Plan to revert to PPSMI timely, says PAGE chairman
KUALA LUMPUR: The plan to reintroduce the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English (PPSMI) will not create any problems for schools as the policy had been implemented in the past.
Parent Action Group for Education Malaysia (PAGE) chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said the decision to reintroduce the policy was timely as many teachers had been adequately trained under PPSMI which was introduced in 2002.
“The students are always ready and eager to learn.”
She said teachers, however, needed to get out of their comfort zones.
“There needs to be a preparatory period (before PPSMI is implemented). However, we are better off now than before as many of the teachers now are from the PPSMI era,” she said.
As for teachers intraining, she said they had been taught in two languages and should be able to teach in English effectively.
In an interview with the New Straits Times, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said Science and Mathematics must be taught in English to ensure students were employable later in life.
PPSMI was introduced in 2002 but was reversed shortly after Dr Mahathir’s resignation. Subsequently, the Dual Language Programme (DLP), which allowed selected schools to teach Science and Mathematics in English, was introduced. Dr Mahathir said DLP was unfair as those who learnt in English would be employable while those in the Malay stream would lose out.
National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) secretarygeneral Harry Tan said DLP should be continued.
“DLP is only for parents who want their children to learn Mathematics and Science in English, so there is no issue of any opposition as it is the wish of the parents themselves.”
He said the ministry needed to look into the availability of English-speaking teachers.
“We believe DLP must be allowed to thrive.”
A parent, who is also a Mathematics teacher, said the ministry should address issues raised before deciding on the matter.
“There should be flexibility for teachers, allowing them to deliver the lessons and exam questions in both English and Bahasa Malaysia under DLP, which is currently being implemented in my school.
“On the positive side, it is actually easier to teach Mathematics in English and use the terms (in English) with students.
“We could also see an improvement in the English subject among students after the introduction of the policy,” he said.