NST Online » NewsBreak 2008/02/17
Review on English use in teaching Science and Mathematics after in-depth study
BERNAMA
PENANG, Sun.: The government will consider requests for the use of native languages in teaching science and mathematics at primary schools, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi says.
The review, however, will be made after an in-depth study on the effectiveness of English in teaching the two subjects, he said in a dialogue with the Chinese community here today.“Not only the Chinese have requested it, the Malays have also asked for it. So, we are doing it for both. Now, the two subjects are being taught in English and it has to continue for a certain period, only then it will be studied and reviewed,” he said.The Education Ministry has been using English as a medium of instruction in teaching Science and Mathematics since 2003.On the shortage of teachers at Chinese vernacular schools, Abdullah said the matter had been discussed by the Cabinet. “We need more people to train teachers for the Chinese vernacular schools and this is being sorted out,” he said.
The review, however, will be made after an in-depth study on the effectiveness of English in teaching the two subjects, he said in a dialogue with the Chinese community here today.“Not only the Chinese have requested it, the Malays have also asked for it. So, we are doing it for both. Now, the two subjects are being taught in English and it has to continue for a certain period, only then it will be studied and reviewed,” he said.The Education Ministry has been using English as a medium of instruction in teaching Science and Mathematics since 2003.On the shortage of teachers at Chinese vernacular schools, Abdullah said the matter had been discussed by the Cabinet. “We need more people to train teachers for the Chinese vernacular schools and this is being sorted out,” he said.
