ERIC Number: EJ905670
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009
Pages: 6
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1305-8223
EISSN: N/A
Learning to Teach Science Using English as the Medium of Instruction
Hudson, Peter
EURASIA Journal of Mathematics, Science & Technology Education, v5 n2 p165-170 2009
Malaysia is currently reforming its education system in line with the government's Vision 2020. Key areas such as science and mathematics education are high on the agenda. However, as considerable world knowledge is written in English, Malaysian preservice teachers are being educated to teach these areas using English as the Medium of Instruction (EMI). This study describes Malaysian preservice teachers' perceptions about their preparation for learning to teach science using EMI at the conclusion of their first year of a new Bachelor of Education Studies (Primary Science) degree. An open-ended questionnaire collected data from 50 Malaysian preservice teachers from a Malaysian institute. These preservice teachers indicated that English vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation were paramount for their concept development in science education. Self assessments after one year of education also indicated an increase in English-language proficiency towards teaching primary science education (Pre course: M = 4.68, SD = 1.20; after one year: M = 6.38, SD = 1.12). Emailing, Internet chatting, short service messaging, and allocating English-only days were considered other ways for increasing such proficiencies. These and other findings are discussed in this paper to provide an understanding on practices that may be incorporated into coursework for enhancing both science education and English-language skills. (Contains 1 table.)
Descriptors: Preservice Teachers, Vocabulary Development, Science Teachers, English (Second Language), Foreign Countries, Language Skills, Language Proficiency, Science Instruction, Language of Instruction, Student Teacher Attitudes, Teacher Competencies, Questionnaires, Grammar, Pronunciation, Scientific Concepts, Self Evaluation (Individuals), Elementary School Science, Computer Mediated Communication
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Higher Education
Audience: Teachers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Malaysia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A