Fun way to learn English for Year 2 pupils

PUTRAJAYA: A new English syllabus, similar to the one being taught to Year One pupils, will be introduced to Year Two pupils next year.

Deputy director general of education (policy) Prof Khair Mohamad Yusof said the latest syllabus, which was designed in 2009 and put through a test run last year, had received positive feedback from teachers and pupils.

He said the latest syllabus was more modular, interactive, designed to make learning fun and relied less on textbooks.

Modular meant that English was taught around selected themes, such as sports, while the new syllabus was also more activity based, he added.

"The latest syllabus was drawn up by experts from the Education Ministry's co-curriculum division, who later engaged representatives from the business community, language associations and educationists," he told the New Straits Times yesterday.

"The syllabus was inspired from the best practices around the world.

"Our only concern now is the teachers. They must be equipped with the right skills, otherwise, a good plan or a good book would not work.

"Teachers are undergoing training to teach the new syllabus."

He said this when asked to comment on an NST report yesterday in which Malaysian English Language Teaching Association (Melta) president Associate Professor Dr Ganakumaran Subramaniam claimed that the current syllabus used to teach English in schools was outdated.

Prof Khair said Form 1 students would be taught the new English syllabus in a test run next year for implementation in 2014. 

He also said there would be a constant evaluation of the new English syllabus by the co-curriculum division.

Selangor Education Department assistant chief director Nor Faridah A. Bakar said the new syllabus was very specific, making it easier for teachers.

At the same time, it encouraged students' participation. 

Nor Faridah said among others, the syllabus taught English through drama and songs.

"We make the subject enjoyable for pupils, which in turn, makes it easier for them to learn English."