ARTICLE REVIEW;

MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE IN ENGLISH IN MALAYSIAN SCHOOL EDUCATION

This article is about the positive side of PPSMI especially to the students. It is said that many

advantages of using English in science and mathematics which can improve students’ capacity

in English Language. In the era of globalisation, Malaysians must be fluent in English, science

literate, and mathematically competent. In other words, have a good command of English,

students are able to transfer the information with expertise in that language and this capacity will

expose students to the competency to compete in the era of globalization. English as medium of

communication also being emphasize in this article because of its benefit for long-term and

future usage. It also enhances the quality of English proficiency of the students consequently

escalate the quality of our education globally. Living in this world where information from the

internet are all in English strengthen the issue of learning English and have a great command of

English. The surging of the economy towards the border where the population of Malaysia

needs to speak English especially in science and mathematics is crucial for economic growth as

well as to thrive our country based on its own model. Through PPSMI, the students are giving

the chance to have equal ability to communicate in two languages. However, PPSMI also have

some weaknesses. This issue is compounded by the problem of teachers having a weak

English command that cause teaching and learning of Science and Mathematics become more

complicated. They supposed to have a strong pedagogic competency as students' learning will

still be affected regardless of the medium of instruction. Teachers are under pressure and

dissatisfied with their own teaching. It is said that, more experience or qualified teachers should

be appointed.

SPEAKER’S NOTES

-To improve students' capacity in English language. The source of input will not only from

English class but also from other subjects.

- Students will have a good command of English, because they are able to transfer the

information with expertise in that language and this capacity will expose students to the

competency to compete in the era of globalization.

- Student familiar to use English when they further their study abroad because at the

international level, English is used as a medium of communication with other people.

- English exploration time not only restricted within a week in English subject only yet it will be in

science and math subjects as well. It will be a good platform for the students to explore English

language in other structures and terms. Related to the next point.

- Acquire the students with important technical knowledge. This knowledge will assist student to

obtain necessary skills that will turn them into a professional career such as doctor, engineers,

architects, industrial designers and so on.

- One of the disadvantages of PPSMI is that, it causing confusion to the student caused by the

teachers who are having a weak English command. The teacher will having difficulties to give

instruction and the pupils will probably get confuse easily.

- Learning of Science and Mathematics become more complicated for the students where they

need to translate the instruction in order to understand it. Consequently, the students will be

facing a lot of thing to do not only dealing with mathematics calculation but also need to focus

on the language involved.