ETeMS programme???

I think it is not too late for me to discuss about this matter because I have done some research about it. That is why I really want to share my findings to everyone.

What is ETeMS programme? It is English for teaching Mathematics and Science programme. This programme ha been introduced in 2003. For more information about this programme, you can visit this link:

http://www.tutor.com.my/tutor/bpg/index.htm

Actually this programme has been introduced in order to improve English among students and teachers in our education field. However, if there any progress from this programme or it is just make decrease pupils’ performance? In my opinion, this programme is very good because we will improve our education standard parallel with the needs of the job market nowadays.

I have done some interviews regarding this matter in one school. According to the teachers in the school, this programme is not quite success because of the weaknesses in the English performance. The main reason is because the Mathematics and Science teachers are not enough proficient with English language. However, the teachers have done their best in order to achieve the objective of this programme. They have put many effort to make it success such as involve in buddy-support system. Although the performance is not quite satisfied, but in my opinion, this is a good start to improve our English standard. Gives more times to the teachers and I am sure they will succeed to do it.

Are we going to continue in English or revert to Bahasa Malaysia? (Refer to the article in The Star dated 24 August 2008). This is the main question that has been reported regarding the weak achievement in the Mathematics and Science subject. After reading the article, I agree that we should continue to teach in English. The main reason is because this programme has been for 5 years. There is so much precious time, effort and money had been sacrifice in ensuring this programme succeeds. So we need to continue to teach in English.
Overall, this ETeMs programme is very benefit to the pupils because in can improve their English language proficiency. But, as a teacher, we must improve our level of English competency to the highest level. I myself still working on it, and I hope that I will success in being a good teacher in future.