PPSMI: Daunting task

2009/07/14

JEREMIAH TAN, Kuala Krai

THE cabinet decision on the PPSMI issue is not surprising at all. However, the decision has taken Malaysia a few steps backwards and I hope those who are jumping for joy are prepared to face the consequences of the education policy change announced on Wednesday.

Judging by reports on the education policy change, it looks like students who enter Form One next year will learn Science and Mathematics in English until Form Three, but when they enter Form Four in 2013 they will have to study the two subjects in Bahasa Malaysia. So, after studying the two subjects in English for three years, students will have to switch to BM. This can be very daunting, especially since Form Four and Five are crucial years leading to the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination.

On a more optimistic note, I think the government's willingness to fork out RM5 billion to enhance the teaching of English in schools is far-sighted. But I hope that the money is well spent. The decision to recall retired teachers to teach English is indeed a wise move.

However, before the ministry rushes into recruiting them, it has to be sure that only those who have a good record in teaching English in schools are given the chance.

At the same time, the ministry has to take a second look at the English teachers in schools now because some of them lack proper language skills and are simply not qualified to teach English.