Experts: CEFR can help boost English proficiency
PETALING JAYA: The implementation of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) is timely and could help in improving mastery of the English language among Malaysian graduates.
Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences (CUCMS) Faculty of Medicine dean Mejar-Jen (Rtd) Professor Datuk Dr Mohd Zin Bidin commended the move by the Education Ministry.
“Having this strong framework can help students improve their English language skills, which have not quite hit the mark yet.
“The language’s average benchmark should be maintained at a high level comparable with Englishspeaking nations and not lowered to accommodate a larger population base if Malaysia wants to become an advanced nation,” he said.
Prof Mohd Zin, who has been in the medical field for decades and served in the military, said more subjects, besides Mathematics and Science, in the current curriculum should be taught in CEFR-standard English.
“English should also be integrated into History, Moral or even Islamic Studies so that it can reach the Muslim population, including those in the rural areas.
“In the long run, it will help students share our history, religion and customs with an international audience,” he said, adding that mastering English could also boost students’ confidence.
He refuted concerns that becoming an “English-speaking” nation would replace Bahasa Malaysia as Malaysia’s national language.
“There isn’t any danger to our national language or any of our mother tongues for that matter. India, which is the world’s largest English-speaking country by population, still maintains its rich and diverse set of hundreds of native languages and customs.
“The Philippines, which also has a large English-speaking population, maintains good use of its Tagalog.
“These two nations are leading in the worldwide business process outsourcing service industry simply because of their mastery of English,” he said, adding that it was one of the most important languages in all industries, from healthcare to military.
“Healthcare specialists need to master both English and Malay as they are critical skills in communicating with patients, especially those from the older generation or from rural backgrounds.
“At the same time, they will rely on English when interacting with international colleagues or conducting international research.
“Our Armed Forces has invested significantly in acquiring foreign defence platforms and equipment, and most of these require training to be conducted in English and their reference manuals are in English,” he noted.
CUCMS’ Oxbridge Language Centre and Oxford English Academy Cyberjaya head of English Programme Jeremy Bishop said implementation of the CEFR would help Malaysian youth in their future.
“It is a worldwide language. If young Malaysians have a good command of the language, they would have the chance to work within or outside Malaysia easily,” he said, adding that the framework could be applied to any language.
“The CEFR has a can-do approach, meaning it can easily be linked to the curriculum and doesn’t require too many changes because it is based on students’ achievement standards in different stages,” said Bishop, who has vast experience working with the Malaysian government as an English coordinator.
Universiti Malaya (UM) Faculty of Languages and Linguistics (FLL) head of Language Unit Rema Menon believes that the CEFR is a good benchmark to maintain standards and ensure progressive development among students.
“Implemented in school, the students should have developed a high proficiency level by the time they reach tertiary-level education, which can greatly help them in learning and researching.
“The CEFR will also guide students to be ready for the job market in terms of their communication skills,” she said, adding that handling the framework should not be a problem for both teachers and students.
“It is not a test, just a globally recognised and accepted guideline for teachers, students and parents to gauge and raise English proficiency,” she said.
FLL dean Associate Professor Dr Jariah Mohd Jan said while UM students were able to use English fluently, they still needed help with their accuracy.
“There is still room for improvement in their English skills, especially in writing and speaking,” she said.
See full report in StarEdu next Sunday.