The standard of English has deteriorated in Malaysia, over the past decade, while the English language is enjoying increasing importance in a globalising world. Taking both these factors into consideration, isn't the call to abolish [the policy of English for Teaching Mathematics and Science] and reinstate the old status quo irrational and irresponsible? I don't think so. Full Story »
Posted by Tshiung Han SeeTo:
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Not many experts cited, although it is an opinion piece. The writer is addressing the education system without a firm grounding of the social issues that lead to the creation of the current system. It is widely understood that the current system is unworkable. As a talking point, the movement to remove the English-teaching policy has certainly put education reform back in the news.
“Well, not every student intends to become a mathematician or scientist, so not everyone needs to comprehend mathematics and science publications in English.”
In Malaysia, we had a public education system prior to 1975, when English was the language of instruction. Now, the closest approximation is to enroll in one of the lucrative international schools if you live in an urban centre like Kuala Lumpur. If you live in a rural area, move to one.
The best argument against the current policy is that it isn't effective. This is symptomatic of larger problems in education like unskilled teachers, low wages and availability. There's also a greater social problem, rarely discussed, that puts a low priority on education. A typical secondary school kid goes to school for half a day, the rest of the day is filled with tutorials.