KUCHING: The limited English proficiency among today’s young generation shows that something has gone seriously wrong with the Malaysian education system.
However, to put the blame solely on the government’s shoulders is unfair, said teacher Suwiti Abdul Ranee.
Suwitee, who teaches Science and English at SK St Mary’s Kuching, said teachers themselves must constantly reinvent themselves in order to give the best education to the young generation.
In June 2017, she attended the Honeywell Educators at Space Academy Programme for science teachers together with 14 other science teachers from Malaysia, completing classroom and laboratory instructions on science and space exploration as well as astronaut-style exercises in Alabama, United States.
“In my opinion, speaking good English is as important as understanding it. For language teachers like me, we can’t afford to make mistakes because students look up to their teachers as role models.
“When a teacher makes a mistake, it is imperative to admit this and make a correction, or we can just let the mistake slide.
“But to let it slide is never a good idea…in fact, it will be daunting because it takes so many years to amend. Therefore, the ‘gasak ajak’ (to wing it) should not be taken lightly,” she told New Sarawak Tribune yesterday.
She said because teachers shaped the young generation, the responsibility to ensure they were able to cope in learning English required more than just to serve but also the willingness.
“As we progress forward, students are required to be fluent in English, especially if they choose to venture into the Science and Mathematics fields in the future.
“Efforts should be made by teachers to improve themselves, particularly if they acknowledge that they are not proficient in English. Don’t just depend on the ministry,” she opined.
Realising the importance of having an innovative mindset and brushing up on skills, Suwiti said there was no other alternative to ensure that they remained relevant in today’s education climate.
“This needs one’s courage and willingness to put the extra tonnes of effort, work and sacrifice.
“After all, they will benefit, too, and on top of all, what matters most is the example that we show to our students,” she added.
Believing that poverty and dilapidated schools should not dampen teachers from giving their best, she said learning went beyond the walls of the classroom.
“I understand that we are facing a huge challenge (dilapidated schools) but let us use SK Ulu Lebai as an example.
“It has proven that it can be one of the best schools in Malaysia although the school lacks facilities and accessibility.
“Therefore, teachers must stimulate and provide a chance for students to convey their opinions and practise scientific reasoning through social context.
“Empowering students to be active and critical, teachers will create a better understanding of words that are spoken, written and read among students,” she said.
She also called upon all members of society to work together in building better education through collaborative action.
“Collaborative effort is inevitable. As teachers, we can’t blame the circumstances but instead improve ourselves. Make effort to self enhance so that we can deliver better for our students,” she reiterated.
