Teaching using a learner’s mother tongue or indigenous language can be effective especially in the early stages of education as it makes it easier for them to understand and engage with the curriculum.
When assessments and the broader education system are in a different language like English, it can create challenges. Learners may struggle to perform well on assessments if they are not proficient in the language of instruction.
Balancing mother tongue with the need to learn a global language like English is a complex issue. It’s often recommended to gradually transition learners into the second language while maintaining a strong foundation in their mother tongue.
This approach, known as bilingual education, can be effective in promoting both language proficiency and academic success. It’s important to consider the specific context, the needs of the learners, and the goals of the education system when making decisions about language of instruction.
Pros of use of Mother Tongue as language of instruction
- Preserves culture: Teaching in a learner’s native language helps preserve their culture, heritage, and traditions, which is crucial for maintaining cultural identity.
- Better understanding: Learners often understand complex concepts better when initially taught in their mother tongue, which can lead to a stronger foundation in various subjects.
- Improved literacy skills: Early education in mother tongue can improve literacy skills, which can be transferred to learning other languages.
- Enhanced cognitive skills: Multilingualism, especially when rooted in a strong mother tongue, can improve cognitive skills and problem-solving abilities.
Cons
- Language transition: Transitioning from mother tongue to a second language like English for assessments can be difficult, potentially affecting academic performance.
- Global language requirement: English is often considered a global language for international communication and opportunities, making proficiency in English important.
Blending Mother Tongue education with 21st Century education
- Bilingual education programmes: Gradually introduce the second language (e.g English) while maintaining a strong foundation in the mother tongue.
- Multilingualism: Offer opportunities for learners to become proficient in both their mother tongue and the language of instruction.
- Culturally inclusive curriculum: Adapt the curriculum to incorporate aspects of the local culture, making it relevant and engaging for learners.
- Teacher training: Provide teachers with training and resources to effectively teach in bilingual or multilingual contexts, ensuring they are comfortable with both languages.
- Assessment strategies: Develop assessment methods that allow learners to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the language they are most comfortable with, especially in the early stages of education.
- Community involvement: Engage the local community and parents in the education process, emphasizing the importance of preserving the mother tongue while preparing learners for a globalized society.
By Duncan Osoro
Get more stories from our website: Education News
To write to us or offer feedback, you can reach us at: editor@educationnews.co.ke
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
