Geoscience education in Malaysian primary and secondary schools: perspectives from new tertiary students

Geoscience education is crucial globally, yet its delivery in Malaysian schools remains inadequate despite increasing demand for geological services.This study examines perceptions of 157 newly enrolled students in geoscience, geology, and other science-based programs regarding the challenges in bridging the geoscience education gap from primary to pre-university levels in Malaysia.Findings indicate a moderately significant improvement in students' geoscience knowledge, with moderate perspectives on geoscience education before and after entering university.Majority of the new intake tertiary education students have prior knowledge about Earth science education, despite very minority express the absence of geoscience education.Relatively, not much gap can be observed between the fresh intake from geoscience background and other discipline of study in the tertiary education.This research highlights the need for a more comprehensive, integrated approach to geoscience education in Malaysia's educational system to better prepare students for the growing demands of the geological sector and enhance overall geoscience literacy.