The Star Online (http://www.thestar.com.my)
Report out next month on teaching in English in line with ‘people first’ vision, 24 June 2009
by ZULKIFLI AB RAHMAN
KUALA LUMPUR: A report on the analysis of the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English will be out by early July.
Education Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said that and the ministry paper on the issue had been completed and would be handed over to the Cabinet soon.
“We will make a full announcement by early July. Whatever the decision, it will be for the people’s benefit and goes in line with the Prime Minister’s ‘people first’ vision,” he said when replying to Kepong MP Tan Seng Giaw during Question Time at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
Muhyiddin, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, said a study conducted by the ministry and researchers from local universities revealed that overall, teachers and students achieved only a moderate level of knowledge in English. Token of appreciation: Maritime Institute of Malaysia chairman Tan Sri Ahmad Ramli Mohd Nor presenting a memento to Muhyiddin at the Sixth Mima International Conference on the Straits of Malacca yesterday. With them is Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat.
He said the ministry also wanted to resolve the gap between the achievements in English of students in the urban and rural areas since the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English was introduced in phases in 2003.
“The final decision in the implementation of the policy will also look into the effect on students in both urban and rural areas.”
Muhyiddin said other measures that might be implemented would be to give more attention to the teaching of English grammar and upgrading the functions of the school computer laboratories for the purpose of teaching the language to students.
He added that English literature could also be introduced.
The functions of school computer laboratories would also be upgraded with better software and equipment for the teaching of English, said Muhyiddin.
“Foreign teachers may also be roped in,” he added.
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