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Don’t Teach English Subjects In Malay
By Za'im Zaini & James Kon

Bandar Seri Begawan - Teachers have been reminded to teach students in the language of the subject that is being taught.

Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Hj Abdul Rahman, Minister of Education, in his speech at the 2007 Teachers' InductionProgramme at the Chancellor's Hall of Universiti Brunei Darussalam yesterday, said he had noticed teachers teaching English subjects in Malay language during his working visits to several schools.

The minister appreciated the good intention of the teachers in ensuring that the students understood what was being taught, but added that teachers should be aware that students are required to answer English-based subjects in English language in examinations.

The good intention of the teachers will only have a negative effect on the students in the end, the minister said.

"We need to remember that good command of the languages in respective subjects is also part of the criteria for students in pursuing higher studies," he

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said.

On the Ministry of Education's commitment in generating better career paths for teachers, he said, "The ministry is currently creating `structured career tracks' that are more organised and outline the choice of career paths up to a high level for potential teachers."

The minister, who also spoke on the ministry's continuous efforts in seeking ways to improve the structure, strategy and resources that can generate positive contribution to the development and progress of teachers, said, "Among the efforts are: strengthening the continuous involvement of the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Education and Universiti Brunei Darussalam in all aspects of education and training of teachers.

"A board called the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Education Advisory Board has been established that will provide the focus towards improving the quality of teachers' training and professional development programme.

"The ministry has established the Human Resources Development Department that is responsible in the outlining of training programmes of teaching personnel that are more organised and according to the current needs," he said.

"We hope the teachers will make use of the knowledge that they gain, unlike what I found during my working visits to schools. We need to be mindful that the command of knowledge in a subject in the given medium is a requirement that needs to be attained by students to enable them to continue their studies at a higher level," Pehin Rahman said.

Teachers' transition process from the level of training to teaching is viewed seriously by the ministry, said the minister. "Studies show that new teachers need support from various parties that can understand and assist them in conducting the task assigned to them," said Pehin Rahman, adding the aspect of caring at all levels is an important factor in the successful process of transition of new teachers.

The development of the nation is largely dependent on the commitment of teachers that are at the forefront in shaping the human resources that the country needs, the minister said. Some 453 participants attended the induction programme, which will end today. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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