In my blog I really refrain from commenting on politics or anything close to it but this morning I was so upset when I heard the news that the current government reverses back the teaching of Science and Maths subjects from English to BM. They have lined up all measures instead to improve the children’s English by increasing hours in English Language class and increasing the numbers of English teachers. When I read the measures the more pissed I become.
This person whoever that is making the decision has missed it. The so called experts and specialists that were involved in the task force team or workshop whatever they called it have been misled. They are confused about English as a language versus the usage of English in Maths and Science subjects.
In English language classes, students do not learns science and maths!!!! English class is language class! Science and maths are technical subjects!!! Language subject versus technical subjects, get it? English teachers don't teach maths and science! The maths and science teachers are not language experts.
In language classes they don’t apply the Science and Maths terms and application!! In maths and science classes grammar don’t matter! In addition, they are so many branches of maths and sciences. For example, in Biology at A level grade there are lots of writing but hardly there's any language structure there, mostly facts and figures. A level Chemistry, Physics, add maths, where do we use so much grammar or full structure of sentences here? Don't even mention the local curriculum in these subjects for primary and secondary.
Maths, Science and technology do not originate from this country and our people hardly make significant discoveries in these areas. We learn from other countries discoveries and advanced research. Because theseother countries can afford to spend billions in research. Even in my field, the oil and gas industry, all programs, equipment, new technologies, even some experts etc are all imported.
So really, we don’t care whether children’s grammar is correct or not in English when they learn Science and Maths subjects. We want them to be familiar with the technical terms and application and this really help them in life. We want to create a new generation with broader mind here. There are thousands of children reference books in Maths and Science in English which are very well written whether local or overseas. These available references expand the children minds after learning some basics at school. At least our children do not become “ katak bawah tempurung”. What’s important is the knowledge and that they are at par when discussing these subjects with students worldwide. Their grammar in English as a language will improve as years went by and they grow up. These are not concerns.
So I wonder what are the actual problems?
Children and students are not the problems. You put them anywhere in this world and they will catch up very fast. Even if I send my children to Germany and get them to attend classes in German now, language or technical subjects, I bet they will have no problems in no time. That’s how absorbing, expanding and adaptable the young minds are.
If the problems are teachers, solve the teachers problems. Why do the children have to take the blow if inadequacy comes from the authority. Anyway, the teachers need not be perfect in English to teach Science and Maths. They just need to apply the correct technical terms. The medium of instruction can be mixed at this stage until they improve the teacher’s college curriculum.
Or is it the bahasa ibunda problem? Then improve and add additional hours on the local language classes!
Everybody wants the best for their children. The world is moving fast forward and we cannot reverse backwards. The rich will send their kids to private or international schools now. The average and poor ones will have no choice. Who constitute the rich in our country and who are the poor?
