PPSMI for mastering Math and Science not English, says Dr M
KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad continued today to defend PPSMI, saying it was introduced to help students master the subjects of mathematics and science and not as a means to improve their English language skills.
The former prime minister, who was responsible for introducing the policy in 2003, pointed out all developments in the fields of science and maths over the centuries have been documented in books using the English language.
“I have been trying repeatedly to explain that using English to teach science and mathematics (PPSMI) is not for the purpose of learning English or to improve its use. The purpose is to master science and mathematics,” he wrote in a blog posting today.
2.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PPSMI
Objective
According to the statement regarding PPSMI in the Ministry of Education's website:[2]:
The rationale for the decision to change the medium of instruction from the Malay Language to English for the teaching and learning of Science and Mathematics subjects was made based on the government’s concern on the nation’s human capital development towards achieving the standard of a developed country, as well as an early preparation to compete in the era of globalization.
It is widely known that the field of science and mathematics form the basis and have a crucial role in the progress and development of a country. Various innovations and discoveries in these two fields happen rapidly and information access is mostly in the English language.
English language is also the language spoken internationally and mastery in this language would allow easy access to information in these fields.
In conclusion, the policy decision to implement PPSMI was made to ensure students’ mastery in science and mathematics in view of the fact that most of the sources are available in the English language. Indirectly, it is also hoped that the implementation of PPSMI would contribute to the enhancing of students’ command of the language.
When proposing the policy, Tun Dr. Mahathir was in the opinion that Malaysia's progress is declining in the age of globalization, and he had hoped that this policy gives a competitive edge to the nation, following the footsteps of Singapore and India which are moving forward because of their utilization of the English language.
3.
Dari esei, “Berakhirnya Sakti Melayu” oleh Shaharir bin Mohamad Zain, mantan Presiden Akademi Sains Islam Malaysia, ASASI dalam Kongres Bahasa dan Persuratan Melayu I- VI (1952 – 2002), penyusun Prof Emeritus Dr. Abdullah Hassan, Persatuan Penterjemah Malaysia, 2007, kita temui perenggan berikut:
“ SEBAB SEBENAR PENGINGGERISAN PENDIDIKAN
Setelah meneliti kedudukan bahasa Melayu dan bahasa Inggeris kita sekarang maka ada tiga sebab sahaja orang Melayu UMNO bersetuju dengan pengInggerisan sains dan matematik sekolah. Semuanya tidak berteraskan ilmiah dan rasionlisme.
Pertama kerana gagasan itu datang daripada ketuanya (manifestasi kefeudalan Melayu UMNO)
Kedua, nilai keindividuan, keelitisan dan kesuku-sakatan menjadi hakim pendiriannya, iaitu sesuatu yang tidak menjejaskan diri atau suku-sakatnya apatah lagi yang memberikan advantej kepadanya atau suku-sakatnya tidaklah salah malah patut dilakukan.
Ketiga, kecintaannya kepada bahasa Inggeris mengatasi segala-galanya. Tidak hairan kata orang Kelantan, “katalah gajah-rimau pun, UMNO akan meneruskan juga dengan dasar pengInggerisan sains dan matematik ini”, melainkan persamaan politik UMNO berubah suatu masa nanti dalam masa yang terdekat ini.”
4.
“SHIT”: Sasterawan Negara, Shahnon Ahmad.
Ya, benar ─ itu baru SHIT.
Sesungguhnya, itu bukanlah SHIT baru.
No comments:
Post a Comment