English, like US dollar, can't be ignored: Edu DG
Published on: Thursday, May 26, 2016
Kota Kinabalu: The importance of English language in the world today parallels that of the US dollar in that one cannot do without it no matter what. "Many people have tried using other currencies like dinar to change the status quo but still the US dollar ultimately is still preferred and used widely."Only God knows why the US dollar is so important," said Education Director Dato Sri Dr Khair Mohd Yusof , to some 350 teaching and administrative staff of the Sabah Education Department at the Federal Government Administrative Complex, Wednesday. His speech was delivered by his deputy, Datuk Ahmad Tajudin Jab.ADVERTISEMENT They were among 259 personnel recognised with certificates for their distinguished services at the Excellence Service Award 2015 in conjunction with Teachers Day. He also touched on Mandarin being the language spoken by more people in the world than any other language, but was not as important as English. "Only God knows why English is so important," he surmised, as he told teachers that if their students only had command of one language or monolingual, then, they are only exposed to one worldview.Teachers were exhorted to show greatness and good examples like imbuing the reading habit by being widely read and seen as avid readers.ADVERTISEMENT Dr Khair wanted educators to instil in their students only two points distilled from 13 points of a renowned western educator – respect and responsibility."This is known as the '2 R' – respect and responsibility. Students must learn to show respect and take responsibility in whatever they do and interact with others," he said as he dwelled on ethics and spirituality in a multi-racial nation emphasising on the teaching profession as a means to inculcate patriotism and national unity.
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Teachers in Malaysia were urged to form and build up Professional Learning Community or PLC in their respective locality of service, inspired from a western world model to build up confidence and integrity.In the United States, teachers share information through their Professional Learning Community."Teachers talk about practice. Teachers teach each other. Teachers observe each other in the act of teaching and learning."He called on teachers to keep an open mind and have a paradigm shift to increase productivity and upscale the quality of service as "education is an important investment for the country's future and progress where unity and harmony prevail."Dr Khair alsos said that according to World Bank records, Malaysia spent two times more than any other developing Asean nation on education based on the GDP."This year the government allocated RM39.2 billion down from in excess of RM40 billion last year. However, 70 per cent of this amount are meant for emolument or salaries."Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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"It was assessed that our weakness is in the inferior way our resources were used, and not well optimised," he stressed.Dr Khair and Sabah Education Department Director Hajah Maimunah binti Haji Suhaibul congratulated all recipients and hoped the success of the event and recognition awards will motivate all in the education service and department to continually improve, uplift their spirit or morale and excel further in their noble profession.