Q Are the improved exam results related to the mother-tongue policy?
Dubious, I'd say. I agree that students can master different subjects more easily if they are taught in Chinese. Students are also more willing to bring up questions and are more motivated to learn if the language barrier is removed. Some educators even argue that using Chinese can facilitate the teaching and learning processes, thereby yielding better results.
Despite all this, it's too early to jump to the conclusion that the mother-tongue policy is successful in bridging the gap between students from Chinese-medium (CMI) schools and those from English-medium (EMI) schools. As we know, most students from CMI schools sat the easier exam (English syllabus A) for fear that they would flunk the harder one (syllabus B).
Learning a language is a huge task and requires lots of time and exposure. Undeniably, students from EMI schools have much more exposure to English than their CMI counterparts. While the difference may not be noticeable after five years, CMI students may face much difficulty during their tertiary studies.
Jason Kitlet, Diamond Hill
Improved examination results do not prove that the mother-tongue policy is successful or that there is an increase in English-language standards. It is unproductive to make sweeping statements based on imprudent interpretations. I urge the Education and Manpower Bureau and the general population to recognise that an objective stance is necessary for progress.