Eagerly Expanding English in Malaysia
Signs posted in front of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meeting houses in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, read "Free English Classes Here Tonight." Tear off flyers are attached with further details. This advertising has attracted a number of Malaysians to English classes offered by Church volunteers. Members are encouraged to bring their friends.
- Attentive English Students in Johor Bahru
- Masai Students
- Elder and Sister Benson Teaching English
- Emily and Lee, her Godfather
- Masai Level III Class
- Elder and Sister Benson Teaching English
- A Family of Learners
- Games make the learning Fun
- J T Arrives for English Class
- The Benson's share a laugh with their students
- Class Rules
- Students listening to their Instructors
- Johor Bahru English Students
- Sign Welcomes English Students
- Attentive Students
- Sister Benson Teaches a Concept
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A prize drawing started one class promptly. The whiteboard showed a scripture, an attention getter, a word for the day and a simple word puzzle. After an opening hymn and prayer, the class discussed ability levels, since four levels of instruction are available. On this night, it was decided to keep the entire group together for the planned intermediate lesson. The letter "R" was the focus. A silly story about Rocky Raccoon and Randy Rabbit having a race engaged the interest of the students as they listened, underlined and repeated "R" words. All played a “Jeopardy" type word game featuring "R" words, their definitions, usages and pronunciations. The ten students and four elders in attendance gave their attention and willingly participated in the learning activities to reinforce skills.
JT, a returning student, said that the English he does speak was acquired mostly from TV cartoons and comics. He wants to be certain he is "correct" in how he speaks, so he attends. Young Emily and her godfather, Lee, have both earned certificates for their attendance and progress to date. All three are enthusiastic regular participants.
Elder and Sister Benson, from Logan, Utah, have been serving in Johor Bahru on their MLS mission for a year now. Not only are both of them talented teachers, they are gospel scholars and they love their students. They make learning fun! They are the champions of the English program now underway in Malaysia, using the Cox System. They send out information and encouragement to all other District English teachers, usually the young Sisters and Elders serving in the Singapore Mission. Like other missionaries for the Church, the Bensons donate their time and pay their own way to volunteer in Malaysia.
There is a need for the local population to learn English. More Malaysians could be employed if they spoke English, according to a local newspaper. Due to government regulations, only Non-Muslims are invited to attend offered classes. Volunteers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are eagerly engaged in expanding English speaking in their areas of Johor Bahru, Melaka, Petaling Jaya, Klang, Ipoh and Penang. For more information, contact your local LDS Missionaries.