[EDLING:2209] FWD: English medium for preschools in KT

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"KUALA TERENGGANU: Some 25,000 children attending preschool classes in the new schooling session here will be taught in English in an effort by the state government to raise proficiency of the language among its people."
 
This article is from The Star Online (http://thestar.com.my)
URL: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/12/30/southneast/16434468&sec=southneast
 
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Saturday December 30, 2006


English medium for preschools in KT

<span class="story_byline"><b>By R.S.N. Murali</b>



 KUALA TERENGGANU: Some 25,000 children attending preschool classes in the new schooling session here will be taught in English in an effort by the state government to raise proficiency of the language among its people.

 The method will be implemented at all kindergartens operated by Kemas, Unity Department and the State Islamic Foundation.

 Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh said the state had appointed foreign English teachers to help them in the programme.



 Last year, a similar programme was introduced to some 5,000 preschool pupils here.

 “We have now increased the figure five-fold to enable children to master the language at an early age,” he said.

 Idris said this after receiving 13 American teachers under the English Teaching Assistants (ETA) Programme at a simple ceremony here.

 He said the state would stress the importance of learning English.

  “English is well received in Terengganu and we are putting priority for the people to master the language.

 Idris said English was vital for the development of the state and emphasis should be given to boost the command of the language among locals.

  He said the state was also sending 20 teachers to the United States yearly to gain experience in acquiring the right techniques in teaching the language.

 “Apart from these efforts, we are encouraging interactive methods such as using high-tech gadgets like touch screen technology to teach the subject.”

 For a start, some 50 primary schools in the state will use computer-aided tools to learn English.

 On the ETA programme, Idris said that foreign teachers would be stationed in secondary schools in the state for six months.

 This is the second year the programme is being held with help from the United States embassy.

 On the effectiveness of the programme, Idris said it was still early to gauge, but he was optimistic that more students would improve their command of the language with the help of the American teachers.

 Teacher Leonard Paul from Maryland University said he was on his first trip outside America.

 “I am excited about teaching the kids English here,” he said. 

 Paul, 22, will be stationed at SMK Chukai in Kemaman.

 Another teacher, Kimmel Bethany Claire, said she would try to make sure her pupils would learn the language.

 Claire, 23, from West Carolina, who majored in English Literature, will be placed at SMK Matang, Hulu Terengganu.

 She is optimistic of learning about the Malaysian culture and the people.




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