Sarawak CM backs use of English in teaching science, mathematics – Bernama
The use of English in the teaching of science and mathematics is of paramount importance because of its dominance in the world's scientific community, said Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem.
He lauded former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's initiative in 2003 to teach science and mathematics in English to arrest the declining proficiency of Malaysian students.
He said the decline at that time was partly attributable to an earlier policy of designating Malay as the medium of instruction, which was believed to have effectively limited students’ ability to absorb and transmit scientific knowledge.
"However, in 2009, the Malaysian Education Ministry announced the decision to reverse the six-year experiment of teaching science and mathematics to school students in English, citing research findings which showed low levels of proficiency among both teachers and students, particularly those from rural or disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.
"The teachers' inability to effectively communicate the scientific and mathematical concepts led to low levels of participation and a lack of enthusiasm in science and mathematics subjects," said Adenan.
He said this in a speech read by Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister's Office, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, who represented the chief minister at the opening of the 16th International Organisation For Science and Technology Education Symposium Borneo 2014 today.
Adenan urged the participants to share their experience of teaching and learning science and mathematics in their own countries with other participants from 18 countries who are attending the seven-day symposium, beginning September 21.
He urged the local delegates to establish linkages with their international counterparts and work together through research and development on the growth of science and technology education.
Adenan said Sarawak recognised that technical capability owed its existence to the early nurturing of its human capital that fostered creativity, innovation and critical thinking, adding that every country's future development was based on its people skills and ability in science and technology. – Bernama, September 22, 2014.
