KUCHING: It is ironic when English proficiency is our goal but teachers of Science and Maths are allowed to use Sarawak English or ‘Saralish’.
A rural school teacher, when contacted yesterday, said “gasak ajak” would be tantamount to encouraging students and teachers to be like Phua Chu Kang, a famous character in a Singaporean sitcom that was once popular on Malaysian television. Phua spoke Singlish (Singaporean English).
This scenario reflects badly on our education system which has been caught unprepared and not very capable.
The teacher, who demanded anonymity for fear of “repercussions”, said the use of English as the medium of instruction for primary school Science and Maths should be properly articulated and discussed, not just by the government but also schools and parents who are directly affected by the policy.
“Are the schools prepared? How about the parents? What are their roles to help their children? Could they help the schools and teachers indirectly?” he said.
The teacher explained it was hard for remote schools as they have shortage of teachers in general. Never mind Maths and Science teachers.
“We are burdened with so many problems that have yet to be solved. The shortage of teachers is still unsolved and now within a few months, we have to use English to teach Maths and Science. The period given is too short for schools in rural areas to prepare,” he lamented.
What makes him worry more is the period and impact following the implementation of the policy. He fears that there would be a great disparity between rural and urban schools.
“Rural students are unlike those in urban areas. Generally they have many disadvantages. Statistics compiled using Malaysia-wide UPSR data has shown that Sarawak pupils were among those at the bottom. Many rural schools in Sarawak are dilapidated and lack facilities.”
Notwithstanding his lamentations, he said it was undeniable that teachers and students must be proficient in English.
