The
abolition of Teaching and Learning of Science and Mathematics in
English (PPSMI) starting next year is not an issue for the next coming
general election.
Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water,
Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui said the cabinet last Friday agreed to
allow students in PPSMI cohort to continue learning the subjects in
English until Form 5.
“The government’s decision to abolish PPSMI
is a non-issue for general election as an alternative option has been
given before the full implementation of teaching of the the subjects in
Bahasa Malaysia by 2016 for primary school and 2012 for secondary
school,” he said in an interview after officiating at SMK Luak
Graduation at Dynasty Hotel yesterday.
Chin, who is also member of parliament for Miri, said this when asked to comment on the PPSMI issue.
He
said there is a need for school managements to explain to parents in
order for them to get accurate and actual information on the PPSMI
issue.
He said it is understandable that most parents are
concerned with the scrapping of PPSMI starting next year as it will
affect their children, particularly those who are preparing for the
UPSR, PMR and SPM examinations.
“Pupils in the PPSMI cohort could
opt to either continue learning Science and Mathematics in English or
Bahasa Malaysia, or both when they enter Form 1 next year.
“The implementation of the teaching of the two subjects
in Bahasa Malaysia will not disturb pupils already using English. Implementation will start with Year One pupils,” he remarked, adding parents should not worry about the abolition of PPSMI.
He strongly
felt teaching the PPSMI cohort is not an effective means to improve the
command of English, particularly those in rural areas.
According
to a study conducted by Ministry of Education, fewer than five per cent
of the total number of classes in 7,495 primary schools used English
language fully under PPSMI.
While fewer than nine per cent of the
total number of classes in 2,191 schools used the English language in
the PPSMI cohort at secondary schools.
The field study also revealed that students found it hard to understand the two subjects in the English language.He totally agreed effort to improve the proficiency in the English language among the students was not through PPSMI.
“It
is because students must have a strong foundation in English language
before they can master certain subjects that are written and taught in
English,” he said.
Meanwhile, the government would take other initiatives to improve the proficiency of the English language in schools.
They
include: Increasing the time for the teaching and learning of English;
improving the curriculum for English language under the implementation
of the Primary School Standard Curriculum (KSSR); recruitment of native
speakers to raise the capacity of English lecturers and language
teachers; and provision of quality supporting materials such as
additional reading materials and digital materials to support teaching
and learning in the classroom.
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