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4 - Meeting National Needs in English Language Teacher Education: Global Perspectives in Malaysian Initiatives

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 October 2020

By
Wei Keong Too ,
Malachi Edwin Vethamani  and
Muhammad Kamarul Kabilan
Edited by
Amy Bik May Tsui
Amy Bik May Tsui
Affiliation:
The University of Hong Kong
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Summary

English is the second most important language in education in Malaysia. The teaching and learning of English is emphasized at all levels of education. Though it is not compulsory for primary and secondary school students to pass the English subject in the national examinations, they must meet the minimum requirements in order to pursue studies in higher education institutions. English is also seen as essential in science, technology, economy and development. Understandably, Malaysia has, since its independence in 1957, introduced various policies, standards, developments and practices to improve the teaching and learning of the language at all levels of education. This chapter critically examines the significant elements in English language teacher education, which is a major catalyst for the improvement of English language teaching and learning in Malaysia. The discussion is carried out through the lens of globalization and its related challenges and how local stakeholders have responded to these challenges. The authors conclude that the Malaysian government has continuously and systematically responded to the highlighted challenges through its various policies, as well as long-term and short-term initiatives and projects. They also highlight the critical issues that have emerged.

Keywords

dual language policymedium of instruction policyMalaysian Teacher StandardsPedagogy Standards for English Language TeachingTeaching Maths and Science using English (ETeMS)dual language policy
Type
Chapter
Information
English Language Teaching and Teacher Education in East Asia
Global Challenges and Local Responses
 , pp. 75 - 92
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2020

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