Spare computer labs to be used to teach English

Spare computer labs in schools may be used as language labs to promote the use of English.
Education director-general Tan Sri Alimuddin Mohd Dom said the usage of information technology would enhance students’ learning of English.

“Students will find it easier to pick up the language if we use such interactive means,” he said in an interview after opening a seminar for Yayasan Guru Malaysia Berhad state representatives here yesterday.
Besides increasing the teaching time allocated for the subject, schools would also be given allowances to buy English books and magazines for the perusal of students, he added.

“The ministry has also identified five teachers training institutes around the country which will be devoted to producing capable English language teachers.

“These institutes will also act as ‘tuition centres’ for other teachers who wish to better their command of English,” said Alimuddin.

He said that 13,000 retired English teachers nationwide were expected to be hired on a contractual basis next year.

Other plans to enhance the learning of English included the incorporation of creative teaching methods, such as teaching through music and story-telling, and language summer camps organised during school holidays, he said.

When asked on the feasibility of implementing these plans, Alimuddin said the ministry would be well prepared by 2012.

“I guarantee that students’ understanding of English will be much better than how it is right now,” he said.