Dual Language Programme: Parent's Perception
Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
ABSTRACT
Malaysian Education Blueprint emphasises on the importance of Bahasa Malaysia as well as English. As clearly stated in the Malaysian Education Blueprint (2013-2025), bilingual proficiency is one of the pupils’ aspirations that is to produce pupils who are proficient in Bahasa Malaysia as the national language and the language of unity; and also in English, the international language of communication. This is important as this will help the pupils to compete globally. In line with the aspiration, the Ministry of Education has taken the initiative to introduce Dual Language Programme (DLP) with the main purpose to give pupils the opportunity to use either Malay or English as medium of instruction for Science, Technology and Mathematics subjects. The purpose of this study is to examine parents’ perceptions towards the implementation of Dual Language Programme (DLP) in schools in the urban area. Using a survey method, this study observes parents’ attitudes, support and satisfaction on the implementation of the programme through online questionnaire. The results of this study determine the acceptance towards the implementation on DLP from the parents’ point of view. Results showed that the parents accept and satisfy with the implementation of DLP in schools but there are some improvements need to be done in order to have a successful implementation of DLP. The results of this study would be beneficial to the ministry, teachers and most importantly, the pupils in order to achieve the Ministry of Education’s aspirations.
KEYWORDS
Dual Language Programme (DLP), parents, acceptance, perceptions, urban schools