`I find it hard to learn English language'
There is no doubt that English is one of the most important subjects at school. The government even held the National Debating Championship last week, which was participated in by many students who speak English fluently. However, there are many others who have difficulty learning English, as some students expressed to The Jakarta Post.
Fanny, 17, is a second grade student of a private economics vocational high school in Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta. She resides on Jl. Gelora, Central Jakarta, with her family:
Frankly speaking, I don't like English, because the lessons at school are not at all interesting.
The teachers teach so fast that I am hardly able to catch up. So I find it hard to study English. I prefer mathematics to English.
Worse still, the teachers often give difficult assignments to the students such as compiling English materials from newspapers clippings, taking pictures of foreigners, interviewing them and recording the interview on tape.
Last week I tried to interview a foreigner but he was upset due to the communication barrier and even called me a crazy person. I didn't like it. I want to give up the assignment.
I failed an exam because I could not give the appropriate reply in a mock phone conversation in English with the teachers. I did not get a certificate.
In a way I realize that English is very important now, more over if I major in secretarial studies. Thus, like it or not I have to study hard.
However, I regret my parents cannot afford the fee for an English course. So I have to study myself.
I hope someday I could get a job and at the same time I would take an English course to improve my proficiency.
Destyana, 18, is a third grade student of state-run SMU 60 in Kemang Timur, South Jakarta. She lives in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta:
I like English because there are no figures like in mathematics. I hate numbers and accounting or anything whatsoever dealing with numbers. So, I like English and it has nothing to do with the teachers.
I think that I have to enjoy English lessons as English is one of the compulsory subjects one has to pass in the final exam.
Besides, English will be important for the Asian Free Trade Area (AFTA). Many jobs now also require English as one of the important qualifications.
I don't want to join an English course. Well, at least I have the commitment to pay more serious attention to the lessons in class from now on. I'm afraid that if I fail the final exam it will be hard for me.
Only one thing is motivating me to study English better, that is to graduate from senior high school and pass the English exam. The new system now requires a pass grade in English and several other compulsory subjects.
The new system is really burdensome for me. I prefer the previous system in which the pass grade was not as rigid as now and there was no distinction between passing and graduating such as in the current system.
Nevertheless, the new system in many ways is much more beneficial in that it will produce more qualified graduates. That is, as long as there is no fraud in the national final tests. However, I am a bit doubtful about that.
Andi, 18, is a second year student of state-run SMU 24 in Central Jakarta. He resides near the school with his family:
I have enjoyed learning English since I was in elementary school. I have not enrolled in an English course so far. I'm really self-taught.
So I keep a keen interest in English regardless of the way the teachers teach or the teachers' personal traits.
I learn the language through many things including films, cassettes and practicing with my sister. In addition, I rely a lot on the dictionary as the major source.
I feel confident even though I am just a self-taught learner. I've proven that I can achieve far better results compared to my friend who studied an English language course.
I am certain that English is very important for our future. Everyone must master it as an international language. I hope someday I will have the chance to study abroad due to my proficiency in English.
-- Leo Wahyudi S