CHAPTER 1 1.0 Introduction - DSpace@UM - University of Malaya

language and the English language to explain the scientific terminologies. Since
science is an important subject - stepping-stone to various fields such as medicine,
engineering and other professions, they have to learn science in the English language.
English is a language of science and technology but students can learn science in
English if the educators code-switch. The researcher has come to this conclusion
based on the answers given by the educators.
The bilingual educators code-switch from English to Malay for confirmation of the
students understanding of the subject matter. The researcher noted that the students
responded well when the subject matter was explained in the Malay language.
It was noted by the researcher, that the bilingual educators code-switched to
encourage students to participate in the lessons. Further more the educators used this
strategy to create a fear free environment for the students because students who felt
that they were weak in the English language and lacked confidence could answer in
the Malay language. Here the choice to answer the question was given to the students
and this was a motivation factor for the students to perform well in the science
subject.
The bilingual educators code-switch to establish a friendly relationship with the
students and to create a conducive environment for teaching and learning. This
strategy was used by the bilingual educators so that the students would look forward
to the lessons and realise that science is a subject that was fun and interesting; code-
switching does not create a boring environment for the students. The educators used
creative methods such as humour to make learning interesting. Using two languages
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