Raise English standards among rural pupils first, says expert

Jeniri Amir of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak.

KUCHING: An education expert has expressed concerns over the readiness of teachers in teaching Science and Mathematics in English in primary schools.

Jeniri Amir of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak said a teacher might possess a good command of English but his teaching approach could be inappropriate.

“We must have trained teachers who have good command of the language as well as right pedagogical approach because effective teaching will contribute to the pupils’ learning process,” he told FMT in response to the announcement on Wednesday that Sarawak will be the first state to implement the teaching and learning of Science and Mathematics in English for primary schools.

Although he agreed with the Education Ministry’s move, the level of English command among pupils in rural areas must be improved before the two subjects are taught in English.

He said this is to ensure that the implementation would benefit all pupils especially those in rural areas.

“There is a huge gap in terms of facilities and pupils’ performance between the rural and urban schools,” he said.

He also suggested that the government look into recruiting teachers from qualified university graduates, in case there is a shortage of teachers.

Jeniri said many graduates possessed a good command of English. “There are thousands of graduates who are jobless. I’m sure that some of them have good command of English and interest in teaching,” he said.

He said the ministry should also consider taking in retired teachers while waiting for the new batch of trained teachers. - FMT