Building confidence to boost command

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KUALA LUMPUR: A child goes up to the front of the class every day, during any subject, for a little "show and tell" in English.

It could be on any topic, and the focus is not on the child's perfect grammar or mastery of the language.

The goal is to increase the confidence of the children when it comes to speaking in the English language.

"It could be for three minutes, and the children can express themselves in any way they want.

The focus will be on preschool and the first three years of primary school in developing English proficiency as these are considered the critical years in laying the foundation for strong command of the language

"If it is Merdeka month they could just talk about what they think about Merdeka.

"It's okay if they speak in broken English. We want them to develop their oral and creative skills, and by allowing them to speak up, it also becomes meaningful to the children," said Datuk Noor Rezan Bapoo Hashim.

Teachers encourage, listen and make notes and go on to privately coach or give pointers to the children, especially those who have problems after their show and tell sessions.

These are among the ideas to create an "all-round English language environment" for students, especially in the lower primary levels, said Noor Rezan, the deputy director-general (General Education Operations), recently.

Noor Rezan, who will head the ministry's efforts to improve English proficiency in schools, said the goal of all their plans would be for students to have effective and extra contact hours with the English language, rather than just putting it on time-tables.

Practical ideas for schools can also be the introduction of school radio programmes, and having simple English phrases or news abstracts after their usual public announcements.

Innovative methods are also favoured to bring in elements of fun, such as turning students into 'walking dictionaries' in school.

"In this idea, the students walk around with name tags on their uniform which feature an English word, its meaning, and its use in a sentence, for all to learn and enjoy when they interact," Noor Rezan said, adding that one teacher had used this idea successfully in her class.

There can be DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) sessions after assembly or during school hours, and reading baskets can also be placed in school areas and on wall racks along corridors so that students can have their pick of English material anytime they wish.

Even if it is just 10 children, out of the thousands in the school, who pick up the reading material everyday, it would mean something, Noor Rezan said.

"It really depends on the creativity of teachers, and the leadership of principals.

"This is the most opportune time, go ahead and do all you want. But if there is the carrot, we will also have the stick. Principals will be made accountable for their schools."

The focus will be on the critical years of preschool and the first three years of primary school.