Parents' and Teachers' Current Perceptions on the Implementation of MTB-MLE

Abstract

Introduction

Mother Tongue -Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) is one of the features in Basic Education Curriculum brought about by the new K to 12 programs which is introduced particularly in Kindergarten, Grades 1, 2 and 3. MTB-MLE refers to the use of the learner’s mother tongue and two or more additional languages as Medium of Instruction (MOI). In DepEd Order No. 74, s. 2009 otherwise known as Institutionalizing Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MLE) strengthens MT as MOI in the primary grades. In the Philippine educational system, MT is also offered as a subject in the K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum which started in 2012 (RA 10533). The City of Batac is located in the Ilocos Norte province and most of the people speak Ilokano or Iloko language. In the City Schools Division of Batac, the majority of the learners are Ilocano (LIS 2017). As such, Iloko is the official MT subject and language used as MOI in the area. In particular, there is no study conducted in the City of Batac regarding the perceptions of parents and teachers’ on the implementation of MTB-MLE which drives the researchers to conduct this study. This research sought to establish the awareness, insights, and outlook of parents and primary teachers in the City Schools Division of Batac towards the use of the Mother Tongue (MT) as a medium of instruction (MOI) and as a subject.

Methods

Questionnaires were distributed and retrieved after a while. Focus group discussions were scheduled and successfully conducted in the different schools to get insights into different opinions from the respondents.

Results

Generally, the parents' and teachers' perceptions reflect a positive outlook and consent to the beneficial effects of the program. Some parents, however, are still apprehensive of the policy, and teachers have likewise still identified some problems particularly on Ilokano orthography, grammatical use, and terminologies in the different learning areas being taught in the MT.

Discussions

MTB-MLE implementation in the City Schools Division of Batac is perceived to be a good medium of instruction as well as a tool subject in the sense that it makes the learners more participative and they learn better when they are taught in their MT. It can develop children's social attributes and is very essential to promote cultural and language heritage and Ilocano identity.