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1.0 INTRODUCTION:
We have obtained this short course work on 28 February 2013 and asked to
submit it on March 14, 2013.
In this short course, we were asked to choose one of two articles that have been
provided. The first article titled "Do not teach maths and science in English" and the title
of the second article is "" Does Power Point Help or Hinder Learning? ".
After selecting the article, we shall write an article review of about 350 words
based on the summary of the article, the main ideas and details from each paragraph,
significance of the article, evaluation of the article and other information.
Then, the next step make argumentative essay based on the issues raised in the
article of about 350 words. We need to show our abilities to think critically and creatively
in analyzing relevant issues in the article selected. It is also an evidence of their ability
to communicate effectively in writing.
The final step is to write a reflection of our personal experience and what I have
learned for in performing this project.

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2.0 ARTICLE REVIEW : Don't teach maths and science in English
This article “don’t teach maths and science in English” by GiovaniTapang, who is
an associate professor at the National Institute of Physics, University of the Philippines,
he consider that science and maths have to be understood in the local tongue if a
country wants to transform the subjects into real economic benefit. This article also
discuss about English for commerce not education, maths and science are not
exceptions and the challenge is worthwhile.
The critics of English as medium of instruction say that it is detrimental to both
the quality of teaching and learning process. This is because most school children come
from homes in which their mother tongue is the predominant language, resulting to their
early social marginalization. In Philippines the Department of Education enables local
language for teaching most subjects. This is because children are naturally using the
language they grew up with in order to understand the world around them.
Maths and science are not exceptions. Despite the prominence of English as the
language of instruction, it is not a requisite for achieving excellence in maths and
science. Countries that rank high in maths and science tests all have basic instruction in
their local tongue (with the exception of Singapore). This can be seen where eighth
grade students in Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan have – together with
Singapore -- consistently ranked high in maths and science tests. These countries teach
their basic education (including science and maths) in their local language, with English
integrated only as a part of a compulsory curriculum.
The challenge is also worthwhile. Teaching all subjects in the local language not
only enhances understanding for learners, but also paves the way for more potential for
national development. The training of teachers, and their teaching materials, must be in
the local language as well. It is important to note that the prominence of English is a
product of history, much like the use of Latin from medieval times. History also shows
us many examples where the dominance of a particular language for scholarship does
not preclude the publishing of excellent research in a native language. Teaching

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science and mathematics in the vernacular is no barrier to science excellence, and
would result in better understanding of the world around us.
I strongly agree with this motion because each of us must be given an equal
chance to taste the best education in this country. Each of the students has the right to
enjoy the best knowledge. However, we have to change our mindset first. We must
understand that getting an “A” does not guarantee success as positive characters can
greatly affect a person’s achievements in life. If we teach both subjects in Malay, they
may understand the subject.

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3.0 ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY:Don't teach maths and science in English
I strongly agree if science and mathematics are teach in English because each of
us must be given an equal chance to taste the best education in this country. Each of
the students has the right to enjoy the best knowledge. However, we have to change
our mindset first. We must understand that getting an “A” does not guarantee success
as positive characters can greatly affect a person’s achievements in life. If we teach
both subjects in Malay, they may understand the subject.
However, their critical thinking skills will be reduced as they are so comfortable
with the first language that the absence of English language will keep the mind idle. An
idle mind cannot breed thinkers in our country. The saddest part is the subjects are
taught in English in universities locally and globally. The worst part is the vacancies for
critical jobs in the government sector are rather very limited.
Who controls the findings of many things in this world?
Malaysians?Singaporeans?Australians?Americans?Europeans? We have to answer
these questions before we make any decision before we start teaching Math and
Science in Malay. I bet you know the answer. These findings are basically written in
English. If we use English to teach Science, we can equip our students with a lot of
latest findings as long as Science is concerned.
I believe that Malay Language is a language that is meant to unite us while
English is a language that helps us to stay relevant, competitive, rational, critical,
important, intelligent, positivein order to survive successfully in this world if we were to
consider this world as our stage. We don’t have a choice but to like things that we
dislike in order to create a versatile human capital.
Based on my own experiences, English is language that helps me to stay ahead
of others as the ability to use this language helps me to understand the chronology of
many important events that happen yesterday, today and events that may happen in the
future.

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Most of the reading materials are written in English. As a future teacher, I also
want to use new strategies to teach English, I can look for the information easily online.
However, if I can’t speak and write good English, my teaching strategy will remain
stagnant, irrelevant, backdated, traditional, boring and others. Having the ability to use
the language effectively helps each of us to be more independent and knowledgeable.
It is not wrong to love our language. However, we have to be realistic about how
the world looks at us. We must know where we stand in this world. We must know our
ranking. If we believe that we have given so much to this world, I don’t mind if Math and
Science are taught in Malay. However, if we believe that we have not shared enough
with the rest of the world and we believe that we are still a student who has to learn a
lot, then Math and Science should be taught in English.

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REFLECTION:
AHMAD AMZAR BIN MAT SAID
930302-11-5163
Assalamualaikum w.b.t. First of all I would like to thank God for with His
permission I Successful complete this task. It is not easy to complete it because of
doing evrything we must strive. Without effort we will not be able to achieve success.
Proverbial mentions "satisfaction is in the effort, not success."
My friends and I got this assignment on February 28 and required to send it on
March 14. In the assignments, we are asked to choose one of two articles that have
been provided. Then review the article. The third step is we must write an
argumentative essay and the latter is writing our own reflection.
There are many things I've learned for two weeks complete this assignment.
Article that I choose is related to the use of English in mathematics and science. Writer
of the article, Giovanni Tapang, disagreed mathematics and science should be taught in
English. He stated that many more success in these subjects if using their native
language.
I admit that as a prospective teacher it is very desirable both of these subjects
are taught in English because if we look at today, there are many people who are weak
in English, regardless of the child or adult. Currently we do not see the impact, but try to
see the effects if the child is an adult later. They would be difficult to speak in English
when faced with tourists from abroad. Companies around the world today also
emphasize English performance recruitment. If students today are weak in english
language, how they want administrators country someday. Mentioned Proverbial, "youth
are the hope of the nation, colleensare the pillar of Country".
In complete this assignment, I have learned some good values. Among them are
patience, cooperation, selfless, helping each other, independent and mature. Patience

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is wonderful,it was evident when I complete this task. Many challenges and trials that I
have to tackle, but patience overcome everything. I feel calm when patience.
In addition, I could collaborate with each other, my classmates and my friends at
hostel. Although it is not a group assignment, but we are not selfish. We mutually
exchange ideas in completing this task. If some of us do not understand the question or
article, those who understand will help to clarify. It’s very nice work.
I was also able to divide time very well in completing this task. I admit, a lot of
programs and activities that I follow in the next two weeks, some of them are sports,
sports invitation, futsal tournament, but I'm wise to separate the time to complete this
task. As a future teacher, it makes me become more mature in the dividing of time. As
we know, a teacher must divide their time wisely because if not, how they want to
educate others.
In the same time I can be independent without expecting the other person. If you
look at the previous semester,every English assignments, I tend to rely on friends then
by my own self. But at this time I work harder and be independent to complete my
assignment very well. As the saying goes, "where there is a will there is a way".
Finally, I would once again like to share my opinion that science and
mathematics should be taught in English. It would be quite difficult, but we can success
if we believe. "Labored in the past, have fun then."

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BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Abraham Sung. (2011). 330 English Essays. Selangor: Minerva Publications (N.S) Sdn
Bhd.
AngYianTze, Angelina Francis, Chew PohChooi, Lee SauKhuan, Lee Yet Ling, & Ng
Keat
Siew.(2010). Muet Skills, Preparation & Practice. Selangor: Marshall Cavendesh
(Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.
Elaine Walker,& Steve Elsworth. (2002). Grammar practice. England: Pearson
Education
Limited.
JM. Hawkins. (2011). KamusDwibahasa Oxford Fajar. Selangor: Oxford FaharSdn. Bhd.
N.D.V. PrasadaRao.(2010). English Grammar & Composition. Selangor: S.C HAND &
COMPANY LTD.

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APPENDIX