Flaws in our education system need to be identified and rectified.
For a start, the classroom subjects should be analysed and revamped so as to improve the modules and the contents to be on par with global education systems.
Students must be taught to be more subjective and encouraged to give their opinions and express their views. The school curriculum and subjects offered should be reviewed.
The biggest issue here is reviewing the capabilities and capacities of the teachers. The role of teachers should be redefined.
I would like to recommend that at our Institute of Teacher Education (IPG), teachers should first of all learn to conform to the standard teaching methods that have been implemented and accepted by the powers that be and be compelled to follow those improved guidelines in their training.
There ought to be another six months of training to include the teaching of English for those who are to be teachers in English and for those who are keen to learn the skill.
English is a global language and although we must continue teaching Bahasa Melayu, English must also take precedent if we want to master it and to be even better than our Asean neighbours, as we were once upon a time.
Our teachers must be well versed in the English language to be able to teach it. In the old days, our teachers were even sent to England for two years to master the teaching of English.
I believe the modules prior to 1985 were so much more thorough compared to today and I propose we include English Literature as one of the subjects just as our module in Bahasa Melayu should also include Malay Literature. Studying literature improves the efficiency of learning a language.
I would like to share a quote: “One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.”
Only by implementing these measures can we improve the standard of our education system.
Tunku Dara Tunku Tan Sri Naquiah Almarhum Tuanku Ja’afar
Chairman
English Speaking Union (ESU) of Malaysia