Teaching of science and mathematics in English
BY NUR SHAZREENA ALI & SARAH HAFIZAH CHANDRA
KUCHING: Over 2500 primary school teachers in the state are expected to undergo training for the teaching of science and mathematics in English latest by the end of this year.
Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Datuk Seri Michael Manyin Jawong said between RM7 and RM9 million was needed for the implementation of the training programme.
“Our ministry is waiting for the final budget from the Teacher Education Institute (IGF) before presenting it to our chief minister for approval, “he told reporters at a press conference after officiating at the closing of the State-Level National Science Week 2020 at Chemsain Building at Green Road on Wednesday (Sept 30).
Highlighting the lack of well-trained teachers for science and mathematics in English in rural schools, Manyin said this was one of the causes of the state’s poor performance in public examinations in the country.
“Our teachers were not trained to teach English, mathematics and science but they are teaching these subjects in schools.
“So, we cannot blame the teachers or the schools. We have to blame the system,” he said.
Manyin added that the high rates of the teacher turnover in rural school had also contributed to the unequal distribution of the well-trained teachers in the state.
“Only 651 teachers are recruited to teach maths and science in rural schools,” he said.
