MIRI: Learning the English language in a classroom for approximately four hours a week is inadequate for Malaysian students to master it in order to keep up with the fast-moving world.
The government should, therefore, consider holding classes daily for students to practise speaking it.
This opinion came from Assistant Minister of Communications Datuk Lee Kim Shin, who said ‘blatant learning’ via textbooks had killed the interest in the language.
“Therefore, teachers must find creative ways to encourage and help them (students) master the English language,” Lee said when officiating at ‘Creating a Classroom Community’ workshop at Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club here yesterday.
“Listening to English radio broadcasts, reading English newspapers and reading aloud, or generally making it (learning English) as interesting as possible, are far more effective than the traditional way,” he suggested.
Thirty students of SMK Pujut Miri attended the one-day programme, jointly organised by Curtin University Sarawak Malaysia, Miri Welfare Department and Miri Division Children’s Welfare Committee (JKKD).
The workshop was conducted by Curtin lecturers Valerie Velina Nagreg who discussed on self-concept, cooperation and concept of teamwork; and Alpha Ngadan who shared a number motivational and success stories with participants.
Curtin Sarawak students dean Dr Adeline Wong, Community Development Department (Kemas) officer Salwahidah Md Salleh and JKKD Miri chairman Sharifah Fatimah were also present at the workshop.