid selection procedures that will result in the selection of only the best and the most able candidates for the teaching profession will enhance the teaching profession. The focus in MEdSI is on future teachers’ personality as this aspect was not previously emphasized. Since MEdSI screening procedure is still new, its evaluations and implications in selecting teachers is needed and to verify its effectiveness. The process of recruiting and screening applicants in the teaching line is a time-consuming procedure. Research proves that a systematic process needs to be utilized in selecting the best applicant. Personality factors are widely considered in selection practices and research concerning intrinsic qualities of the student teachers is needed for the better selection procedures. To summarize, a study that analyzed the perspective of the MEdSI certified interviewers will provide some light on the most useful way to screen or select quality teachers-to-be.