PROS and CONS on the removal of MTB MLe
The advantages and disadvantages of dropping the mother tongue subject from the academic
curriculum are worth weighing. On the positive side, proponents of this decision claim that it
could result in a less complicated curriculum. The total educational process might be simplified
by incorporating mother language training into other disciplines, which would be advantage for
both instructors and students. This strategy might aid instructors who struggle to differentiate
between the mother tongue topic and other language-related discipline like Filipino. Elimination
of a separate Mother Tongue course may result in clearer instructions and simpler material,
which would be simpler for instructors to understand and apply to the curriculum. Additionally,
complying with the K–12 law by prioritizing the mother tongue as a medium of teaching rather
than a distinct topic might help to improve the consistency and coherence of the curriculum's
implementation.
However, loss of mother language as a subject comes with serious issues. The probable loss of
language variety and heritage of culture is a serious unfavorable. Teaching in the mother tongue
is essential for conserving and advancing indigenous languages and cultures. It runs the danger
of undermining attempts to preserve these languages, which are frequently connected to a
community's identity and customs if it is dropped as a topic. Additionally, learning might not be
as successful as it could be. When instructions given to pupils in their mother tongue, many of
them learn more successfully because it makes communication and comprehension easier.
Students who are learning a language they are less adept in may find it difficult to understand
complicated topics if their mother tongue removed as a subject. Teachers' unions and advocacy
groups are also opposed to this proposal. These stakeholders contend that efforts should focused
on strengthening the mother tongue's incorporation into the curriculum rather than eliminating
it as a topic. They argue that mother tongue education makes the most of the home language's
potential as a teaching tool, which is especially advantageous in a student's early years of school.
Teachers can use the mother tongue as a subject's benefit to improve learning outcomes by
continuing to teach it.
For the presentation guide
Pros of Removing Mother Tongue as a Subject:
Reduced Curriculum Complexity: One of the main arguments in favor of removing mother
tongue as a subject is the simplification of the curriculum. Combining or integrating mother
tongue instruction into other subjects can streamline the educational process, potentially making
it more manageable for both teachers and students.
Clarity for Teachers: The confusion among teachers regarding the difference between the
Filipino subject and Mother Tongue subject highlights a need for clearer guidance and
streamlined content. By eliminating the standalone Mother Tongue subject, it may become
easier for teachers to understand and implement the curriculum.
Consistency with K to 12 Law: The decision aligns with the K to 12 laws, which emphasizes
mother tongue as a medium of instruction rather than a separate subject. This consistency may
help in the overall implementation of the K to 12 curriculums.
Cons of Removing Mother Tongue as a Subject:
Language Preservation: Mother tongue instruction is vital for preserving and promoting
indigenous languages and cultures. Removing it as a subject may hinder efforts to maintain
linguistic diversity and heritage, potentially leading to the erosion of minority languages.
Effective Learning: For many students, learning in their mother tongue is more effective as it
facilitates better understanding and communication. By removing mother tongue as a subject,
students might face challenges in comprehending more complex concepts when taught in a
language they are less proficient in.
Resistance from Teachers and Advocacy Groups: Teachers' groups and advocates argue that
rather than removing mother tongue as a subject, it should be improved and integrated
effectively into the curriculum. They contend that mother tongue education maximizes the use
of the home language as an effective medium of instruction, which can be especially beneficial
for students in their early years of education.
Impact on Learning Recovery: Removing mother tongue as a subject may make learning
recovery more challenging, as students may struggle with the transition to learning in a language
other than their mother tongue. This could potentially hinder educational progress, especially for
marginalized communities.