MCA proposes to fine-tune Maths and Science teaching
(The Star) KUALA LUMPUR: MCA will be making several proposals to the Cabinet meeting today on the usage of English in the teaching of Maths and Science.
The proposals are to enhance the teaching of English subjects in vernacular primary schools, use English and Bahasa Malaysia to teach the two subjects from Form One to Form Three and maintain English as the medium of instruction for Form Four and Form Five.
"We are mindful of the continuity of studies" – DATUK SERI ONG TEE KEAT MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said: “MCA is of the view that English should be maintained as the medium of instruction for Form Four and Form Five due to the streaming of students into science and arts streams.
“On top of that, if we are to have a transition from Bahasa Malaysia to English at pre-university level and matriculation, it would be too late.
“Perhaps one of the ways out is to have bilingual teaching for the subjects in lower secondary schools.
“We are mindful of the continuity of studies,’’ he said during a press conference after chairing the weekly pre-Cabinet meeting at Wisma MCA yesterday.
MCA ministers and deputy ministers were present at the meeting.
“We notice that the time allotted to English Language class in vernacular schools — 120 minutes per week — is far less than in national-type schools which have 330 minutes per week.
“We propose to increase the time allotment for English to at least 180 minutes. The time could be taken from periods previously used to teach maths and science in English,’’ he said.
Currently, Chinese primary schools teach Maths and Science in Mandarin and English.
“With the revision, we propose to have the time dedicated to Science and Maths in English be used instead to teach English.’’
Ong said the increase in the time for English should not be done at the expense of the time allocated for the teaching of Mandarin and Bahasa Malaysia.
He said the party is in the midst of having dialogues with educationist groups and others to gather feedback on the matter.
Ong said the party extends its appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for his willingness to accommodate more views from the community.
