We propose that the Education Minister Tan Sri Musa Mohamad announces the
yardsticks he uses to monitor the teaching of Mathematics and Science in
English in all schools, so that parents will not be confused by what is
meant by 'things are running smoothly.'
Press Statement
by Dr Tan Seng Giaw
(Kuala Lumpur,
Wednesday):
We agree that it is necessary to have more English lessons in schools.
Starting the subject at Primary One is logical. But, the teaching of Maths
and Science in English in Primary One is controversial. Has Brunei done this
earlier?
As the Education Ministry has an allocation of over RM 26 billion, it is
determined to spend big sums to prove that it is right in its policy. So,
teachers had been sent to Langkawi to have special instructions in the
teaching of Maths and Science in English. Whether or not these teachers
benefited from the stay in Langkawi, they claimed for the expenses and
allowance. Has there been wanton waste? Can they now teach the subjects in
English?
The Education Director-General has said that things are running smoothly
and that there are only minor hiccups including the theft of computer
equipment. What are the yardsticks for monitoring? How effective is
monitoring in over 8,000 schools in the country?
He says that the English Maths and Science courseware is developed by DEMC
Anzagain Sdn Bhd. Who supply the computers and workbooks?
Teachers push trolleys full of computers and courseware. These
look impressive. We don't know how useful they are to teachers and students.
While we like to think positive as suggested by Datuk Abdul Rafie Mahat, we
would like to know who supply the laptops. How long will these last or be
out of date? How are they maintained? Has the Ministry been successful in
training teachers to be maintenance workers?
Then, we turn to critical allowance for teachers who teach Maths, Science
and English for 20 periods a week. How is this determined? As there is no
critical allowance for other teachers, does it mean that they are not as
important?
(15/1/2003)
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Dr Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Vice-Chairman and MP for Kepong
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