The focus on English

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.

Better Quality Teachers

I read in the newspapers recently that someone suggested the quality of teachers in Malaysia be changed. In my opinion, Malaysia has good quality teachers who are well trained. It is the mindset of the policymakers that has to be changed.

Teachers have long been the scapegoats. They merely follow instructions from the higher echelons of the education system. Thus there are schools where students from exam classes have all co-curricular activities scrapped. Teachers know that ‘All work and no play make jack a dull boy.’ However, there is nothing that they can do about it as they need to produce As in their school.

With the Education Ministry dangling the carrot of higher pay and accolades like Master Teacher in front of them, the newly-qualified teacher slowly becomes subservient to the system. Many have given up their ideals during their sojourn as teachers. They are bogged down by paperwork and meetings, which normally means more paperwork. With rampant indiscipline and the unrealistic demands of the head of the school, they are just too tired to cope.

The ideal teacher should have the time to read up on her subject, to improve her knowledge and the delivery of her lessons, to help mould students to excel not only in their studies but also in life.

However, all this is not happening in schools today. Teaching and character-building does not seem to be part of the job description of a teacher today.

With Deep Gratitude

It was with a sense of pride that I read Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye’s letter, ‘Finally, Mission Schools Get Recognition’ (STAR, Letters to the Editor, Tuesday, 24 February 2009).

Being a product of two local missionary schools myself, I can’t help but be appreciative to the missionaries who established these schools in our country.
These missionaries who initially left their homelands to venture thousands of miles with the vision and mission of setting up educational establishments which cater to the needs of the youth of that time do deserve a standing ovation.

When Malaysia gained its independence, however, missionary schools were sidelined to a certain extent and many will not know that the missionaries who were working with such great determination and dedication were actually receiving half the pay of their counterparts in government schools.

How many of today’s teachers treat their job as a vocation and would willingly give up half of their salary to carry on in the profession? It is because of their selflessness that the missionaries have been able to nurture the minds of the youth of their time with marvellous values.

To all missionaries in the education field in Malaysia who are still alive today, thank you!

Better quality teachers needed?

It was mentioned recently that the quality of teachers in Malaysia should be changed. I beg to differ. Malaysia has good quality teachers who are well trained. It is the mindset of the policymakers that has to be changed.

Teachers have long been the scapegoats of policies implemented by the authorities. They are forced to follow instructions from the higher echelons of the system. Thus there are schools where students from exam classes have all co-curricular activities scrapped as students have to prepare for their major public exams. Teachers know that ‘All work and no play make jack a dull boy.’ However, there is nothing that they can do about it as they need to produce As in their school.

With the Education Ministry dangling the carrot of higher pay and accolades like 'Master Teacher' in front of them, the newly-qualified teacher slowly becomes subservient to the system. Many have given up their ideals during their tenure as teachers. They are bogged down by paperwork and meetings, which normally results in more paperwork. With rampant indiscipline and the unrealistic demands of the head of the school, they are just too tired to cope.

The ideal teacher should have the time to read up on her subject, to improve her knowledge and the delivery of her lessons, to help mould students to excel not only in their studies but also in life. However, all this is not happening in our Malaysian schools. Teaching and character-building does not seem to be part of the job description of a teacher today. Why have we lost our focus on what is important?