By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 12: A monitoring committee will be formed to guide teachers in the teaching of Mathematics and Science in English for the first six months when the programme kicks off for Primary One on Jan 2 next year.
Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Datuk Seri Michael Manyin Jawong revealed that the aim of the committee was to detect any problem as quickly as possible so that remedial action can be taken early.
The committee will comprise non-governmental organisations (NGOs), Teachers Education Institutes (IPGs) and universities.
“We need input from these people as they monitor the teaching for at least the next six months. If need be, it can be stretched into the whole year,” he told a press conference in the Media Room at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex today.
Manyin reiterated that this was a major challlenge for the Ministry and Sarawak but “we cannot fail”.
“I have told the Chief Minister (Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg) that we will rise to the challenge,” he said.
With the support of and close collaboration with the federal Ministry of Education (MoE), he emphasised that 2,853 teachers have been trained to prepare them to teach Maths and Science in English.
“But when you say ready, we are also very worried as the teachers have been teaching Maths and Science using Bahasa Malaysia (BM) for donkey years. So it is not easy just to switch over to English,” he said.
“But the training has been completed and the texbooks and workbooks are ready,” he added.
In his winding-up speech, Manyin informed the august House that the materials will be distributed to all schools by the end of November.
“In addition, we are also producing videos of experienced teachers teaching Science and Maths in English and these videos will be distributed to all schools as supplementary resources.
“In addition, the ministry is also providing resource materials in English to assist the teachers,” he said.
On the cost to prepare this year for the implementation of this programme, he added that RM11 million will be entirely borne by the state government.
“A larger allocation will be needed to run the programme starting 2020. We hope that MoE will provide sufficient allocation for the implementation of this programme in 2021 and threafter,” he added.
Manyin also urged all Sarawakians, especially members from both sides of this august House, to provide solid support for this major initiative for the sake of the Sarawakian children’s future. — DayakDaily
