The
article Malaysia drops English language teaching (http://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/jul/10/malaysia-tefl?INTCMP=SRCH) by Max de Lotbinière, is a comprehensive analytical review of education
in Malaysia. It pinpoints the issue of the language used in teaching maths and science, which
is a very important factor in conveying information and promoting students’
understanding.
From
the article, it is clear that the writer has a good knowledge of the education
system in Malaysia. He briefly and clearly narrates the history background of the system, the explanation given by the education minister, followed the response by the people after the government announced the abandon of PPSMI.
It was quite surprising to know from the news that some of those in favor of using mother tongue as the teaching medium even protest against PPSMI when it was first introduced, and the police had to disperse them using teargas. After some years of running this policy, a decline in overall academic performance in the country caused the government to drop this "experimental" education policy, and it again caused some parties' dismay.
There are always two sides in an issue, the pros and the cons. Overall, PPSMI benefits students by increasing the time they use English in learning and more exposure to scientific terms in English. As we all know, English is the international academic and business language, starting the usage of this language in an early age is good for students in some ways. However, in Malaysia, where English is not the first language of many people, conducting subjects in this language may be an obstacle for students whose command of English is not sufficiently operational. Performance gap will occur also occur between students at urban and suburban areas. Besides, as stated by government officials, the lack of qualified teachers able to deliver classes in English is also a major problem.
Although teaching maths and science using mother tongue suits the situation in Malaysia, the decision is made too hastily, same as before when PPSMI was practiced. Hence, the government should still put up a poll to survey peoples' opinion before implying such changes. On top of this, more time should be given to observe the results rather than just concluding it within a few years, as transformation and outcomes in education methods often take a certain period and a few cohorts of students to be proven. It is not good for people to adopt changes in such short time, which will cause confusion.
It was quite surprising to know from the news that some of those in favor of using mother tongue as the teaching medium even protest against PPSMI when it was first introduced, and the police had to disperse them using teargas. After some years of running this policy, a decline in overall academic performance in the country caused the government to drop this "experimental" education policy, and it again caused some parties' dismay.
There are always two sides in an issue, the pros and the cons. Overall, PPSMI benefits students by increasing the time they use English in learning and more exposure to scientific terms in English. As we all know, English is the international academic and business language, starting the usage of this language in an early age is good for students in some ways. However, in Malaysia, where English is not the first language of many people, conducting subjects in this language may be an obstacle for students whose command of English is not sufficiently operational. Performance gap will occur also occur between students at urban and suburban areas. Besides, as stated by government officials, the lack of qualified teachers able to deliver classes in English is also a major problem.
Although teaching maths and science using mother tongue suits the situation in Malaysia, the decision is made too hastily, same as before when PPSMI was practiced. Hence, the government should still put up a poll to survey peoples' opinion before implying such changes. On top of this, more time should be given to observe the results rather than just concluding it within a few years, as transformation and outcomes in education methods often take a certain period and a few cohorts of students to be proven. It is not good for people to adopt changes in such short time, which will cause confusion.
As a supporter of mother tongue education, I believe that
students can comprehend better when content in class is explained in their first
language. Although it seems troublesome for students to learn scientific and
technical terms in English later, these can be translated easily; it is the
grammar and vocabulary that indicate one’s command of the language. Besides, the Minister has already announced the plan to increase English language teaching time by up to 30% upon the revoke of PPSMI.
In conclusion, the changing policy of teaching language is a major education issue that everyone in the country should be concerned of. The government should be more open minded to take in people's opinions and further research the issue whereas people should be clear of the pros and cons of the policy, express their thoughts clearly to the government.
In conclusion, the changing policy of teaching language is a major education issue that everyone in the country should be concerned of. The government should be more open minded to take in people's opinions and further research the issue whereas people should be clear of the pros and cons of the policy, express their thoughts clearly to the government.
