What's Universal? English?

What is Brunei without people who are never satisfied? But we all are human beings, prone to disatisfaction and complains. Here's what happened last two weeks. A "brilliant" writer came up and wrote "the O'Level English in Brunei is meant for native speakers and not suitbale for our local pupils, and that the standard should be lowered" - along those lines. This triggered many other Bruneians to disagree. Many blogs have started to discuss about it including my kembangs KUMBS. She nudged me and asked bla bla bla... it was around 1 or 2am in the morning. While she was questioning me, I bombarded her with lots of opinions. I though why not put it up on opinion page. A week later (which is today) it is published on today's paper!! ahhahaha

Lowering standards is not the answer

Brunei is once again in a state of World Cup frenzy where all international football giants and fans gather for a common aim - the World Cup victory in the name of football.

At the same time, while after months, outbreaks like HFMD and Bird Flu are slowly becoming history, Brunei is once again being introduced to a new chapter of issues where the O' Level English has come into focus.

Why must this be happening in the first place?

Brunei has one of the best education systems in the region.

This can be seen as our qualifications are widely acceptable worldwide and the Brunei Cambridge GCE 'O' Level English is no exception. It acts as a passport for one to step forward in life such as employment and further studies.

For decades this has benefited many of our Bruneians to fluently converse, comprehend as well as writing in English.

The English language is universal. It brings international parties to a common language usage. One does not have to be genetically "English" to learn and articulate in English.

There are many factors that influence one's ability to do so. Like any other subjects, practice makes perfect. Looking back at many opinions raised so far, to say that 'O' Level English in Brunei is only suitable for English native speakers, is quite wrong.

Why do we need to downgrade the current standard when it is at its best?

What the authority needs to look at is the way the English Language syllabus is being carried out, the effectiveness of the teaching aids, methods as well as the quality of teaching personnel.

Are they up to standard to facilitate the GCE 'O' Level English candidates to grasp the art of mastering English Language at the same time passing the exam?

If facilities are in an acceptable condition then it is time to see the students' lifestyle and environment. Do they use the language fluently and read English books adequately?

Are parents making an effort to support their children learn English?

If so, but students still failed the exam, then the 'O' Level exam might not suit that particular individual's capability.

However, that does not justify for the standard to be downgraded and will not solve the problem at all.

A better suggestion would be providing struggling students with extra help and more alternatives in addition to the available English exams such as the IELTS and other few alternatives if one needs proof of English competency.

The point that I would like to make here is that there are alternatives to lowering the standard of 'O'Level English in Brunei.

The current system is still here today because there are solid reasons behind it.

In this regard, I hope the authority concerned would understand we have the best sytem going for our students and strives to improve it instead.

Last but not least, the Borneo Bulletin should also be acknowledged for successfully providing the nation with English reading materials all these years.

It is indeed time that Bruneians realised we are counting on progress and not regression, to take us to the highest possible standard in everyday living.

No pain, no gain, mate!

If topics like SARS, HFMD and bird flu can go obsolete, and then the idea of lowering down English standards in Brunei must surely have come from an obsolete thinker.

From the Weekend Borneo Bulletin, June 24th 2006.

My say is that, dont blame the floor or the music if you cannot dance!!!! Why blame the standard which is considerably low, but change the perspectives of our Bruneians and learning/teaching techniques.

Peace!