QUESTION TIME
By P. GUNASEGARAM
If Malaysians can get cheap education at school level in Malay, Chinese and Tamil, why not include English in the list.
WHICHEVER way one looks at it, it is obvious that the decision to revert to Malay, Chinese and Tamil for the teaching of science and maths from 2012, has been politically motivated, with an eye on the next general election.
When the major government parties and those in opposition are united in their stance that maths and science should be taught in the mother tongues of students, what choice has the Government but give that back to them, irrespective of whether it may harm the students and the country in the long term.
Sometimes one wishes that all Cabinet members sent their children to national schools or were required to do so.
In that way, they would be forced to make the best decisions because they want the best for their own children, and therefore be less influenced by political considerations.
Then they would have considered other solutions to satisfy all groups in the country and which would have been perfectly workable. One such solution is simply to give choice to parents and pupils.
If parents wanted science and maths to be taught in English to their children, let them do so affordably by allowing these in national schools. That’s not as difficult or as impractical as it sounds, as we shall explain.
One of the major arguments for teaching science and maths in Malay and the vernacular languages is that these subjects are learned more easily if they are taught in the mother tongue.
The Education Ministry and advocates of rolling back the teaching of science and maths in English should have taken the trouble to establish what percentage of Malaysian households consider English as virtually their mother tongue and use it as the primary language of communication between household members. I suspect the numbers are large.
When then Prime Minister Datuk Seri (now Tun) Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced his intention to resign at an Umno meeting in 2002, then Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri (now Tan Sri) Rafidah Aziz rushed up to him and asked, in English, “Why?”
It was Mahathir, a year later, who made the decision to go back to English for science and maths after having overseen the switch to Malay first as Education Minister and then Prime Minister, virtually admitting his mistake of carrying the language policy too far.
Every business meeting I have attended for many years is in English, I speak in English much more than I speak in any other language to my friends – of all races. The language I use with my children is English and my children speak with all their cousins in English.
This is not to say that other languages are not important but only to say that English is important – to a whole lot of people from all races in the country.
And English is also important, as everybody admits, for the overall development of the country and to be clued into what happens around the world.
Right now, and for the last six years, science and maths have been taught in English. Despite everything that the Government says, it is inevitable that after six years, at least half of these teachers will have developed some capability to teach in English.
If they have not, these teachers must be purged from the education system and be replaced with others because six years is long enough.
Since there are two clear years and six months to the implementation of the new policy in 2012, there is actually plenty of time to iron out any difficulties and anticipate the problems that might arise.
Parents should be required to register their children for schools when the children reach the age of four or five. At that time, they can also be required to state their preferred choice of language for science and maths.
And then they can be allocated to schools according to the medium of instruction.
So two to three years before the students are enrolled in school, the education ministry will have a clear indication of how many students want to be educated in the various languages and simply make the appropriate provisions.
The numbers are not likely to vary substantially year-to-year since such long-term decisions are not typically changed at the drop of a hat.
Then, with all the teachers they already have in stock who can teach science and maths in English, and those they can train, it really should be a cinch to synchronise the manpower accordingly and satisfy all sectors of the population.
It is important to remember that only the very rich and influential can get their children educated in English at the moment.
Even private Malaysian schools are obliged to follow the Malay, Chinese or Tamil mediums of instruction, with no provision for English.
The only ones allowed an English medium are the international schools. Many Malaysians, who no doubt include politicians who support the recent reversal, have used their influence to send their children there, but that avenue is firmly shut to the very vast majority of Malaysians.
There is choice only if there is a viable alternative, and that is to give affordable English education, at least for science and maths, to those who want it in national schools or schools which are about as cheap as that.
Here is an extract from a profile of a prominent former politician and current businessman on his website: “Being a youth of the 40s, during a period when the British Colonial Policy encouraged Malays to attend Malay schools, when Malay parents worried about the possible influence of an English education on their children’s religious faith and cultural identity, Daim and his parents were able to transcend these limitations.
“In fact, his broad-minded parents enrolled all their children at English-medium schools as they did not want their children to become ‘better farmers and fishermen’.” That person in question is of course former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin, now by some accounts a billionaire businessman. You can read the full profile at http://daimzainuddin.com/TunDaimProfile.htm.
Should we not give that same opportunity to everyone in Malaysia if they wanted to have it, instead of just the elite and the rich?
Really, it is still not too late. The new policy comes into effect only in 2012, plenty of time to give choices to everyone. When the Government does not know what is best, or is unable to give it, choice is simply preferable.
Managing editor P. Gunasegaram believes courage and honesty is important to do the “right” thing.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
It’s saddening, says Mahathir
PUTRAJAYA: The future of our schoolchildren will be compromised with the Government reversing the teaching of Science and Mathematics from English to Bahasa Malaysia, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said.
Dr Mahathir, who was behind the original policy of teaching both subjects in English, said his intention was to ensure that Malaysians were able to face global challenges at the earliest opportunity.
Expressing sadness on the policy reversal, he said schoolchildren would find it difficult to know more about the developments in the field of Science.
“These matters, of course, cannot be resolved overnight. But it’s the Government’s responsibility to train and supply capable teachers. I’m confident that our teachers will be able to study and teach in English,” he told reporters at his Perdana Leadership Foundation office yesterday.
Dr Mahathir said it was good that more teachers would be trained in English.
“But if we can train teachers to learn English, why can’t we do the same by training them to learn and teach Science and Mathematics in English?,” the former Prime Minister asked.
Dr Mahathir also questioned why no one protested when the medium of teaching in English in the colonial times was changed to Bahasa Malaysia.
“And at that time, not many teachers knew the national language. Now, it’s all right if we mix a little bit of Malay and English, but at the same time we need to improve the ability of our teachers too,” he added.
On his meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is the Education Minister, before the new policy was announced, Dr Mahathir said he was only given a briefing.
Dr Mahathir, who was behind the original policy of teaching both subjects in English, said his intention was to ensure that Malaysians were able to face global challenges at the earliest opportunity.
Expressing sadness on the policy reversal, he said schoolchildren would find it difficult to know more about the developments in the field of Science.
“These matters, of course, cannot be resolved overnight. But it’s the Government’s responsibility to train and supply capable teachers. I’m confident that our teachers will be able to study and teach in English,” he told reporters at his Perdana Leadership Foundation office yesterday.
Dr Mahathir said it was good that more teachers would be trained in English.
“But if we can train teachers to learn English, why can’t we do the same by training them to learn and teach Science and Mathematics in English?,” the former Prime Minister asked.
Dr Mahathir also questioned why no one protested when the medium of teaching in English in the colonial times was changed to Bahasa Malaysia.
“And at that time, not many teachers knew the national language. Now, it’s all right if we mix a little bit of Malay and English, but at the same time we need to improve the ability of our teachers too,” he added.
On his meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is the Education Minister, before the new policy was announced, Dr Mahathir said he was only given a briefing.
Parents unhappy over decision to revert
KUALA LUMPUR: Many parents and students are very disappointed at the Cabinet’s decision to reverse the Teaching of Science and Mathematics policy.
Said mother of three Kam Swee Har: “Language is not just about teaching grammar and writing essays; it is the whole application of the language.
“The exposure is different when you’re learning technical subjects like Science or Maths.”
Engineer and father of four, Sulaiman Mahran, agreed: “Technical terms need to be absorbed in English, so strengthening English in general is not going to help in Maths and Science.”
Azra Banu, who has a child in Year Six, pointed out that it is the rural students who will lose out in the long run.
Businesswoman Haili Abdul Jamil, who has two children in Years One and Two, is seriously considering enrolling her children in an international school following the decision.
The impact of the decision is particularly hard on students who will enter Form Four in 2012.
Form One student Anisa Sulaiman is anxious about switching to Bahasa Malaysia in the two subjects when she gets into Form Four in 2012.
“I have been learning Maths and Science in English, so it will be difficult if we change the medium of instruction later on,” she said.
In Penang, Han Chiang High School Just English centre adviser Ooi Lay Le said the standard of English among students would drop if the two subjects were not taught in the language.
“We are going backwards,” said Ooi who has been teaching for 40 years.
SJK (C) Union Bahasa Malaysia Committee head Cheah Choo Suan, 55, said teaching the subjects in English would have helped broaden students’ knowledge of new terminologies and improve their command of the language.
Year Five student R. Abirami, 11, from SK Convent Green Lane, said it would be hard for her to adapt to the new system.
“We have memorised the scientific terms in English,” she said. “I’m afraid it will be hard to re-learn them in Bahasa Malaysia.”
In Johor, some parents are even considering sending their children to Singapore where they can learn in English.
Dr Santhi Sivalingam Moorthy, 41, said she would seriously consider transferring her three children, aged between five and 10, to Singapore schools now.
Said mother of three Kam Swee Har: “Language is not just about teaching grammar and writing essays; it is the whole application of the language.
“The exposure is different when you’re learning technical subjects like Science or Maths.”
Engineer and father of four, Sulaiman Mahran, agreed: “Technical terms need to be absorbed in English, so strengthening English in general is not going to help in Maths and Science.”
Azra Banu, who has a child in Year Six, pointed out that it is the rural students who will lose out in the long run.
Businesswoman Haili Abdul Jamil, who has two children in Years One and Two, is seriously considering enrolling her children in an international school following the decision.
The impact of the decision is particularly hard on students who will enter Form Four in 2012.
Form One student Anisa Sulaiman is anxious about switching to Bahasa Malaysia in the two subjects when she gets into Form Four in 2012.
“I have been learning Maths and Science in English, so it will be difficult if we change the medium of instruction later on,” she said.
In Penang, Han Chiang High School Just English centre adviser Ooi Lay Le said the standard of English among students would drop if the two subjects were not taught in the language.
“We are going backwards,” said Ooi who has been teaching for 40 years.
SJK (C) Union Bahasa Malaysia Committee head Cheah Choo Suan, 55, said teaching the subjects in English would have helped broaden students’ knowledge of new terminologies and improve their command of the language.
Year Five student R. Abirami, 11, from SK Convent Green Lane, said it would be hard for her to adapt to the new system.
“We have memorised the scientific terms in English,” she said. “I’m afraid it will be hard to re-learn them in Bahasa Malaysia.”
In Johor, some parents are even considering sending their children to Singapore where they can learn in English.
Dr Santhi Sivalingam Moorthy, 41, said she would seriously consider transferring her three children, aged between five and 10, to Singapore schools now.
English as an Option for Maths & Science
We have now know the decision of the government to revert back to BM and a step back in education for us. The funny part we still maintain English in Science and Maths for Form 6 and Matriculation, so how does student adapt the change here?
If this is the final decision by the government, then the government should also be fair in providing options to parentsin choosing schools that educate kids English for this 2 subjects or each school should have at least 1 or 2 classroom tocater for this purpose or have selected schools like all the LaSalle Schools and certain private schools to adapt to this method.
Another way if in a town where there is no private school or a LaSalle School then select one school to adoptthis or cater classrooms for this. As a start we may start with certain Schools in major cities. Many parents who are annoyedwould agree on this method.
Then we have a balance of both worlds for all kids and parents. We as the government and public should not be deprived ofall this in any way. Since independent days to late 70 ‘s all was in English and there was no option.
See at our past ministers and those educated in LaSalle School, compare their English, Science and also their communication skills. Then 80’s began the BM trend, where were left behind in our education standards from the rest of the region around us.
Was it our wrong policy or decision. We can’t undo what has been done.
But Dr. M tried to rectify it an many applauded especially those in cities and who know the important of English is this 2 fields or any other fields. Now, if we give options to parents they would also want the best for the kids, so does any one of us for seeing our kids being success full one day and giving him a head start plus an advantage in the world with this option.
If this is done then the rules to LaSalle school to make it a must to educate mother tongue to all students must also be implemented:-
A Chinese student must learn to read and speak mandarin,
a Punjabi kid should be able to learn to read and write Punjabi,
a Muslim student must learn to read Jawi and also understand the Quran.
All this can be implemented as a must if the parentschoose to send the kids to this kind of school so there would be a balance on both ends. Hiring language teachers plusimplementing this should be adopted or learned from our next door neighbours Singapore where every Saturday is Language dayfor students and they get together at designated schools to do so.
Then we are practicing what’s is in our constitutions freedom to preach and practice. Never to deprive any one in our country. Allow allequal access to information for the development of the nation.
The government would develop better citizens with this method plus strict implementation and monitoring on all grounds. No doubt the decision has been made on this matter, but fine tuning it would help us further. Nothing is written on concrete for usnot to change and amend accordingly for our future generation.
The advantage of this is lower on morale issues as activities is createdfor students and parents to participate. At the same time the Education Ministry may consider December Schooling to assist students who need help, students who need proper development or for those special care and morale development. It becomes like a summer school activity as in US or UK and Australia.
With Regards
from
Amarjeet Singh Sran
If this is the final decision by the government, then the government should also be fair in providing options to parentsin choosing schools that educate kids English for this 2 subjects or each school should have at least 1 or 2 classroom tocater for this purpose or have selected schools like all the LaSalle Schools and certain private schools to adapt to this method.
Another way if in a town where there is no private school or a LaSalle School then select one school to adoptthis or cater classrooms for this. As a start we may start with certain Schools in major cities. Many parents who are annoyedwould agree on this method.
Then we have a balance of both worlds for all kids and parents. We as the government and public should not be deprived ofall this in any way. Since independent days to late 70 ‘s all was in English and there was no option.
See at our past ministers and those educated in LaSalle School, compare their English, Science and also their communication skills. Then 80’s began the BM trend, where were left behind in our education standards from the rest of the region around us.
Was it our wrong policy or decision. We can’t undo what has been done.
But Dr. M tried to rectify it an many applauded especially those in cities and who know the important of English is this 2 fields or any other fields. Now, if we give options to parents they would also want the best for the kids, so does any one of us for seeing our kids being success full one day and giving him a head start plus an advantage in the world with this option.
If this is done then the rules to LaSalle school to make it a must to educate mother tongue to all students must also be implemented:-
A Chinese student must learn to read and speak mandarin,
a Punjabi kid should be able to learn to read and write Punjabi,
a Muslim student must learn to read Jawi and also understand the Quran.
All this can be implemented as a must if the parentschoose to send the kids to this kind of school so there would be a balance on both ends. Hiring language teachers plusimplementing this should be adopted or learned from our next door neighbours Singapore where every Saturday is Language dayfor students and they get together at designated schools to do so.
Then we are practicing what’s is in our constitutions freedom to preach and practice. Never to deprive any one in our country. Allow allequal access to information for the development of the nation.
The government would develop better citizens with this method plus strict implementation and monitoring on all grounds. No doubt the decision has been made on this matter, but fine tuning it would help us further. Nothing is written on concrete for usnot to change and amend accordingly for our future generation.
The advantage of this is lower on morale issues as activities is createdfor students and parents to participate. At the same time the Education Ministry may consider December Schooling to assist students who need help, students who need proper development or for those special care and morale development. It becomes like a summer school activity as in US or UK and Australia.
With Regards
from
Amarjeet Singh Sran
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)