The title of the article studied is what malaysian science teachers

need to improve their science instruction: a comparison across gender,

school location and area of specialization. Written by Kamisah Osman, Lilia
Halim, and Subahan Mohd Meerah. Instruction give the meaning that
deliver the instruction in a classroom through the process of learning and
teaching. The instruction very important in the process of implementing
the science curriculum. As we know, the changes in the science
curriculum happened very fast. To deliver the curriculum in science
effectively the teachers must have the essential knowledge and skills that
include the excellence in teaching and learning science.
In Malaysia, face with the problem that insufficient the trained
science teachers. Effect of that, the science subject teaching by teachers
from the various subject majors background which not trained for.
The research had be done by Kamisah, Lilia, and Subahan (2006) to
find what the Malaysian science teachers most needed in secondary
school so that the curriculum can be planned and implemented effectively.
The respondent of the survey are 1690 science teachers in secondary
school that regarded as area of specialization, gender and school location.
The questionnaire use as the prime instrument in the survey. There are
five steps in the process of item development. Firstly, review the existing
needs. Secondly, literature were conducted after finished review and
analysis of needs. Thirdly, the structured interview were carry out so that
the data were used for constructing the needs items. Fourthly, the needs
items engaged to improve, edit, or eliminate by a panels of expect in the
area of science. Lastly, the items was review by teachers and lecturers
and validated.
From the process, the eight different dimensions of needs can be
categorized. First, the content in Science subjects. Second, the knowledge
how the way to teach Third, handle and transfer science instruction.
Fourth, know the weakness and strength of student students. Fifth, setting
up science instruction. Sixth, fully utilize science instructional facilities and

equipment. Seventh, use the ICT in learning. Lastly, the process of

learning and teaching science using the English language.

From the results of the survey, the most Malaysian science teachers
needed is the process of learning and teaching science using the English
language and the use of ICT in learning and teaching. At this time, we can
see that the teaching of science used the English language as the prime
interaction. Additionally, in science lessons they also integrating ICT.
Surely, the implementation the way of learning will affect the part of
teachers. For example using the scientific term in the English language.
The programs mostly implemented in ad hoc that make teachers cannot
ready with necessary skills and knowledge.
The third most needed of Malaysia secondary school is proper
planning of science instruction. The important that how the teachers can
motivate their student to learn science. The teachers need to make the
learning and attractive by use the varying the pedagogical approaches
especially for the students with low ability level.
The school location also effect the teachers needs. For example the
school in the urban areas are conducive environment for use ICT and
English language in the process of teaching and learning science. The
school in the urban areas also provide with more support system and
infrastructures compare to rural areas.
In conclusion, this study by the Kamisah, Lilia, and Subahan (2006)
provide meaningful things to upgrade the science teachers skill in
Malaysia. It also can improve the teachers to make the learning became
meaningful and attractive.

Comments

From the research that had been done I agreed with the authors that
the highest needs of the Malaysian science teacher is the use of English
language as the medium of instruction. As we know, the English language
very important to the teachers to deliver their instruction so that the
instruction that they deliver can be understand by the student. The
teacher also can enjoy with their learning process if can mastery in the
English language. The ministry of education had done many action to
improve the English language among the science the teachers. But, the
ministry should improve their action such as arrange more training and
refresher to the science teacher. From that, it can improve the teacher of
level confident in using the English language in the process of learning
and teaching.

This research had done at 2006 at which the teaching and learning
science and mathematics in English. Currently, the ministry make change
which is the learning and teaching science and mathematics in Bahasa
Melayu. The question this, is it will influence the need of the teacher which
is use the English language as the medium of instruction. My opinion the
need in use the English language as the medium of interaction will
decrease because of the change.

The second most need by the Malaysian science teacher is the use
of ICT in learning and teaching process. My opinion, the use of ICT in the
teaching and learning process should in first as the most teacher need. It
is because the rapid progression in the technology field. Currently, there
many modern gadget that teacher can use as the aid of teaching. As
example, the teacher can use the blended learning so that the learning
can be done easily and interesting. Next, the teachers should fully utilize
the ICT facilities that giving by the ministry so the learning became more
meaningful. The use of ICT in learning and teaching give benefit to
student such as critical thinking, global awareness, and creative in
learning.

The third most Malaysian science teacher need is the well-organized

of science instruction. The planning important to allow the teachers to
implement the curriculum emphases approach. The teachers also can use
the ICT to give interest to the student. From example online discussion,
show interesting video and so on. The teacher also can use many method
such as field trip, demonstration, debate, forum and storytelling.
Last but not least, the different level of need of the rural and urban
area. As we know, this problem very frequent we heard and the ministry
of education also done many things to close the gaps between school at
the rural and the school at the urban area. The teachers also should put
more effort to solve that problem.

In conclusion, the research had be

done is very meaningful to all sides. Because the survey can identify the
teachers needs so that it can improve teacher instruction. The teaching
and learning process also can be done with successfully in line with
National Education Philosophy.