S'wak Math and Science teachers to receive tutoring from English teaching colleagues

State education director Dr Azhar Ahmad (second left) presenting textbooks to education director-general Datuk Dr Amin Senin at the launch of the Sarawak dual language programme in Kuching. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/ THE STAR

KUCHING: Year One Mathematics and Science teachers in Sarawak can be paired with English language teachers to improve their proficiency as they teach both subjects in English starting next year, suggests education director-general Datuk Dr Amin Senin.

He said the English teachers could provide personal coaching through smartphone apps like Facetime or WhatsApp.

"This will save time and costs compared to organising courses. We can make use of technology to enhance the proficiency of Mathematics and Science teachers.

"If they have personal coaching with their paired English teachers three times a week, for instance, I believe within six months their confidence and proficiency level will increase. I hope Sarawak can do this," he said when launching the Sarawak dual language programme (DLP) here on Monday (Dec 2).

Under the programme, Year One pupils in Sarawak will learn Mathematics and Science in English starting Jan 2,2020.

Amin said Sarawak was the first state to take up the challenge of teaching both subjects in English in all schools.

He said Sarawak would still use the same Mathematics and Science curriculum as other states, only in English.

"The implementation of the DLP in Sarawak does not deny the importance of Bahasa Malaysia as the national language. While we strengthen the English proficiency of our students, we will continue to uphold Bahasa Malaysia as the national language," he said.

State education director Dr Azhar Ahmad said the Sarawak DLP would start with Year One pupils next year and continue until they complete Form Five.

He said Chinese national-type primary schools (SJKC) in the state were exempted from the programme, but those interested to implement it could apply to the Education Department.

"It is hoped that the teaching and learning of science and mathematics can help students access relevant information so that they can master both subjects and prepare them to compete internationally through excellent English command," he said.