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