Comments on: Maths and Science in the Mother tongue – A mother’s perspective http://mumsgather.com/2009/07/09/maths-and-science-in-the-mother-tongue-a-mothers-perspective/ My very own mini, personalised, parenting resource. A cyber filing cabinet of parenting articles and links. I love sharing my children's favourite sites, online games, crafts and exchanging childcare stories and parenting issues faced with other parents. Fri, 18 May 2012 16:32:47 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Daddy Parenting Tips http://mumsgather.com/2009/07/09/maths-and-science-in-the-mother-tongue-a-mothers-perspective/#comment-472162 Daddy Parenting Tips Sat, 18 Jul 2009 08:44:44 +0000 http://mumsgather.com/?p=1027#comment-472162 My daughter is less than 2 years old and she can understand both English and Japanese, and later will introduce Malay, Mandarin and Cantonese. http://daddyparentingtips.blogspot.com/2009/07/tip-161-reading-in-both-languages.html I can't see why we cannot take 1 step forward to integrate the BM textbooks few years back with the current English science and maths text books. Its a lot of effort, but why move backward instead of forward. We can allow students to use either English or BM to answer in the exams as long as the maths and science principles are correct. Some good will surely come out of the dialectics at work between both languages instead of choosing either one. We need new advancements. We need Malaysia Boleh. Not some power struggle between languages. When will Malaysia advance and not hold on to race and language as stumbling blocks but embrace our differences as advantages? <strong>Totally agree with you. Bilingual is the way forward.</strong> My daughter is less than 2 years old and she can understand both English and Japanese, and later will introduce Malay, Mandarin and Cantonese.

http://daddyparentingtips.blogspot.com/2009/07/tip-161-reading-in-both-languages.html

I can’t see why we cannot take 1 step forward to integrate the BM textbooks few years back with the current English science and maths text books. Its a lot of effort, but why move backward instead of forward. We can allow students to use either English or BM to answer in the exams as long as the maths and science principles are correct.

Some good will surely come out of the dialectics at work between both languages instead of choosing either one. We need new advancements. We need Malaysia Boleh. Not some power struggle between languages.

When will Malaysia advance and not hold on to race and language as stumbling blocks but embrace our differences as advantages?

Totally agree with you. Bilingual is the way forward.

]]> By: Daddy Parenting Tips http://mumsgather.com/2009/07/09/maths-and-science-in-the-mother-tongue-a-mothers-perspective/#comment-470606 Daddy Parenting Tips Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:36:53 +0000 http://mumsgather.com/?p=1027#comment-470606 My daughter is less than 2 years old and she can understand both English and Japanese, and later will introduce Malay, Mandarin and Cantonese. http://daddyparentingtips.blogspot.com/2009/07/tip-161-reading-in-both-languages.html I can't see why we cannot take 1 step forward to integrate the BM textbooks few years back with the current English science and maths text books. Its a lot of effort, but why move backward instead of forward. We can allow students to use either English or BM to answer in the exams as long as the maths and science principles are correct. Some good will surely come out of the dialectics at work between both languages instead of choosing either one. We need new advancements. We need Malaysia Boleh. Not some power struggle between languages. When will Malaysia advance and not hold on to race and language as stumbling blocks but embrace our differences as advantages? <strong>Yes, having bilingual books and exam papers is the way to go!</strong> My daughter is less than 2 years old and she can understand both English and Japanese, and later will introduce Malay, Mandarin and Cantonese.

http://daddyparentingtips.blogspot.com/2009/07/tip-161-reading-in-both-languages.html

I can’t see why we cannot take 1 step forward to integrate the BM textbooks few years back with the current English science and maths text books. Its a lot of effort, but why move backward instead of forward. We can allow students to use either English or BM to answer in the exams as long as the maths and science principles are correct.

Some good will surely come out of the dialectics at work between both languages instead of choosing either one. We need new advancements. We need Malaysia Boleh. Not some power struggle between languages.

When will Malaysia advance and not hold on to race and language as stumbling blocks but embrace our differences as advantages?

Yes, having bilingual books and exam papers is the way to go!

]]> By: KittyCat http://mumsgather.com/2009/07/09/maths-and-science-in-the-mother-tongue-a-mothers-perspective/#comment-469917 KittyCat Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:41:19 +0000 http://mumsgather.com/?p=1027#comment-469917 I think it's better for the kids to learn Maths (not sure about Science) in Chinese because the Chinese have an ingenius way of teaching Math! Seriously, each time I see the teachers in action here in China, the heavier my heart feels about having to go back to Malaysia. I really hope I can find a good Chinese medium kindergarten back home so he can continue with the progress he's making in Chinese... I agree with you too that international schools are not the answer. A different bunch of problems there too! But most parents are just happy if their kids pick up an American or British accent. Wanna know what an English teacher thinks about the reversal? Just hop on to my book reviews blog :-) <strong>I don't think you'll have a problem with that. More and more parents are turning to Chinese school these days, so you'll have no problem picking a kindy that prepares your child for it. In my girl's school, there is a special class just for the non-chinese to make it easier for them to catch up and go for their own religious classes etc.</strong> I think it’s better for the kids to learn Maths (not sure about Science) in Chinese because the Chinese have an ingenius way of teaching Math!

Seriously, each time I see the teachers in action here in China, the heavier my heart feels about having to go back to Malaysia. I really hope I can find a good Chinese medium kindergarten back home so he can continue with the progress he’s making in Chinese…

I agree with you too that international schools are not the answer. A different bunch of problems there too! But most parents are just happy if their kids pick up an American or British accent.

Wanna know what an English teacher thinks about the reversal? Just hop on to my book reviews blog :-)

I don’t think you’ll have a problem with that. More and more parents are turning to Chinese school these days, so you’ll have no problem picking a kindy that prepares your child for it. In my girl’s school, there is a special class just for the non-chinese to make it easier for them to catch up and go for their own religious classes etc.

]]> By: Moomykin http://mumsgather.com/2009/07/09/maths-and-science-in-the-mother-tongue-a-mothers-perspective/#comment-469544 Moomykin Mon, 13 Jul 2009 18:38:31 +0000 http://mumsgather.com/?p=1027#comment-469544 For myself, the most annoying fact remains that our education system is forever on an experimental stage - change of syllabus, method of evaluation, language for math and science. Yes, at the end it's the kids who suffer. The people in the ministry may have many good ideas, excellent ideas even, but it cannot be implemented because they have first Failed in acquiring Good Teachers who are interested in teaching regardless of what the orders from the top may be. If the teachers cannot see the bright spark in a new method/change in syllabus, they are already telling the students that it's stupid (I only use this word among adults), hence the students will already have the pre-conceived notion to not bother to learn. ... Sorry to rant, but it's this pont that usually drives me crazy about our schools... and my boys are not even there yet. *sigh* <strong>Wait till your boys are in, you'll rant even more.</strong> For myself, the most annoying fact remains that our education system is forever on an experimental stage – change of syllabus, method of evaluation, language for math and science. Yes, at the end it’s the kids who suffer.

The people in the ministry may have many good ideas, excellent ideas even, but it cannot be implemented because they have first Failed in acquiring Good Teachers who are interested in teaching regardless of what the orders from the top may be. If the teachers cannot see the bright spark in a new method/change in syllabus, they are already telling the students that it’s stupid (I only use this word among adults), hence the students will already have the pre-conceived notion to not bother to learn.
…

Sorry to rant, but it’s this pont that usually drives me crazy about our schools… and my boys are not even there yet.
*sigh*

Wait till your boys are in, you’ll rant even more.

]]> By: daddykhong http://mumsgather.com/2009/07/09/maths-and-science-in-the-mother-tongue-a-mothers-perspective/#comment-469366 daddykhong Mon, 13 Jul 2009 09:49:42 +0000 http://mumsgather.com/?p=1027#comment-469366 You know what the biggest worry should be? The almost certain fact that this ding-dong will continue for many years to come. I can foresee another big announcement after a couple of years. It is this uncertainty that is driving everyone up the wall. <strong>Yes, its the uncertainty. You nailed it.</strong> You know what the biggest worry should be? The almost certain fact that this ding-dong will continue for many years to come. I can foresee another big announcement after a couple of years.

It is this uncertainty that is driving everyone up the wall.

Yes, its the uncertainty. You nailed it.

]]> By: Annie http://mumsgather.com/2009/07/09/maths-and-science-in-the-mother-tongue-a-mothers-perspective/#comment-467749 Annie Fri, 10 Jul 2009 03:57:10 +0000 http://mumsgather.com/?p=1027#comment-467749 Like you, I preferred the subjects be taught in English. But am glad that, my girl does not have to study them in two languages, like u said, waste time & lose focus. With this decision, less books to carry - did i mention before that my girl fell in school because her bag was too heavy. But again, it will only start in 2012... I hope they start right away. I think it hit the hardest on National School. For Chinese school, the consolation is less burden. Though i voted ENGLISH, being in Chinese school, i prefer they study the subjects in Mandarin. I am of the opinion that it will help them to master the language in totality. This is the only point I differ from you. But I’ll have problem coaching them these subjects at home later, like you. I voted English for secondary level. So, it’s a mixture of SAD & HAPPY for me. I oso of the opinion that learning attitude & teaching attitude is the most important – language secondary. <strong>Yeah, if they must do it this way, then why not start right away?</strong> Like you, I preferred the subjects be taught in English. But am glad that, my girl does not have to study them in two languages, like u said, waste time & lose focus. With this decision, less books to carry – did i mention before that my girl fell in school because her bag was too heavy. But again, it will only start in 2012… I hope they start right away.

I think it hit the hardest on National School. For Chinese school, the consolation is less burden.

Though i voted ENGLISH, being in Chinese school, i prefer they study the subjects in Mandarin. I am of the opinion that it will help them to master the language in totality. This is the only point I differ from you. But I’ll have problem coaching them these subjects at home later, like you. I voted English for secondary level.

So, it’s a mixture of SAD & HAPPY for me.

I oso of the opinion that learning attitude & teaching attitude is the most important – language secondary.

Yeah, if they must do it this way, then why not start right away?

]]> By: Ann http://mumsgather.com/2009/07/09/maths-and-science-in-the-mother-tongue-a-mothers-perspective/#comment-467565 Ann Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:03:31 +0000 http://mumsgather.com/?p=1027#comment-467565 Like you, I am neutral. Maybe becuase I grew up learning Science and Maths in BM anyway and it didn't stop me from continuing to read Science books in English. I think it is encouragement from parents and the extent the love to read and find out information. But then.....this proves our G is a bit pathetic....hahaha....and proves that cannot do it, as usual they will find the easy way out. PM says to introduce Eng Lit to improve English...I think if you teach Science and Maths in English, that does not really improve Eng at all. MOre so that assimiliation into foreign colleges will be easier since they will already be familiar with all the scientific terms in English. And Eng Lit is really NOT for everyone. You have to LOVE it to really enjoy it and really pick up mastery of English from it. Well....you did say shoot! I didn't know I had so much to say! <strong>Eng Lit is not the way. It is a totally different ballgame altogether.</strong> Like you, I am neutral. Maybe becuase I grew up learning Science and Maths in BM anyway and it didn’t stop me from continuing to read Science books in English. I think it is encouragement from parents and the extent the love to read and find out information.

But then…..this proves our G is a bit pathetic….hahaha….and proves that cannot do it, as usual they will find the easy way out. PM says to introduce Eng Lit to improve English…I think if you teach Science and Maths in English, that does not really improve Eng at all. MOre so that assimiliation into foreign colleges will be easier since they will already be familiar with all the scientific terms in English. And Eng Lit is really NOT for everyone. You have to LOVE it to really enjoy it and really pick up mastery of English from it.

Well….you did say shoot! I didn’t know I had so much to say!

Eng Lit is not the way. It is a totally different ballgame altogether.

]]> By: michelle http://mumsgather.com/2009/07/09/maths-and-science-in-the-mother-tongue-a-mothers-perspective/#comment-467235 michelle Thu, 09 Jul 2009 08:27:37 +0000 http://mumsgather.com/?p=1027#comment-467235 Now I wished there will be more affordable private schools/international schools so I can put my children there. The education systems here is going from bad to worst! <strong>From bad to worse.... from bad to worse....no doubt about it.</strong> Now I wished there will be more affordable private schools/international schools so I can put my children there. The education systems here is going from bad to worst!

From bad to worse…. from bad to worse….no doubt about it.

]]> By: kljs http://mumsgather.com/2009/07/09/maths-and-science-in-the-mother-tongue-a-mothers-perspective/#comment-467217 kljs Thu, 09 Jul 2009 07:54:44 +0000 http://mumsgather.com/?p=1027#comment-467217 The Malaysian Educational System is FLAWED. They are trying to please everyone because well, now those so called educationist whom are so-called protector of their so-called ....you know what I am talking about.... will be jumping for joy that their hard fought battle is being won. Well, good for them. They should realized by now that English is NOT THEIR ENEMY. Sadly, to them, English is PUBLIC ENEMY NO.1. Anyway, later when I have kids of my own, they will be speaking ENGLISH till the end of their lives. PERIOD. And I will be damn if anyone scream "Chinese traitor" at me, because speaking English, doesn't make me less of a Chinese. <strong>No, it certainly doesn't make you less Chinese, I totally agree.</strong> The Malaysian Educational System is FLAWED. They are trying to please everyone because well, now those so called educationist whom are so-called protector of their so-called ….you know what I am talking about…. will be jumping for joy that their hard fought battle is being won. Well, good for them. They should realized by now that English is NOT THEIR ENEMY. Sadly, to them, English is PUBLIC ENEMY NO.1.

Anyway, later when I have kids of my own, they will be speaking ENGLISH till the end of their lives. PERIOD. And I will be damn if anyone scream “Chinese traitor” at me, because speaking English, doesn’t make me less of a Chinese.

No, it certainly doesn’t make you less Chinese, I totally agree.

]]> By: chinnee http://mumsgather.com/2009/07/09/maths-and-science-in-the-mother-tongue-a-mothers-perspective/#comment-467052 chinnee Thu, 09 Jul 2009 03:07:23 +0000 http://mumsgather.com/?p=1027#comment-467052 really pening with our edu system. it has been changing non stop every 2 years since we were young. sigh... <strong>Kesian the children..</strong> really pening with our edu system. it has been changing non stop every 2 years since we were young. sigh…

Kesian the children..

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