Malaysia: Weaknesses In Implementing The Policy To Teach Math In English

[Harold Schiffman]

Weaknesses In Implementing The Policy To Teach Math In English




KANGAR, March 5 (Bernama) -- Former Education Minister Tan Sri Musa
Mohamad has admitted that there are weaknesses in the implementation
of the policy to teach and learn Science and Mathematics in English.
"The problem can only be overcome if educators strive to enhance their
command of the language and encourage its usage through various
support facilities, including teaching and learning materials," he
said after delivering a talk at the Universiti Malaysia Perlis
(UniMAP) here Thursday. He said that the Education Ministry, educators
and students should act decisively to overcome the weaknesses if the
policy's objectives were to be achieved.

"It is also important to use the language in our daily lives to
enhance our understanding and command of the language," said Musa, who
is a former Universiti Sains Malaysia Vice-Chancellor. He also said
that having a good command of English would not cause the Malays to
lose their identity.
Earlier when delivering a talk on current issues in the country's
higher learning education, Musa said, the policy to use Malay
language, as the medium of instruction had been effective.

However, reference books and journals should be promptly translated
into the language, he said. "Almost all reference and journals are in
English and this must be translated speedily; otherwise we will be
faced with lack of reference materials in the Malay language," he
said.

http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsgeneral.php?id=394214

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