i'm a bit skeptical on this implementation.
if government really wanna improve the standard of english among malaysian students, math & science are not the subjects. this is more like jump to an easiest option. Well, the way I see it, the government is all about science and technology. And yeah, a lot of malaysian students suck in english including me of course LOL. So, why don't we make them take science and math in English. Isn't that a great idea?
Personally, i don't think those science and math teachers could care less about punctuation, subject-verb agreement, paragraphing, and other grammar related issue. Having math and Science in English is not pointless, just that it might improve a bit our level of english; i wouldn't even say proficiency. I see no logic how using english as a teaching method for math and science can improve our proficiency in english.
More appropriate subject to implement english would be those subject which requires short essays (i.e Geography, History, Moral and Agama). At least for these subjects, we can see how well a student can write. Also, I think it would be beneficial if the student would have to study more english literature. I remember back in my days, I only have to learn some poetry and read "the pearl." I don't think that's enough.
We should at least have more than 5 novels ranging from Old English (Shakespeare), New Classic English (Oscar Wilde, Virginia Woolf, Bronte's Sister, Fitzgerald, etc), and Contemporary English (Maxine Kingston Hong). I don't know if I have my classification right, but someone should get my point. That goes for poetry too. Also, I think class discussion is important. Instead of just teaching the class so everyone can get an A for SPM, the teacher can try having a discussion where the students have to think critically, beyond what is said in the reference book.
I think teaching maths and science in English is implemented more because we want to prepare the students for their future than to improve their language. We all know the main language used in most universities is English.
I think it is only an excuse for our government to state that by changing into English for both subjects it would boast the standard of English in Malaysia. In fact, it was our government that first changed the language from English to Malay some decades ago, in attempt to place Malay on greater importance. They had made a mistake and now they realized it. But it was not until our previous PM, who daringly declare this gigantic move before stepping down, that their wrong was corrected.
Should the previous policy be continued, we would not have much problem with English proficiency among Malaysians. In a word, half of our generation was deprived of the right teaching way for both subjects.
Also, improving our standard of English is not about incorperating literature components into our English paper. It is altogether too confusing as Literature should be one standing subject itself. By forcing our students to read through this way, they will lose their interest as they will have very limited knowledge about literature. But, still, they are expected to memorize (not understand) what 'metaphor' and 'simile' are because they "will earn you a mark or two in exam". Sorry to digress, but that is what I think about this.
Teaching maths and science in English should be a move lauded by all. Let us hope that our government won't change their mind again this time. In the meantime, the declining standard of English among Malaysians should be addressed with other different approach, not merely by changing the language or forcing the students to read.
To quote Sydney J Harris, "The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows". Exactly, education is all about churning students who has the initiative to soar high with his own wings, not taking a jumbo jet straight to the sky. Science should be learned through discovery, experience and a genuine interest in it. I admit that despite the lack of excitement, I still love science although a serious revamp of the syllabus is needed to produce more Newtons and Edisons in Malaysia.
