‘Teach Science and Maths in English’

I DO not understand the Education Ministry’s stand on the Dual Language Programme (DLP).

The ministry seems lost and is flip-flopping on the DLP, granting permission to some schools to conduct it while depriving others.

Many parents want their children to be taught Science and Maths in English so that they will not be left behind in the global arena of economic competition and participation.

There is a wealth of information in the fields of science and maths in English. Many books, journals, reference materials and research papers are written in the language.Reading these materials will enable our students to contribute to scientific research papers in the international arena and seek recognition for our nation.

With ICT, students can access information and knowledge from all over the world if they are taught the subjects in English. This is because the online medium of instruction for science and maths is mainly English.

New information is being generated at a rapid pace. Translating these resources into Bahasa Malaysia would take too long, especially at a time when the latest research findings can become obsolete in a matter of months.

It would be a waste of time, money and manpower to embark on the tedious process of translating all this information. And the problem with translation is that we risk losing the true and intended meaning of the original message.It is in the best interest of students to access information in the language in which it was first transmitted: English.

Many developing countries have adopted the global trend of teaching science and maths in English. Even China, a world economic power, is engaging English teachers from England to teach in their schools.

Do we want to make it difficult for our children by making them translate and relearn concepts and formulas at the tertiary level, where most subjects are taught in English?

We cannot keep using the excuse that we do not have enough teachers proficient in the language. Instead, hire contract teachers who are proficient in English to teach Science and Maths in English at primary and secondary schools.

Many children in Johor Baru are attending schools in Singapore to learn in English. Some 10 to 15 buses ply the Causeway daily to cater to these children.

A growing number of parents are spending an enormous sum of money to provide their children with quality education in private and international schools.

Hopefully, the ministry will consider teaching Science and Maths in English to improve our national education system for future generations.

SAMUEL YESUIAH

Seremban

Note: The DLP, announced in Budget 2016, was introduced to improve the English proficiency of students through the teaching and learning of Science and Maths, as well as to increase students’ employability and ability to compete globally. It was one of the initiatives under the Upholding the Malay Language and Strengthening the English Language (better known by its Malay abbreviation MBMMBI) policy.