National Philosophy of Education

Education in Malaysia is an on-going effort towards developing the potential of individuals in a holistic and integrated manner, so as to produce individuals who are intellectually, spiritually, emotionally and physically balanced and harmonious based on a firm belief in and devotion to God. Such an effort is designed to produce Malaysian citizens who are knowledgeable and competent, who possess high moral standards and who are responsible and capable of achieving a high level of personal well being as well as being able to contribute to the harmony and betterment of the family, society and the nation at large.

Monday, February 5, 2007

Students aren't guinea pigs


A GUINEA-PIG BUSINESS
NUTP has raised out their disagreement on the suggestion to extend English language learning sessions for Year 1 students. (as reported by a local newspaper) (perhaps to enhance students' proficiency) NUTP refuses to back MOE's action because they are not consulted before. To show their concern on students affair, NUTP's secretary-general says that our students should not be treated like guines pigs. In addition she says Science and mathematics classes has turned out into language lessons nowadays.

I agree with NUTP's views. We should not gamble our students' fate with projects which the success is uncertain. About the ETEMS, it is true that we cannot see its result in few seconds. It takes time but what I know so far the problems are more on the subject teachers (Sc & M3). Now they have to sit for some sort of special English competency test. If they failed they have to go to Teachers Institute for a course. Isn't that look... ( I do not know what to say). It is not to say that I against ETEMS but I do not feel the implementation is good enough. Something has to be done. May be we should hear the teachers' voices.

ANOTHER BURDEN?
On the same day NUTP's response was reported, in local TV news there was a suggestion to introduce an anti-corruption subject as single separated subject in school. Teachers will be trained in one of local higher institutions in Perak. Oh.. come on... hasn't our 'nilai-nilai murni' and 'Pendidikan Islam' good enough to cater this corruption matters?

SOME FACTS TO CONSIDER:
Year 1 English Language Lesson hours per week:
Previously: 8 hours/week... New suggested hours: 18 hours

Guinea Pig:
Scientific name: Cavia porcellus, Family: Rodents, Popular for: being experimental subject.
(more info...)


How will our pupils learn Science or Mathematics if their lessons are turned into English classes?« - LOK YIM PHENG, NUTP SECRETARY GENERAL as cited in The Star
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1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I agree with that.. last year when i teached physics, one of my students raised up her hand and told me " teacher, you are teaching physics like teaching english.."

My reply: I had to do that because three quarter of your class couldnt understand what written in the text book.. I wish I could just teach physic because physics by itself is already a hard subject, but by teaching it in english it became super-hard subject..

And this year I am teaching all english, i felt like doing translation class.. hahahaha..

February 8, 2007 at 4:46 PM

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