Many parents want their children to be taught Mathematics and Science in English. More hours spent on English will definitely improve their command of the language. However, improvements could be made in the teaching of the English language itself, focussing not only on grammar and vocabulary as the basis for language improvement, but also encouraging more creative minds by drawing students’ attention to scientific and mathematical concepts, historical ideas, philosophical issues and the like.
When learning a language, one starts from its grapheme-phoneme orientation and its phonology. The sounds sometimes would take precedence over the text, but eventually, both are necessary for excellent language skills, especially in reading. With these basic skills, one goes on to build confidence because of the vocabulary and grammar that one is exposed to in language learning.
It is therefore not important whether English is the medium of instruction when teaching Science and Mathematics. It is also of little importance as to how much time is set aside for teaching English as a subject. What is imperative is the methodology and the quality of materials used for the teaching of English. The objectives for the teaching of the English language should be clear in the minds of all teachers. Ultimately, the aim for teaching English should be to have a more learned society which is able to express its ideas and thoughts coherently in the language.
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