Still on PPSMI (Maths and Science in English)..

Yesterday's paper indicated that the teaching of Maths and Science in English is likely to undergo some changes, no one is sure what yet, it seems but change is afoot. After 5 round table sessions, still no decision.

So what exactly is good for our kids and country in the long run? Everyone seems to agree on one thing though, that the English proficiency level needs to be raised. But we can't seem to agree on how to go about it. Everyone has their own vested interest to protect even in this matter.

My parents were Chinese educated, as were many of my friends'. But their generation was a generation willing to embrace a change in the sense that many sent their children to former English schools (read that as national schools). Why, one might ask? It had to do more with their belief that mastery in English would be good for their children, and I think in many ways they were quite right, even 20 over years ago. If not for ultra Malay nationalistic feelings, I think Chinese schools would have gone the way of Tamil Schools. During my time, the popularity of Chinese schools was waning.... but as our political landscape changed with more racial undertones and erosion of other races' rights', the Chinese also became more worried and even 'bananas' like us switched back to Chinese schools.

I'm technically a product of the 'national' schools...but I'm a product of a time where the values of the mission schools were still intact. I think school prepared me well for life. My school was a good place to grow up. Had great role models who passed on good values. But today, despite being a product of 'national' schools, I have very little faith in it. Hence, my children go to Chinese schools.... that despite the misgivings that we have.

It was a healthy school environment that we grew up in. Values were taught and upheld... that was it. Right was right and wrong was just that - wrong. These days....wrong and right...they're all mixed up. Then we give excuses for wrong behaviour and make them right. Sheesh!!!

Yesterday's environment and today's is different. There's more suspicion now. The Chinese, especially are quite wary of the gahmen's intention. NEP, ketuanan Melayu, the quota system, the meritocracy system which doesn't quite reflect merit.... all but put a dampener to racial relations. And the result....sub-standard graduates at all levels.

The Dong Zong has been reminding us of studies by experts and UNESCO of the role of mother tongue in a child's learning experience. The MCA is also mindful of the fear that Chinese schools will lose their identity and autonomy... if Maths and Science are eventually taught in English, then there will only be left Chinese Language and one or two other subjects taught in Chinese. What of the teachers???

It is no secret that Chinese schools have been able to produce good results and to a certain extent good discipline in her students. Once upon a time, this feat was matched and bettered by the mission schools. Talk about Convent, ACS, VI, St John, Free School and the idea of quality comes quite naturally. I think the reason is clear for all to see....it's the teachers with convictions who made all the difference. Today, teachers in Chinese schools are still a dedicated lot. They actually still carry out their core duty....that is to teach. National schools are too busy with keceriaan, filing, curtains.... whatever that makes the school looks good on the outside. Never mind if it's rot down under.

The education system is too politicized. Schools have become places of propaganda to a certain extent. Our schools don't exactly create a Malaysian identity. It creates identity along racial lines. Our principles of justice are too skewed. We try to right wrong practices by giving it our own brand of excuses. For years, we have been lowering our standards for teacher intake....it is common to find English teachers who have been teaching for over a decade still mulling over tenses, or Economics teachers not having a good grasp of their subject matter, or even Additional Mathematics teachers who cannot solve problems put forward to them. And we seem to have more teachers who are sitting around at schools not making much difference. Teachers these days just don't command the kind of respect the teachers of old did.

So, we lament about the quality of our students and graduates. But in reality, should it be a surprise? How can we inspire our students with teachers who themselves are not inspired? How can we promote lifelong learning if teachers themselves don't even bother upgrading themselves and continue to languish only in the knowledge of yesteryears? Our English is in shambles.... is it any surprise? It's not just English...it cuts across all disciplines.

It's difficult to think of something that Malaysia has come up with that is earth shaking in the fields of science and technology or any other fields... there are but it takes great effort just to think of it.....that despite so many Malaysians making a big name for other countries in various disciplines. Many Malaysian students top their exams in foreign countries.... Incidentally, this year's Year 12 top student in Australia is a Malaysian. He scored a 99.75 and can choose to do any course he wants. By right we should making waves in the world. World class education system??? Bah humbug! Everyone can argue till the cows come home (or don't come home) and change will continue at snail pace cos we are not doing it right....fairness, justice....just to name a few.

PPSMI is good for the next gen...that or make a pass compulsory in English. Our people need to master English. Period.

The Minister of Edu says a decision in the best interest of the stakeholders will be made. Will they? Hard to imagine when they are watching out for their power base more than anything..... meanwhile another imbroglio is unfolding on the health front....IJN Privatisation. Bad times looming, health is a sure money maker..... but the gahmen also says, the best interests of the people will be foremost on their minds.... Yah meh?? Read Utopia... A few good men (and women) are what we need now to set things in order again...