English proficiency a key tool for teachers

LETTERS: The Dual Language Programme being implemented in some schools, is in my opinion, an innovative and apt one.

It gives the students a choice in medium of instruction for the Science and Mathematics subjects.

I myself had been directly involved in this programme, whereby I taught Chemistry in English for two classes that signed up for it.

There are certain schools, especially in town, where many students converse in English. As such, if the school has teachers who are proficient in English, it is a win-win situation.

The weaker classes can be taught in Bahasa Malaysia according to their preference. I personally prefer that these students be taught bilingually by intermixing both English and Bahasa Malaysia.

Maybe a concept can be first explained in Bahasa Malaysia, and then repeated in English. By doing so, the students will at least get to learn the subject in English too.

They won't be left far behind in the English aspect of the subject matter.

The onus is on the teachers to master the English language for the good of the students.

The more teachers there are who are competent in the English language, the greater is the benefit for the students of the school.

Of course, we don't expect them to speak Queen's English. What is important is for them to possess communicative skills to enable them to impart knowledge to the students. That is paramount.

When I was an administrator in school, a few teachers would always talk to me in English.

I would praise them for their initiative and attitude, as they were aware that only through constant usage of the language whilst conversing, will they improve their fluency of speech. Practice makes perfect.

To cap it off, as teachers and as educationists, the interest of the students comes first and foremost.

Teachers have to improve their communicative skills in English for the betterment of their students, and in the long run, their students' future.

THIAGARAJAN MATHIAPARANAM

Klang, Selangor

The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times