How does teaching and learning of Mathematics and Science in English (PPSMI) affect teachers and students in Malaysia ?

NAME : VOO YEE BIN CLASS : ENGLISH 1-1 SUBMISSION DATE : 18 APRIL 2012

Content Page
1.0 Introduction 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 4 4 4 5 6 2.0 The issue and the background to the debate 3.0 The social significance of the debate 4.0 The participants in the debate 5.0 Differing opinions 5.1 Arguments for PPSMI 5.1.1 5.1.2 Information access Improves English

5.2 Arguments against PPSMI 5.2.1 Deteriorate rural students academic performance

5.2.2 Teachers having pressure 6.0 Conclusion

Reference List

1.0 Introduction This report aims to look into the different views held on PPSMI in Malaysia . The report will also enable the society to have better understanding of PPSMI in order to fight for their rights .

2.0 The issue and background to the debate . PPSMI is the outcome by Malaysia Government in the Ministers Council Meeting held on 19 July 2002 . The introduction of PPSMI enable society to prepare earlier to face the challenges of globalisation . (Wordpress.com , 2002)

3.0 The social significance of the debate . This growing popularity for PPSMI has lead to members of the public questioning the effect of this issue can have on schools and universities teachers and students . Thus the question here is how the PPSMI affects the schools and universities teachers and students in Malaysia in order to achieve the goal of Vision 2020 ?

4.0 The participants in the debate . The main parties in this debate are researchers , teachers and members of society who have expressed different ideas on PPSMI and the impact it has on teachers and students . (Dr.Jaafar Jantan , 2008)

5.0 The differing views . 5.1 Arguments for PPSMI There are many who believe that PPSMI positively influences the students by educating them .

5.1.1 Information Access Supporters of this argument claim that most prestigious Maths and Science journals are written in English and they are most accurate and most earliest resources . For science students , there are various scientific terms like osmosis , cardiovascular and chromosomes which are best search with English on the Internet (Andrew Button , 2011). Different meaning will be expressed when we translate some English words into other languages during presentations . According to Dr.Mahathir , if we master English , we will be everequipped with the latest knowledge . As we all know , English is the universal language of globalised world and the language for communications . (Putra , 2012) .Hence , we can learn more if we are capable of grasping the language well . Most research materials are avail in English , which will make it easier for professionals to keep up to date and excel themselves , said Datuk Dr. Yan S Lee , George Town . (The Star , 2012)

5.1.2 Improves English When Science and Mathematics are taught in English , students are likely to expose more and contact with English more . In the long run , the English standard of our country can be improved . The concepts of Science and Mathematics will be slowly absorbed by the students although English is their second language (Wordpress , 2011) . Subconsciously , they will apply these concepts in their daily routine and gradually become more expert in certain fields . English-educated elites who are able to meet the goal of Vision 2020 are then produced (Wordpress , 2011) . By improving English , students are given the aid to prepare for their future like furthering their studies (Cyrildason ,2009) .Besides that , we are able to improve our communication skills in conferences , seminars and training by mastering English (Business English , n.d.) . Hence , they will be given a better opportunity in seeking for better occupations and higher salary . They have the ability to compete with the international firms and individuals too . 3

5.2 Arguments against PPSMI Although some believe that PPSMI has positive impacts on the students in terms of educating them , there are some who oppose the views and opine that PPSMI will deteriorate rural students performance and pressuring the schools and universities teachers .

5.2.1 Deteriorates Academic Performance of Rural Students Based on studies conducted in 2008 , the ministry found that only a small percentage of teachers fully used English to teach the two subjects , said our Deputy Prime Minister , Tan Sri Muhyiddin (Karen , 2009) . From the research he has done , he found that only a minority of teachers were skilled in teaching these two subjects in English . They would probably teach their students the wrong terms regarding the Mathematics and Science in English . Therefore , these two subjects should be taught in the language they understand in order to improve their academic performance . In related to that , they are unlikely to face problems like decreasing in the interest of their studying as a result of too many incomprehensible terms . (Dr.Jaafar Jantan , 2008)

5.2.2 Teachers having pressure According to Raslan Baharom , some of the Malay teachers in Bagan Serai are having great pressure when they are teaching these subjects in English (Raslan Baharom, 2009) . In order to conduct the classes well and efficiently , the teachers have to improve their command of English either by participating in English tutorial lessons or by reading more books . Most of the teachers are being forced to teach these two subjects in English even they are incapable of teaching in the language . As time goes by , this scenario will influence their grade of teaching . The chairman of school and universities or headmaster often exerting pressure on the teachers although they knew that the teachers are not 4

qualified to teach the two subjects in English . Thus , teachers having pressure at all times .

6.0 Conclusion From the exchange of views above it is very clear that there are various way of thinking on the issue of PPSMI . Just as benefits that PPSMI enables better information access and improves command of English , there are also drawbacks that affects the performance of both students and teachers . To set our sights on which impact has greater ramifications , more complete research and studies of the arguments of both supporting and opposing views are required .

Reference List

Cyrildason . (2009) . English in Science and Mathematics . Retrieved by http://cyrildason.com/2009/03/07/english-in-science-mathematics/ . eHow Demand Media . (1999) . The advantages of learning Mathematics and Science in English , by Andrew Button (2011) . Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/info_8541146_advantages-learning-mathematics-science-english.html . English Portal . (2003) . Welcome to business English at English portal ! . Retrieved from http://www.english-portal.com/business-english . Hornbill unleashed . (2011) . Strengthening English by improving the teaching of English . Retrieved from http://hornbillunleashed.wordpress.com/2011/08/27/22852/ . Jaafar Jantan . (2008) . Persidangan Meja Bulat 4 PPSMI . Retrieved from http://drjj.uitm.edu.my/DRJJ/ TOBIAS/DrJJ%20PPSMI%20article%20181008.pdf . Loh F.F . (n.d.) . Pakatan against option to teach Science and Maths in English (2011).Retrieved from http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/11/4/nation/20111104142247&sec=nation . Sim KY . (n.d.) . English for teaching Maths and Science ? (2009) . Retrieved from http://hornbillunleashed.wordpress.com/2009/07/01/2197/ . SM Yassin . (n.d.) . International CLIL Research Journal , Volume 1(3) 2010 , Article 4 . Retrieved from http://www.icrj.eu/13-744 . Star Publications(M) Bhd . (1995) . It is bahasa again but more emphasis will be placed on learning English (2009) . Retrieved from http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/7/9/nation/ 4286168&sec=nation . Star Publications (M) Bhd . (1995) . PPSMI benefits are proven in the statistics ( 2011 ) . Retrieved from http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/4/4/focus/8408780&sec=focus . Star Publications (M)Bhd . (1995) . Using English in schools will benefit all students (2012) . Retrieved from http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/2/2/focus/10659125&sec=focus . Tunku Munawirah Putra . (n.d.) . Knowledge is power and power is sucess (2012) . Retrieved from http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/3/18/focus/10933721&sec=focus . UAS Education Article Directory . (n.d.) . Benefits of learning English (2009) . Retrieved from http://www.uaseducation.com/articles/631/1/Benefits-of-Learning-English/Page1.html . 6