Balancing the roles between language instruction and subject teaching
Teaching Science is a challenge in itself. Just like any other subjects, I believe that to
effectively teach its concepts, one should be able to balance between content and language. If
any one of these suffers, I guess, the goal of conveying the information would be a disaster. For
the past 8 years of teaching, I make sure that I have this conscious effort to self-evaluate. I
always aim to deliver science concepts in a way that students will understand its content and at
the same the communication between me and my students are open. I let them express their
ideas by way of interacting with the lesson. This means deliberately increase students talking
time and reducing teachers talking. This has been my style in teaching the subject and I keep on
updating strategies to execute my goal.
The Bilingual Education Program of the Philippines (BEP), as mandated by the Philippine
constitution states that “English is the medium of instruction in science and mathematics and
Pilipino or Filipino, the national language, in all other subjects”. This provision clearly shows
how bilingualism is supported by the Philippine government. I supported the idea presented by
some educators when they claimed that teaching science in English cite three major reasons
for its continued use: it is tested and viable, it is economical, and it is universal.” Despite
opponents suggest that science can be taught effectively using the native language and that
using English as the language of instruction benefits only the elite. I think this backward
thinking can result to a more serious problem in effectively teaching the subject for one thing
most of the resources in teaching science are all in English as it is the mostly accepted medium
of instruction.
Teaching science using english as medium of instruction will definitely bridge the gap
between two non-native speakers of the language. The 4c’s (content, cognitive, culture and
communication) which I learned from this course will surely gained success in the effective
teaching of the subject. Content-wise, terminologies used in biology, for example, can be clearly
defined and explained using english. Challenging learners by way of activities and debates can
be well express when one throw a question for example which will start an effective discussion.
One can also express their views of their opinion for example on a certain issue using english
which will be understood by all others across different nationalities. Peer observation which
was conducted as part of teacher’s growth was also conveyed in english. On the other hand, I’m
a bit disappointed on how some general faculty meetings were conducted in our school. It has
to be translated in Arabic or sometimes more discussed in Arabic. As I understood sense of
nationality as part of their culture, I think that english should always be the medium of
conversation in an international school. I think Arabic teachers, just like us non-native speakers
of the english language should make an effort to learn the language. Using the language, as
means of communication in the school can save time in any meeting for that matter.
By obliging educators in the school or any administrators to learn and use english as a
medium of any conversation, I guess, the purpose of bridging gap on communication can be
properly addressed and resolved. By way of knowing how and when to use the language can
clearly lead to better understanding. As a teacher, my role of delivering my subject is a
discipline between two major things: knowledge of the subject and strategy in communicating
the subject. Either ways are essential in the effective transmission of information. I must say
that being part of our prestigious educational institution, I am destined to play a role model to
both my students and my colleagues. Learning should always be interactive and this can only be
attained if there will be no barrier between the speaker and the listener. I’m a witness to
various discussions in which every participant are more willingly to share their views and
opinions and I firmly believe this will never be possible if any barrier will be there. English is
proven to help non-native speakers bridge the gap and this will continue if one learned the
effective use of it.