The Professional Preparation of
Malaysian Teachers in the
Implementation of Teaching and
Learning of Mathematics and
Science in English
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University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA
Publication date: 2007-06-22
EURASIA J. Math., Sci Tech. Ed 2007;3(2):101-110
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
Malaysia is in the process of changing the medium of instruction for mathematics and
science from Malay to English since 2003. To ensure the success of this transition,
teachers have to be professional prepared to teach in English. This research aimed to
survey the Malaysian science/ mathematics teachers’ perception towards this professional
preparation effort. An instrument called “Teachers Perception Towards the Professional
Preparation to Teach Mathematics/Science in English” was developed. The samples were
72 Form One mathematics/science teachers in Malaysia. The research revealed that the
teachers perceived that their pre-service training (M = 2.90, SD = .57) and the in-service
training (M = 2.99, SD = .62) is adequate in their professional preparation. However, the
teachers perceived that there is a need (M = 3.18, SD = .82) for enhancing their
professional readiness to teach mathematics/science in English. Further analysis revealed
that 44.3 % of the sample reported that their pre-service training could not develop their
confidence in English speaking and after the in-service training 31.4% of the teachers still
reported the same. About 84.7 % of the teachers also reported the need for training on
helping students to learn in English. The findings showed that although the teachers
perceived they are professionally prepared to teach mathematics/science in English, they
still need more preparation in overcoming students’ difficulties in learning the subjects in
English especially for students who are weak in English or mathematics/science or both.