PETALING JAYA: Concerted efforts must be undertaken to raise the level of English in schools, instead of just stressing that the standard has declined, said G25 coordinator Datuk Noor Farida Ariffin. "We should try our best to raise the proficiency level in this country, perhaps to an even higher level than during the preindependence period. "Although it is noted that it is not possible to get everyone to the same level, there must be some realistic multilevel programmes available where schools can choose the level suitable for their students," she said in a statement issued recently. She added that improving proficiency in the language only through the English language subject in the school curriculum is insufficient. "Hence, we strongly feel that it is time to reconsider bringing back the idea of teaching the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects in English. "If we do not take this bold step now, we may be lagging behind countries like Japan which is only now showing an interest in mastering the language," she said. She then pointed out that special attention should also be given to training English language teachers. "A massive retraining programme should be put in place," she said.
Link to original article in The Sun Daily