MODULE 1B – The What, Why and How of MTB – MLE: Q and A

I. Introduction

Mother Tongue and Multilingual Education comes with a lot of questions with its presence and
process. In the previous module, we have seen how it is created, for what reason and how it is seen in the
schools. In this module, we will explore more and meet the unique characteristics of MTB – MLE.

II. Content/Target LOs

Upon accomplishing the module, the learners are expected to:

1. Define MTB – MLE

2. Describe MTB - MLE

III. Essential Question/s

1. What are the characteristics of MTB – MLE?

IV. Pretest

Directions: Write True if the statement is correct and False if the statement in not true.

_________1. MLE encourages active participation by children in the learning process.

_________2. MLE refers to “first – language – first” education, which begins in the L2 and transitions to
other languages.
_________3. UNESCO supports mother instruction as a means of improving educational quality.
_________4. MTB – MLE aims for preservation of country’s cultural treasure.
_________5. One’s own language enables a child to express him/herself easily, as there is no fear of
making mistakes.

A. Lesson 2: ENLIGHTENING MORE SIDES OF MTB – MLE

Engage (E)/ Discussion

UNESCO’s Principles on Language and Education

Developing a writing system for
a hitherto unwritten language
often has an educational purpose
– whether to record and transmit
local history
Transmit knowledge to the next
generation, use the language in
formal schooling, or facilitate
adult literacy acquisition
The educational use of language
depends, except in the most
informal settings, on a written
form that can be employed in
learning.
 UNESCO’s Three (3) Principles of Education in Multilingual Word

Principle 1 Principle 2 Principle 3

UNESCO supports mother
tongue instruction as a means of
improving educational quality by
building upon the knowledge and
experience of the learners and
teachers.
UNESCO supports bilingual
and/or multilingual education at
all levels of education as a means
of promoting both social and
gender equality and a key
element on linguistically diverse
societies.
UNESCO supports language as
an essential component of
intercultural education in order to
encourage understanding
between different population
groups and ensure respect of
fundamental rights.

Mother Tongue Based – Multilingual Education

 MLE refers to “first – language – first” education, which begins in the mother – tongue and
transitions to other languages.
 MLE is the use of more than two languages for literacy and instruction. It starts from where the
learners are and what they already know.

Purpose of MTB – MLE

 appropriate cognitive and reasoning skills and preserve culture

Why teaching the mother tongue as a subject in school is important?

 preservation of country’s cultural treasure

 provision of a strong educational foundation in the first language in terms of instruction
 stepping stone in achieving the aims of education as well as the goal of functional literacy

Multilingual Education (MLE) Program

 MLE = Strong bridge

 distinct characteristic is the inclusion of a guided transition from learning through the mother
tongue to learning through another mother tongue

Stages of an MLE Program

 Stage 1 – learning takes place entirely in the child’s home language

 Stage 2 - building fluency in the mother tongue. Introduction of oral L2
 Stage 3 – building of oral fluency in L2. Introduction of literacy in L2.
 Stage 4 – using both L1 and L2 for lifelong learning

When will children start learning Filipino and English?

As they develop a strong foundation in their L1, children are gradually introduced to the official
languages, Filipino and English, as separate subjects first orally, then in the written form.

The most important features of this process are:

 Education begins with what the learners already know, building on the language and culture,
language and experience that they bring with them when they start school.
 Learners gradually gain confidence in using the new (official) language, before it becomes the
 only language in teaching academic languages.
 Learners achieve grade level competence in each subject because teachers use their own
language, along with the official school language to help them understand academic concepts.

Does MLE only involve changing the language of instruction and translating the materials into
local languages?

MLE is an innovative approach to learning

a. the development of good curricula
b. the training of good teachers in the required languages, content, and methodology
c. the production of good teaching materials
d. the empowerment of the community

What kind of learner does MLE intend to produce?

MLE aims to produce learners who are:

A. Multi–literate
They can read and write competently in the local language, the national language, and
one or more languages of wider communication such as English.

B. Multilingual
They can use these languages in various situations and interactions for learning in school.

C. Multicultural
They can live and work harmoniously with people of cultural backgrounds that are
different from their own. They are comfortable living and working with people from outside their
community while maintaining their love and respect for their home culture and community.

What specific weaknesses in the Philippine Educational System does MLE seek to address?

MLE seeks to specifically address the high functional illiteracy of Filipinos where language plays
a significant factor.

Why use the Mother Tongue or the L1 in school?

 One’s own language enables a child to express him/herself easily, as there is no fear of
making mistakes.
 MLE encourages active participation by children in the learning process because they
understand what is being discussed and what is being asked of them.
 Children can immediately use the L1 to construct and explain their world, articulate their
thoughts and new concepts to what they already know.

Children already know their language. Why still learn it in school?

What we know and our children know is the conversation language in their everyday variety used
for daily interaction. Success in school depends on the academic and intellectualized language needed to
discuss more abstract concepts.
Important to remember

The use of MTB – MLE should result to children who are multilingual, multicultural and multi –
literate, confident and capable in the languages to maintain their love and respect for their linguistic and
cultural heritage.

Guide (G)

Answer the following questions:

1. What is the stand of UNSECO in terms of Mother Tongue Multilingual Education?

2. What have you observed with the stages of the MLE program?
3. Describe in three sentences the process of children’s learning Filipino and English.
4. Give a brief explanation on the statement: MLE is an innovative approach to learning.
5. Cite specific situations that describe each aim of MLE: Multi – literate, Multilingual and
Multicultural.
6. Give a two – sentence reaction to the statement: Children already know their language. Why
still learn it in school?

Test (T)

Directions: Write True if the statement is correct and False if the statement in not true.

_________1. MLE encourages active participation by children in the learning process.

_________2. MLE refers to “first – language – first” education, which begins in the L2 and transitions to
other languages.
_________3. UNESCO supports mother instruction as a means of improving educational quality.
_________4. MTB – MLE aims for preservation of country’s cultural treasure.
_________5. One’s own language enables a child to express him/herself easily, as there is no fear of
making mistakes.

Enhance (E)

Directions: Mention one thing that struck you the most after learning about the What, Why, and How of
MTB – MLE: Chapters 1 and 2. Why did it become significant to you? Place your answer in the box
below.

#MondayTakeAways

References
MOLINA's TV YouTube Channel
Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education
https://youtu.be/uNZMHAAjAzM