Teaching Science & Maths in English Study: Little difference seen

By: Regina Lee

KUALA LUMPUR: There is little difference in the performance of students whether they learn Maths and Science in English or Bahasa Malaysia, according to the preliminary findings of an on-going study.

The first of the two-part study, commissioned by the Education Ministry, is expected to be completed this month and the final part by the end of the year.

The ministry will evaluate the pros and cons of using English or Bahasa Malaysia for teaching the two subjects in primary schools based on this study by various parties, including universities.

"The ministry will work with various agencies and departments to study what is best for students at the UPSR level," Deputy Education Minister Datuk Razali Ismail said yesterday.

He said the findings of the study would then be used by the ministry to decide whether to revert to teaching the two subjects in Bahasa Malaysia by the end of this year.
"So far, there have been very few complaints by parents in the urban areas and they are quite supportive of the English language.

"But we may have some problems with those in the rural areas," he said, adding that the government had been trying to bridge the gap.

Commenting on the call by the Umno Youth secretariat for History to be included in the primary school curriculum, Razali said this was not necessary.

The New Straits Times Online: 6 Jun 2008