Syllabus used to teach English in schools 'oudated'
Malaysian English Language Teaching Association (Melta) president Associate Professor Dr Ganakumaran Subramaniam said the current syllabus used to teach English in schools was outdated.
"We are still using the same traditional method that had been in use since I was in school.
"Students are told to complete exercise after exercise without really learning how to use the language in a real-life situation.
"It is clear children learn better when lessons are made interesting and relatable, but that is simply not the case with how we are teaching English," he said at the launch of National Literacies Day 2011.
As for changes that could be made to the syllabus, he suggested that the language could be picked up more quickly if the immersion concept was used, in which students were placed in an environment where they could communicate only in English.
Ganakumaran said the Education Ministry should develop a system to improve English skills not only among students, but also among teachers as well.
"Proficiency in English should be made an important part of their training, besides a critical factor in the assessment of their competency."
He also said Melta was more than happy to offer their input should the Education Ministry decide to restructure the syllabus.
"Teachers often speak to us about the challenges they face on the job, so we would serve as a good channel between teachers and the ministry to convey what is happening on the ground level."
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