This teacher has taken SPM 25 times – and he’s not done yet

While most educators dedicate their time to preparing students for their SPM examinations, Zulkifli Pungut, a 58-year-old mathematics teacher and principal of SMK Simpang Renggam in Johor, takes a unique approach. For the past 15 years, he has been retaking the SPM exam himself, with plans to do so for a 26th time this year. His motivation goes beyond simply testing his knowledge; sitting for the exam provides him with firsthand insight into the pressures, fatigue, and uncertainty faced by his students.

This experience has significantly influenced his teaching style. Instead of solely focusing on the syllabus, Zulkifli now places greater emphasis on teaching students how to manage their time effectively, respond to challenging questions, and cope with anxiety. "My experience in the exam hall has changed the way I teach," he explained.

Rather than merely imparting information from the syllabus, Zulkifli now equips his students with essential skills such as time management, question-answering strategies under pressure, and emotional regulation techniques. To prepare for the exams, Zulkifli follows a rigorous routine. He dedicates two to three hours each day to revising and solving practice questions, utilizing official education ministry modules, trial papers, and seeking feedback from fellow maths teachers.

This year, Zulkifli aims once again for an A+ in Mathematics, viewing the achievement as more of a personal benchmark than a mere accolade. He also sees this accomplishment as a means to inspire his students. Zulkifli has observed the evolution of the SPM examination over the years. One of the most notable changes is the increased focus on higher-order thinking skills, with students now required to analyze information and apply concepts rather than simply memorize or perform routine calculations.

This shift means that math questions may involve real-world scenarios such as financial decisions, data interpretation, and everyday statistics, demanding a deeper understanding rather than just quick calculations. Zulkifli emphasizes that mathematics is not just about crunching numbers; it is a mental exercise that requires consistent practice, strengthening of fundamentals, and seeking assistance when needed.

Through his repeated attempts at the SPM exams, Zulkifli has gained a unique perspective that no staffroom discussion or marking scheme can provide - the vantage point of being on the other side of the exam paper.