Should Science and Mathematics Be Taught in English
Should Mathematics and Science be taught in English
English, by any standard, is a dominant language of the developed world. It is now a medium of instruction in the world and should be taught in Mathematics and Science subject. The implementation of English in science and mathematics in school is essential due to the use of the English language globally. However, teachers who are incompetent in English will have difficulties with the change of language used in the subject and teaching school subjects in the local language enhances understanding for learners as well as paves the way for more potential natural development. Contributing to English’s status as the world’s most common second language is that it allows students to play on global platform, have career advantages and easier information access.
Teachers will face difficulties in the change of language in school subjects especially for those who are incompetent in English. The Malaysian government declared to execute a new policy in the national education system in 2002 which is to implement the English language in schools for teaching of Mathematics, Science and technology subjects. The Malay language was formerly used as a language of instruction in these subjects (Ong and May 2008, 142). This act has affected many teachers and students around Malaysia, mainly those who have poor English background. The change of implementation of language used will lead to change in teaching practice as well (Ong and May 2008, 149). They will have to look for efficient teaching methods to make sure students understand the terms and definition of the subjects in English and their local languages and it will not be an easy task. Language use to teach Mathematics and Science will be reverted to Bahasa Melayu in national schools or in vernacular school on 2012 onwards which was decided by the Malaysian cabinet. “ Teachers who are competent in English in secondary school is only 19.2% and 9.96% of primary school”,
English, by any standard, is a dominant language of the developed world. It is now a medium of instruction in the world and should be taught in Mathematics and Science subject. The implementation of English in science and mathematics in school is essential due to the use of the English language globally. However, teachers who are incompetent in English will have difficulties with the change of language used in the subject and teaching school subjects in the local language enhances understanding for learners as well as paves the way for more potential natural development. Contributing to English’s status as the world’s most common second language is that it allows students to play on global platform, have career advantages and easier information access.
Teachers will face difficulties in the change of language in school subjects especially for those who are incompetent in English. The Malaysian government declared to execute a new policy in the national education system in 2002 which is to implement the English language in schools for teaching of Mathematics, Science and technology subjects. The Malay language was formerly used as a language of instruction in these subjects (Ong and May 2008, 142). This act has affected many teachers and students around Malaysia, mainly those who have poor English background. The change of implementation of language used will lead to change in teaching practice as well (Ong and May 2008, 149). They will have to look for efficient teaching methods to make sure students understand the terms and definition of the subjects in English and their local languages and it will not be an easy task. Language use to teach Mathematics and Science will be reverted to Bahasa Melayu in national schools or in vernacular school on 2012 onwards which was decided by the Malaysian cabinet. “ Teachers who are competent in English in secondary school is only 19.2% and 9.96% of primary school”,