Science & Mathematics: Plan will boost BM, English.

Comments: Now, as an education professional, I do not see how this is going to work.. do you? Are children guinea pigs to be experimented with? Where are the ethics committees on these constant switching back & forth of medium of instruction?


Friday, October 15th, 2010

THE Education Ministry would like to refer to the letter by J. Suresh of Kelana Jaya, Selangor (“Science and Maths: Changes must be made now” — NST, Sept 23).The cabinet approved the bill to abolish the Teaching of Mathematics and Science in English (PPSMI) policy on July 8 last year and replaced it with Dasar Memartabatkan Bahasa Malaysia dan Memperkukuhkan Bahasa Inggeris (MBMMBI) — Upholding the Malay Language, Strengthening Command of English policy.

Through this new policy, the teaching and learning of Bahasa Malaysia and English are further enhanced through more diversified and improved teaching approaches.

The government’s decision to replace the medium of instruction for the teaching of Mathematics and Science from English to Bahasa Malaysia was made after taking into consideration intellectual debates and expert consultation with stakeholders.

The MBMMBI aims to provide equilibrium towards the mastery and importance of both English and Bahasa Malaysia without compromising on the strengths and importance of both languages to Malaysians.

The decision to reverse the PPSMI policy is also in line with Article 152 of the Malaysian Constitution which ensures the freedom to teach and learn in other languages, including English, Chinese or Tamil. With this decision, the teaching and learning of English will be further improved to increase students’ mastery and competence in the language. Competence in English will enable students to explore various fields of knowledge from extensive resources and motivate them to pursue their education to higher levels.

The abolishment of the PPSMI is a positive move by the government to realign the paradigm of Science and Mathematics education in Malaysia in accordance with the Education Act 1996 (Act 550) which states that:

- The national language is the main medium of instruction in national schools, including for the teaching of Mathematics and Science;
- Chinese is the main medium of instruction in national type Chinese schools, including for the teaching of Mathematics and Science;

- Tamil is the main medium of instruction in national type Tamil schools, including for the teaching of Mathematics and Science; and;

- The national language is the main medium of instruction in national secondary schools, including for the teaching of Mathematics and Science.

The decision to revert to these media of instruction for the teaching of Mathematics and Science in primary and secondary schools in Malaysia is aimed at improving the teaching and learning of scientific and mathematical concepts in schools.

Hence, the MBMMBI policy can provide relevant and effective mechanisms to uphold the national language and at the same time improve English mastery and proficiency among students.

Through their respective languages, students will be able to understand their teachers better and apply the knowledge that they have gained more effectively.

by Mohd. Solihan Badri,

Corporate Communications Unit,

Education Ministry.

11 October 2010.