~Reflection on Educational Policies~

How Malaysian culture affects English Language on Educational Policies ??

First of all, I would like to thank my group members for the great commitment and cooperation throughout the process of preparing the PowerPoint slides on given topics. We were asked to discuss about how Malaysian culture affects English Language especially on factor educational issues. From this task, I could refresh back my previous knowledge about educational issues which I had learned during foundation, English Language Profiency (ELP).  Therefore, I could learn more and understand better in every aspect of the issues.

We did some further research on how Malaysian culture affects English language especially on the educational issues in Malaysia. Besides, we also met with Madam Ira and Mr Tan Lay Yen to get some information and rough ideas on the topic. From the brilliant information given by our lecturer, we analyse and compare to our research.

One of the issue is about Bahasa Malaysia as a medium of communication. Especially in primary schools, there were lack of the English language environment unless during English Day and English Week.  As for me, Bahasa Malaysia is still become a first language of communication and English is the second language in school.

As my part for this presentation, I was given the oppurtunity to discuss and express my point of view on issue “Examination Based Learning”. It is undeniable, examination is the major purpose for the student to study. No matter it is in short term preparation or long term preparation, the aim is still same which is for examination’s purpose only, not to apply indaily life. Due to the frequency test, teachers and pupils were pressured as the purpose of education has become “learning for the examination and not learning to be intelligent”. So, we as future teacher must sensitive with this situation and try to solve this kind of thinking culture.

Next issue which we had analyse is about PPSMI. I am really interested with the PPSMI programme which was introduced by our former Prime Minister, Tun Mahathir which aims to make sure that all students are able to proficient in English language. I found that PPSMI programme is actually a good medium for Malaysian students to master English better since it was taught in Science and Mathematics. I also do believe that the rural area students also can excel as urban students are. I think that the topology is not the main factor that should take as the main reason on why they abolished the programme. I also really impressed when I heard that the teachers in t hat school are willing to teach their students regardless of time and place. I am sure that not much of us willing to do so unless if we are really committed with our profession. Therefore, we must model these kind of teachers so that our future students will be able to achieve well in their academics as well in other aspects of life.

Let watch and understand this video.....=)

For MBMBMI’s issue, our ministry of education has introduced a new policy which is MBMMBI (To uphold Bahasa Malaysia and to strengthen the English language) which replaced the previous PPSMI programme. By doing so, I hope that all the future generation will be able to master the English language better and have a very high level of proficiency in English language. This programme needs a quality English teacher, they need to attend courses to enhance their professionalism and learn about the latest development in the areas of language and pedagogy. I think this programme is good because it helps student to do well in both languages, Bahasa Malaysia and English language.

During completing this task, my member’s group had give a great effort and strong co-operation. We still work and discuss together even though we had our own part to present the issues. The interesting part during the discussion session is we practice English language among us. This is to motivate myself to communicate confidently in English. Thus, this had helped me to improve to communicate. Meanwhile during slide show presentation, I am thankful to Madam Ira for her guide by correcting my mistake in grammars and pronunciation. In the same time, she also motivate  me to present my opinion. Besides, I have gained a lot of information about the topic of how Malaysian culture affects the English language in Malaysia from the others group’s presentation. I also have the opportunity to watch few interesting short clips that presented by the other group which contains many meaningful message. I also found that it is easier for me to understand the fact or examples if there are some short clips included.

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Hence, as a future English teacher, we must be alert and more aware with all the educational issues and try to support and take part especially in the programmes regarding to English subject. Therefore, from the onwards I will always update myself with latest news and new information. Even though we learn more in English, our official language, the status or importance of Bahasa Malaysia, has never been threatened. 

In conclusion, back to our main point of discussion, Malaysian culture does influence the profiency of English Language in several factors as we know English is becoming a necessity if our country would like to compete in all over the country.