TAWAU, 31 JULY 2023 – UiTM Sabah Branch Tawau Campus has adopted SJK (C) Yuk Chin Tawau under its inaugural school adoption programme. The selected school underwent an 8-week English Speaking Intervention (ESI), from May 12 to July 28, 2023, with the aim to improve the oral skills of primary school students through a CEFR-aligned input-output speaking approach.
A total of 27 Primary Six students from the B40 low-income category have participated and benefited from the ESI programme. Following the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for primary schools, the themes for speaking were based on personal and familiar topics such as My Family, My Ambition, My Hero, etc. The ESI materials include two main components: the input and the output. The former comprises three elements of language, that is grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation related to the themes; while the latter consists of wh-questions acting as prompts for generating speaking content.
The ESI programme is believed to have made a positive impact on students by providing a conducive environment, essential language input and real-life situations for speaking. Madam Liong Oi Tshin, Head of the Language Department said, “With the guidance given to students, I believe that they have gained knowledge and experience on oral skills and are able to speak confidently.”
According to Dr. Choo Siow Chin, Senior Lecturer who spearheaded the programme, “It is of utmost importance for Primary 6 students to acquire English speaking skills before they set foot at secondary school. The ability to communicate in English appropriately and confidently will give them the edge when continuing their studies at secondary school.”
She further added, “The ESI programme is also an effort to reach out to the community with quality education, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.”
Additionally, Miss Carolline Eveth Cyrinus, another facilitator of the programme, expressed her optimism for the ESI initiative, stating that “In the future, as these students will encounter people from all walks of life, both within and beyond the school environment, possessing good English speaking skills will undoubtedly empower them to communicate effectively.”
Through the ESI initiative, UiTM Sabah Branch Tawau Campus was able to reach out and contribute to the community. We are grateful for the support and assistance given by Madam Pang Dan Fung, the Headmistress; Madam Chang Fui Ling, Senior Assistant; and Madam Liong Oi Tshin, Head of the Language Department in the planning and implementation of the ESI programme at SJK (C) Yuk Chin, Tawau.
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