PETALING JAYA: Mandatory daily English immersion activities in schools are among immediate solutions the Education Ministry can implement to enhance students’ English proficiency.
Malaysian English Language Teaching Association president Prof Dr Sivabala Naidu said the “English Immersion Hour” or “Drop Everything and Read” approaches can be introduced almost immediately.
“How this works is that one hour must be allocated each day for students and teachers to communicate exclusively in English. It can be seamlessly integrated into existing subjects, morning assemblies or break times, with the addition of simple conversation prompts or themes to encourage active participation.“There is no need for too many extra resources. All we need is a shift in mindset.
“It can provide immediate practice and help build confidence and fluency naturally,” he said.
He added that this must be a whole-school effort, with a focus on the programme’s sustainability and strong commitment from school leadership.
He also said immediate solutions should prioritise practical and scalable approaches, including improved teacher training and increased exposure to English through extra-curricular programmes.
Earlier yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim called on the Education Ministry to promptly implement initiatives to enhance students’ English proficiency.
Anwar said the planning within the Education Reform decided by the government must not take too long.
Universiti Malaya (UM) Faculty of Languages and Linguistics dean Prof Dr Surinderpal Kaur Chanan Singh stressed the importance of increasing students’ English media consumption and production.
She suggested introducing English immersion weeks in schools, during which students are encouraged to communicate exclusively in English for designated periods.
“Create digital humanities centres that allow students to use podcasts or digital storytelling to improve their proficiency and showcase their creative talents.
“Pair proficient English speakers with less proficient students for peer-to-peer learning and practice sessions,” she said, adding that this could include online pairings of Malaysian students with native speakers from around the world.
UM Faculty of Education senior lecturer and teacher-trainer Assoc Prof Dr Zuwati Hasim said the most important step is to ensure the effective implementation of the Upholding Malay Language and Strengthening Command of English policy at all levels.
“Also, a swift key step is mandating a standardised diagnostic test to assess students’ English proficiency levels accurately.
“This allows for targeted intervention programmes, such as remedial classes for struggling students and enrichment activities for advanced learners,” she said.
Zuwati also emphasised the importance of schools prioritising the recruitment of teachers with specialised English language skills to ensure high-quality English instruction.
“These teachers should have the pedagogical knowledge to apply effective language acquisition strategies, ensuring better learning outcomes,” she said, adding that providing continuous professional development for English teachers, focusing on communicative and interactive teaching methods, is also essential.
“By combining policy reinforcement, precise assessment, and a highly qualified teaching workforce, students can receive the structured and high-quality English education necessary for both immediate and long-term proficiency improvement,” Zuwati said.
The Star has reached out to the Education Ministry for a response on the matter.
