Math and Science in English: A failure

September 7th, 2008 at 22:31 · Filed Under Blogging, Critiques, Education, Politics

My recent post about our tertiary education has revealed a serious flaw in our education as a whole. I read in awe an article of the same title by Meeky-Meeky and really got very disappointed about the policy. As I commented in Meeky-Meeky’s post, our education system is very much driven and influenced by politics. Those ignorant fools who oppose to teach Math and Science in English are shallowed minded, short-sighted and politically retarded. It is imprudent to let politics to influence and chart the course of education.

If this continues, our country will be dumb-headed in a few generation to come. Our country is already losing competitiveness in so many areas. With the rise of China as a new economy in this region, the competition gets tougher. And soon, Vietnam will rise. What will be our future?

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6 Responses to “Math and Science in English: A failure”

尉迟书贤 on September 9th, 2008 11:36 1

It is very sad to see the political regression in your country while other neighboring countries are progressing rather well. It is the great stupidity of your politicians to draw education policy based on political and ethnics importance.

Crack the system and educate your children in a different direction. With your ability, I believe you can manage it. I wish you all the best in your current endeavor for a brighter future for your kids.

书贤
woody on September 9th, 2008 18:20 2

I posted in Meeky’s blog, actually one historical fact we need to remember, Mahathir was the education minister that changed it to Malay due to nationalism reason - in 1970s. Come 2000s, all the kids born around the time and grown up today to enter job market (20-30s) , many ended up poorly educated even with a degree. Sighting the problem, Mahathir tried to fix it around 2002. But a bit late.

Also, looking at the academic report and the folks that did it, I guessed most of the staffs involved in the studies are products of the post English-medium era (the 20-30s), even the report was fully written in Malay, only 1-2 pages were written in English, it even recommended outright must revert to Malay, so the impartiality of the content is bit questionable. Also, should let the English medium run until the student graduates and gauge the quality.

http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/PDF/Math-Science%20Report

A nice parallel during the time of the notorious Mao Tze Dong & Gang of 4 on Cultural Revolution. This one sounds like it, Mahathir did and ooops 30 years later.. lets go back to the original plan ….

-woody
Adrian Hoe on September 9th, 2008 20:04 3

I heard the news on the radio this afternoon that they would decide whether to continue to teach Math and Science in English or not based on this year UPSR result.

A very stupid decision because they never find out where lies the problem. This is very much a problem in the quality of teachers.

I look forward to 917 and hopefully DSAI will be able to make changes. Education should be his 1st priority.
estan on September 15th, 2008 16:27 4

I was Born intelligent,but education ruined me.
Adrian Hoe on September 27th, 2008 23:30 5

estan: It is still not too late to realize. I hoped you had realized why I put so much effort seeding projects to UTAR. I just wanted to find someone who had the super will power and diligence. Honestly speaking, I think you and Kim-Wooi have some qualities but perhaps both of you were too young or naive to see my intention a few years back. Furthermore, I did not blog at that time so you guys did not really catch me.

Let me know when you change your mind and want to further your study in U.S.
尉迟书贤 on September 29th, 2008 9:25 6

Nothing can ruin a person except the person himself. Do not blame the education and anyone including yourself. Now you have realized and perhaps it is time for you to reconsider your future. Have a chat with Adrian and see how he can help you.

书贤