Narrative Accomplishment Report

MOTHER TONGUE BASED MULTILINGUAL

EDUCATION

Introduction:

The implementation of Mother Tongue Based Multilingual Education

(MTB-MLE) as a part of the introduction of the K to 12 Curriculum specifically
in Kindergarten, Grades 1,2 and 3, represents a significant innovation in
schooling in the Philippines.

The program is toward the goal at “Every Child-A- Reader and A-

Writer”. MTB- MLE refers to the “first-language-first” education that is,
schooling which begins in the mother tongue and transitions to additional
languages particularly Filipino and English. It is meant to address the high
functional illiteracy of Filipinos where language plays a significant factor. Since
the child’s own language enables her/ him to express him/ herself easily, then,
there is no fear of making mistakes. It encourages active participation by
children in the learning process because they understand what is being
discussed and what is being asked of them. They can immediately use their
mother tongue to construct and explain their word, articulate their thoughts and
add new concepts to what they already know. The potential reward of mother
tongue instruction is the achievement of higher outcomes by children because
they are learning in a language that is familiar to them. The consolidation of the
children’s mother tongue provides a foundation for the development of literacy
skills and the learning of the additional language of Filipino and English.