Malaysia: Teaching Science and Mathematics in English: 'Wrong to learn language this way'

[Francis Hult]

New Straits Times Online

 

Teaching Science and Mathematics in English: 'Wrong to learn language this way'

 

It is wrong to use subjects to teach English. This is the consensus of educationists on the deteriorating standard of the language among Malaysian students. 

 

Educationists argued that the deteriorating standard of English could not be arrested by teaching Science and Mathematics in English.

"They are hoping that by some magic, the pupils will learn the language in this way," said Royal Professor Ungku Aziz.

"For people to learn the language properly, they must be taught grammar and syntax from the primary, secondary and even up to first year of university. 

"The tragedy of our time is that most of those in their 20s have no idea what grammar is all about. You have to learn English according to the grammar rules in order to use the language correctly. You have to learn language as a language first," he said.

 

National Union of Heads of Schools President Pang Chong Leong agreed with the argument against using English as the medium of instruction for Science and Mathematics.

 

Full story:

http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Thursday/National/2340162/Article/index_html

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