Mother Tongue-Based Instruction in Teaching Mathematics to Grade III Pupils of the Mainit Elementary School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Literacy and numeracy skills are crucial in many aspects of our lives. Obtaining an acceptable level of literacy and numeracy can enhance children using the mother tongue help them learn quickly, particularly in Science and Mathematics. Through DepEd Order 94, Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) was instituted. Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) refers to "first-language-first" education that is, schooling which begins in the mother tongue and transitions to other languages like Filipino and English. One of the changes in the Basic Education Curriculum brought about by the new K-12 program is the implementation of the MTB-MLE specifically in Kindergarten, Grade 1, 2 and 3.

METHODS

Descriptive and quasi-experimental designs were used in this study. The descriptive design was used to present the different practices of teachers in teaching Mathematics using the Mother Tongue-Based Instruction. To know if there is a significant difference in the Mathematics achievement of pupils, the researcher used the quasi-experimental design, pre-test and post-test were seen. The subjects of the study were Grade 3 pupils (22) and Teacher (1) and Parents (22) of Manit Elementary School in Batangas for the school year 2018-2019. Pupils were given pre-test and post-test in selected topics in Mathematics as identified in this study. Teachers were also given survey questionnaires to determine their teaching practices in Mathematics.

RESULTS

Among the common practices of the teacher found to be significant in the improvement in the achievement of pupils are the use of collaborative learning strategies and many others like differentiated instructions, standards-based lessons, learner-centered activities, and strategies focusing on the development of computational skills. 2. It was also found that the common practices of the parents are parental instruction and encouragement. 3. The researcher suggests that the use of Mother tongue-based instruction for Grade 3 pupils in Mainit Elementary School should be followed as there has been an evidence of the improvement of their scores when lessons were taught in Tagalog. In addition, teachers are also encouraged to use prior knowledge and experiences for building new concepts so that students can clearly picture out the lesson being taught. Parental Involvement also helps pupils to perform better in school, thus, parents are encouraged to guide their children in terms of modeling and reinforcement which are the areas which need improvement.

DISCUSSIONS

The proponent concluded that there is a significant improvement in pupils’ achievement in Mathematics when exposed to Mother Tongue-based instruction. There is a significant improvement in the performance of pupils in Mathematics were exposed to practices in using MLE (Multilingual Education) Furthermore MLE Instruction in teaching literacy in Mathematics should be imposed among elementary teacher to supply better comprehension in mathematical processes.