DEPUTY Minister of Education Datuk Kamalanathan announced in Parliament recently that trained English teachers from India will be brought over under the Specialist Coaches (SISC +) programme to help train local English teachers especially in rural schools. The programme is also in line with the Upholding the Malay language and Strengthening Command of English (MBMMBI) policy.
For too long we have been toying with different policies on the teaching of English and we have to admit we are heading nowhere in efforts to raise the competency of both spoken and written English in schools and universities.
With the stroke of the pen, we abolished the teaching of mathematics and science in English.
And then there were plenty of suggestions such as rehiring trained retired English teachers and lecturers to help arrest the decline of English. Sadly, that workable solution was not seriously pursued. We have qualified trained retired teachers and lecturers who could be absorbed to undertake the assignment if given the opportunity.
Then came the idea to make English a must pass subject at SPM level. The idea was dropped when the new minister of education decided that Malay students especially in rural areas were placed at a disadvantage and not ready for such a move. It means we are again going nowhere in our pursuit to raise the standard of English among students.
Industry players have voiced their concern over the declining standard of English among the workforce. Thousands of graduates are unable to find employment due to their poor command of the language.
If we want to raise the standard of English among our students, the government must formulate sound policies and stick with it.
We have hundreds of retired English teachers and lecturers ready to assist if given the opportunity. Why then do we need to source for English teachers from India and other countries when we have competent retired teachers?
We have to raise the standard of English in our colleges and universities especially those taking TESL degree programme if ever we want them to impact our students in schools.
We have to bring back the teaching of maths and science in English. Other subjects such as history and geography can also be taught in English too.
We should make English a must pass subject at SPM level.
Most important, the government must be firm in its decision to reverse the decline.
Tan Eng Bee
Kajang
For too long we have been toying with different policies on the teaching of English and we have to admit we are heading nowhere in efforts to raise the competency of both spoken and written English in schools and universities.
With the stroke of the pen, we abolished the teaching of mathematics and science in English.
And then there were plenty of suggestions such as rehiring trained retired English teachers and lecturers to help arrest the decline of English. Sadly, that workable solution was not seriously pursued. We have qualified trained retired teachers and lecturers who could be absorbed to undertake the assignment if given the opportunity.
Then came the idea to make English a must pass subject at SPM level. The idea was dropped when the new minister of education decided that Malay students especially in rural areas were placed at a disadvantage and not ready for such a move. It means we are again going nowhere in our pursuit to raise the standard of English among students.
Industry players have voiced their concern over the declining standard of English among the workforce. Thousands of graduates are unable to find employment due to their poor command of the language.
If we want to raise the standard of English among our students, the government must formulate sound policies and stick with it.
We have hundreds of retired English teachers and lecturers ready to assist if given the opportunity. Why then do we need to source for English teachers from India and other countries when we have competent retired teachers?
We have to raise the standard of English in our colleges and universities especially those taking TESL degree programme if ever we want them to impact our students in schools.
We have to bring back the teaching of maths and science in English. Other subjects such as history and geography can also be taught in English too.
We should make English a must pass subject at SPM level.
Most important, the government must be firm in its decision to reverse the decline.
Tan Eng Bee
Kajang