A system out of tune with reality
The labelling effect in local schools is still a problem, despite new medium of instruction (MOI) arrangements.
The aim of the latest MOI fine-tuning is to enable students of Chinese medium of instruction (CMI) schools to have more opportunities to use English in class.
With more exposure to English at junior secondary level, the idea is that students can progress steadily to higher education, which is mainly taught in English. It also aims to minimise the labelling effect that has come about through dividing schools into those that use English medium of instruction (EMI) or CMI.
Under the latest arrangements, CMI schools will be given the flexibility to allow gifted students to have more exposure to English. So far so good except, I think, the scheme will not work out the way it was intended. For a start, students and parents who are serious about a good education will continue to apply for enrolment at EMI schools.
Another problem is students' academic achievements may differ from year to year, with the result that one year they might be in EMI classes and the next in CMI classes. It will also be a headache for teachers in CMI schools. Even if they know their subject inside out, if they have poor English skills, they might lose their jobs. If they do not, they will probably have to go back to their English textbooks again to prepare two sets of teaching materials.
This means more work for both students and teachers.
Meanwhile, the labelling effect remains.
Schools already have enough problems, struggling for survival amid a decline in the student population. Fine-tuning the MOI is just making things worse.
