Proportion of Indian students coming from
English-speaking homes has doubled: Iswaran
Senior Minister of State for Education, S Iswaran says the
proportion of Indian students coming from English-speaking homes
has doubled.
In 1982, 3 in 10 Primary 1 Indian students came from
English-speaking homes.
The figure is now 6 in 10.
Addressing the Tamil language coordinators meeting and sharing
session, Mr Iswaran explained that these students have limited
exposure to Tamil before they enter school and start learning the
language.
They would also have limited opportunities to use Tamil in their
homes.
Hence, Mr Iswaran stressed that the teaching approach will have to
be modified, or even changed fundamentally.
He says emphasis should be placed on developing students' oral
vocabulary.
And teachers should use interesting resources and activities to
engage students in listening, speaking and reading.
Mr Iswaran adds that teachers should also give suggestions on ways
for students to use the language at home and in the
community.
He also announced that from this month (Feb), the Ministry's Umar
Pulavar Tamil Language Centre will serve as a centre for the
professional development of Tamil Language teachers.
--938Live