PPSMI: Consider a transition at secondary school level

2009/07/14

GAN TIAN ENG, Klang
I WOULD expect some brickbats from readers for stating my support of the government's decision to revert to the teaching of Science and Mathematics in Malay and the vernacular languages (Chinese or Tamil) in schools.
Education Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin hit the nail on the head when he said at a press conference on Wednesday: "The government is confident that Science and Mathematics need to be taught in languages that are easily understood by students."

Many of the reports seem to focus on Bahasa Malaysia, but not on the vernacular languages.

It is well known that pupils in rural national schools (and also some urban national schools) as well as those in Chinese and Tamil schools, especially at primary school level, are weak in English.

Having to grapple with mastering English while learning Science and Mathematics in English may prove too challenging for them.

The ultimate goal of improving the overall standard of English among Malaysian students is laudable, but this cannot be achieved just by using English as the medium of instruction for two subjects -- Science and Mathematics.

In fact, many students have obtained distinctions in Science and Mathematics while writing broken English as marks are not awarded for correct grammar. I don't think anyone would disagree with me here.

English opens the door to vast amounts of information on science and technology. For tertiary education, this is mandatory if Malaysia is to be on track to becoming an industrialised and technologically advanced nation.

What remains, perhaps, a moot point is when the transition should take place. At secondary school level or at tertiary level?

This is where Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's suggestion of implementing English for Science and Mathematics at secondary school level deserves serious consideration.

All the facilities and encouragement can be in place, but the mindset of Malaysians towards English must change. English should no longer be viewed as a colonial language but as an important language for business and technology.

This involves the parents of students, teachers, etc, as the government can't do it alone.

Other countries whose native tongue is not English have become English-speaking (e.g. Scandinavian countries) while retaining proficiency in their native languages because they see the wisdom and importance of acquiring proficiency in English.

Every Malaysian should strive to be bilingual or trilingual if we are to thrive in this increasingly globalised and competitive society.