International Journal of Empirical Research Methods

ISSN NO : 2995-6110

The International Journal of Empirical Research Methods is dedicated to promoting and advancing empirical research methodologies across various disciplines. This journal aims to provide a platform for researchers, scholars, educators, and practitioners to share insights, methodologies, and findings that contribute to the improvement of empirical research practices and the enhancement of evidence-based decision-making.

Submit Your Article Editorial Board
  • 464
    Views
  • 0
    CrossRef citations to date

Differential Effects Of Mother Tongue And English Language As A Medium Of Instruction On Pupil’s Numeracy Skills

1 Faculty Of Graduate Studies College Of Education, Arts, And Sciences National University, Manila,Philippines

Volume 1

Issue 2

Page: [77 - 118]

Published Online: December 20, 2023

Download Full Article ()
Creative Commons

  • Abstract

    This Study Explores The Differential Effects Of The Mother Tongue And English Language As Mediums Of Instruction On Pupil’s Numeracy Skills. The Objective Is To Determine If There Are Significant Differences In Posttest Gains Between A Control Group Taught In The Mother Tongue (Tagalog) And An Experimental Group Taught In English. The Researcher Also Aims To Identify The Factors And Challenges Faced By Teachers Using Both Languages As Mediums Of Instruction. Using A Mixed-Method Design, The Researcher Collected Quantitative And Qualitative Data. Sixty Pupils Each Were Randomly Selected For The Control And Experimental Groups From Laiya Elementary School. Pretest And Posttest Scores Were Analyzed For The 120 Grade 3 Pupils. The Results Revealed That The Experimental Group Taught In English Achieved Significantly Higher Posttest Results Compared To The Control Group Taught In The Mother Tongue. Qualitative Data Was Obtained Through Interviews With Grade 3 And Grade 4 Teachers, Highlighting Factors Such As Poor Study Habits, Lack Of Interest And Motivation, Limited Parental Involvement, And Low Reading Comprehension Levels As Barriers To Improving Numeracy Skills. Furthermore, Teachers Faced Challenges When Using Both Languages, With Grade 3 Teachers Struggling To Translate Mathematical Terms Into The Mother Tongue And Grade 4 Teachers Finding It Difficul To Assess Pupils’ Prior Knowledge Due To Their Strong Exposure To The Mother Tongue. Transitioning Between Languages, Especially In The First Quarter, Created Confusion And Hesitation Among Pupils. Limited English Vocabulary Acquired During Primary Years Further Hindered Understanding And Comprehension. To Enhance Numeracy Skills, Teachers Emphasized The Need For Motivation, Additional Activities, Integration Of Numeracy Across Subjects, Improved Reading Comprehension, Parental Participation, Varied Teaching Methods, And A Conducive Learning Environment. The Study Highlights The Importance Of Selecting An Appropriate Language, Establishing A Language-Rich Environment, Incorporating Cultural Relevance, And Integrating Language And Mathematics Instruction To Foster Deep Understanding, Critical Thinking Skills, And Confidence In Students As Proficient Mathematicians.

    Keywords: Mother Tongue English Language Numeracy Skills Multilingual Education Bilingualism

  • Figures

    Figure Image

  • References

      • [1]Abraham Karikari, Emmanuel Opoku Kumi, Ellen Afia Achiaa, & Juliet Adu. (2022). The Impact of Using Mother Tongue as Instructional Language in Teaching and Learning of Mathematics in Rural Primary Schools. *International Journal of Novel Research in Education and Learning*, 9(1), 26-38.
      • [2]Adelyne Costelo Abrea, Elvie Charie L. Ortua, & Randy L. Robles. (2020). Experiences of Teachers Teaching Grade 4 Pupils with Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE): Inputs to Policy Development and Teacher Training for MTB-MLE. [Link](https:// www.researchgate.net/publication/ 352538866). June 19, 2021.
      • [3]Aidan Clerkin, & Katie Gilligan. (2018). Preschool Numeracy Play as a Predictor of Children’s Attitudes towards Mathematics at Age 10. *Journal of Early Childhood Research*, 16(3), 319-334. doi:10.1177/1476718x18762238. https://doi. org/10.1177/1476718X18762238
      • [4]Alex Ilukena, Muhongo Mateya, & Christina Utete. (2018). Consequences of Individual Differences in Children’s Formal Understanding of Mathematical Equivalence. *Child Development*. doi:10.1111/ cdev.12948. h t t p s : / / d o i . o r g / 1 0 . 1 1 1 1 / cdev.12948
      • [5]Alicia Avila-Storer. (2018). Indigenous Languages and Teaching Mathematics: The Importance of Harmonizing Terms. *Revista Colombiana de Educación*, versão impressa ISSN 0120-3916.
      • [6]Almoayidi, K. A. (2018). The effecti eness of using L1 in second language classrooms: A controversial issue. *Theory and Practice in Language Studies*, 8(4), 375-379. h t t p s : / / d o i . o r g / 1 0 . 1 7 5 0 7 / tpls.0804.02
      • [7]Andrino, F. M. H., & Arsenal, N. M. S. (2022). Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education: The Attitudes and Challenges Faced by High School and Senior High School Teachers in Zamboanga Del Sur. *Mindanao State University - Marawi Campus*.
      • [8]Benjamin Piper, Stephanie Simmons Zuilkowski, Dunston Kwayumba, & Arbogast Oyanga. (2018). Examining the Secondary Effects of Mother-Tongue Literacy Instruction in Kenya: Impacts on Student Learning in English, Kiswahili, and Mathematics. *International Journal of Educational Development*, 59, 110-127. [Link](https://doi.org/10.1016/j. ijedudev.2017.10.002). h t t p s : / / d o i . o r g / 1 0 . 1 0 1 6 / j . ijedudev.2017.10.002
      • [9]Caroline Byrd Hornburg, Brianna Devlin, & Nicole M. McNeil. (2020). Earlier Understanding of Mathematical Equivalence in Elementary School Predicts Greater Algebra Readiness in Middle School. *Journal of Educational Psychology*, 114(3), 540-559. [Link](https://doi. org/10.1037/edu0000683). h t t p s : / / d o i . o r g / 1 0 . 1 0 3 7 / edu0000683
      • [10]Cherry Ann T. Nicolasa & Charlyn Y. Emata. (2018). An Integrative Approach through Reading Comprehension to Enhance Problem-Solving Skills of Grade 7 Mathematics Students. *International Journal of Innovation in Science and Mathematics Education*, 26(3), 40-64, 2018. [Link](https://core.ac.uk/download/ pdf/229407581.pdf).
      • [11]David J. Purpura. (2019). Development of Mathematical Language in Preschool and Its Role in Learning Numeracy Skills. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12- 815952-1.00007-4. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0- 12-815952-1.00007-4
      • [12]Department of Education Order No. 16, S. 2012. *Guidelines on the Implementation of the Mother Tongue- Based- Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE)*. [Link](https://www. deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/ 2012/02/DO_s2012_16. pdf). February 12, 2012.
      • [13]Department of Education Order No. 21, S. 2019. *Policy Guidelines on the K to 12 Basic Education Program*. [Link](https://www.deped.gov. ph/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/ DO_s2019_021.pdf). August 22, 2019.
      • [14]Department of Education. (2016). *Mother Tongue-Based Learning Makes Lessons More Interactive and Easier for Students*. [Link](https:// www.deped.gov.ph/2016/10/24/ mother-tongue-based-learning- makes-lessonsmore-interactive- and-easier-for-students/). October 24, 2016.
      • [15]Derek Haylock & Ralph Manning. (2019). *Mathematics explained for primary teachers*. Sage Publications Ltd (UK).
      • [16]Edwin Lloyd T. Siyang. (2018). The Use of Mother in Teaching Mathematics. *International Journal of Education, Psychology and Counseling*, 3 (20), 65-72. [Link](http://www. ijepc.com/PDF/IJEPC-201 8-20-12-07.pdf).
      • [17]Fatai Oyekola Alimi, Adedeji Tella, Gabriel Olufemi Adeyemo, & Musibau Oyewale Oyeweso. (2020). *Impact of Mother Tongue on Primary Pupils’ Literacy and Numeracy Skills in Osun State*. *International Online Journal of Primary Education*, Volume 9, Issue 2, ISSN: 1300 - 915X. [Link](https://files eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1283007. pdf).
      • [18]Fatima Abdulwahab Umar. (2018). Teacher Factors Influen ing Use of Mother Tongue in Teaching of Mathematics in Lower Primary Schools in Yola South Local Government. *Scholarly Journal of Education* Vol. 7(1), pp. 12-15, August 2020. [Link](http://www.scholarly-journals. com/SJE).
      • [19]Fauzia Shamim. (2008). *Trends, Issues and Challenges in English Language Education in Pakistan*. *Asia Pacific Journal of Education* https://doi.org/10.1080 /02188790802267324
      • [20]Fernanda Gandara & Jennifer Randall. (2019). Assessing Mathematics Proficie - cy of Multilingual Students: The Case for Translanguaging in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. *Comparative Education Review*. https://doi.org/10.1086/701065
      • [21]Fernando, E. R. (2020). Effect of Mother Tongue- Based Education (Waray- Waray) in Teaching Mathematics Subjects Among Elementary Grade Pupils. *International Journal of Language, Literature, and Translation*, 3(7), 34-41. DOI: 10.32996/ijllt.2020.3.7.4.
      • [22]Fery Seftiawan. (2018). *Mother Tongues Roles’ in English Language Learning*, 4(1), 1-12. *Langkawi Journal of the Association for Arabic and English* Volume 4 No. 1, 2018 P-ISSN: 2460-2280, E-ISSN: 2549-9017. DOI: [Link](http://dx- .doi.org/10.31332/lkw.v4i1.747). https://doi.org/10.31332/lkw. v4i1.747
      • [23]Fleckenstein, J., Gebauer, S. K., & Möller, J. (2019). *Promoting mathematics achievement in one-way immersion: Performance development over four years of elementary school*. *Contemporary Educational Psychology*. doi:1016/j. cedpsych.2019.01.010. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cedpsych. 2019.01.010
      • [24]Galdo, M., & Serdan, G. (2019). *School Language versus Home Language: The Paradox of Mother Tongue- Based Multilingual Education in the Philippines*. *Journal of Educational and Human Resource Development (JEHRD)*, 7, 110-121. Retrieved from [Link](https:// www.ijterm.org/index.php/jehrd/ article/view/29098). https://doi.org/10.61569/fztdk693
      • [25]Gopalan, M., Rosinger, K., & Ahn, J. B. (2020). *Use of Quasi-Experimental Research Designs in Education Research: Growth, Promise, and Challenges*. *Review of Research in Education*, 44(1), 218- 243. doi:10.3102/0091732x20903302. https://doi. org/10.3102/0091732X20903302
      • [26]H. H. Dundain, M. Vegare-Miñoza, & A. B. Casimiro. (2021). Teaching Mathematics in ‘Different Tongues’: An Analysis of Mathematics Anxiety and Proficiency Among Elementary- Grade Learners. *Linguistics and Culture Review*, [Link] (https://doi.org/10.37028/lingcure. v5nS2.1523).
      • [27]Hamukonda, P. (2021). *Teaching of the Number Concept at Junior Primary Phase*.
      • [28]Jess Edwards, Noor Mohammed, Caitlin Nunn, & Paul Gray. (2020): *Mother tongue other tongue: nine years of creative multilingualism in practice*, *English in Education*, doi:10.1080/04250494.2020.185 0176. https://doi.org/10.1080/0425049 4.2020.1850176
      • [29]Jo-Anne LeFevre. (2018). || *Linguistic and Experiential Factors as Predictors of Young Children’s Early Numeracy Skills*. *Language and Culture in Mathematical Cognition*. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-812574- 8.00003-1. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0- 12-812574-8.00003-1
      • [30]John Clegg & John Simpson. (2016) *Improving the effecti eness of English as a medium of instruction in sub-Saharan Africa*, *Comparative Education*, 52:3, 359-374, doi:10.10 80/03050068.2016.1185268. https://doi.org/10.1080/0305006 8.2016.1185268
      • [31]Lang-ay, P. L. D., & Sannadan, J. G. M. (2021). *Mother Tongue Based Language Education in Philippines And Cambodia: A Comparative Study*. *Infogain Publication*. h t t p s : / / d o i . o r g / 1 0 . 2 2 1 6 1 / ijels.61.44
      • [32]L. I. Méndez, C. S. Hammer, L. M. Lopez, & C. Blair. (2018). *Examining Language and Early Numeracy Skills in Young Latino Dual Language Learners*. *Early Childhood Research Quarterly*. doi:10.1016/j. ecresq.2018.02.004. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecresq. 2018.02.004
      • [33]Lisa Beth Carey & Lisa A. Jacobson. (2020). *How do Language Skills Impact Math Learning?* [Link](https:// www.kennedykrieger.org/stories/ linking-research-classrooms-blog/ how-do-language-skills-impactmath- learning).
      • [34]Ma. Jo-Ann Alfonso-Mendoza, (2021). The Development of Numeracy Skills of Primary Grade Pupils Through Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education: A Phenomenological Study, United International Journal for Research & Technology, Volume 02, Issue 12, 2021, ISSN: 2582-6832. https://uijrt.com/articles/ v2/i12/UIJRTV2I120004.pdf
      • [35]Mária Hanáková & Rastislav Metruk, (2017). The Use of L1 in the Process of Teaching English. Modern Journal of Language Teaching Methods Volume7, Issue8. https://www. academia.edu/34098456/The_ Use_of_L1_ in_the_Process_of_ Teaching_English.
      • [36]Marianne Rachel G. Perfecto (2020). English Language Teaching and Bridging in Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education. International Journal of Multilingualism, doi:10.1080/1 4790718.2020.1716771 https://doi.org/10.1080/1479071 8.2020.1716771
      • [37]Maricris D. Uayan, (2020) The Extent of Use of the MTB-MLE in Teaching Grade 3 Mathematics and its Effect on the Performance of the Pupils. Journal of Educational Research.http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo. 3978030
      • [38]Martha Nahole & Frans Ndemupondaka Haimbodi, (2022). Pre-service teachers’ mathematical concepts in indigenous languages: Challenges encountered in multilingual classrooms, Rundu urban, Namibia. Journal of Research and Advances in Mathematics Education), 7(1), 36-45. https://doi.org/10.23917/ jramathedu.v7i1.15482 https://doi.org/10.23917/jramathedu. v7i1.15482
      • [39]Michael J. Bossé & Anass Bayaga & Catherine Fountain & Erica Slate Young & Ashley DeMart (2018). Mathematics Learning Through the Lens of Language Acquisition. International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education, Volume 12, Issue 1, 103-113. https://files eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1232725. pdf. September 2019. https://doi.org/10.26822/iejee. 2019155342
      • [40]Nelwan, M., Friso-van den Bos, I., Vissers, C., & Kroesbergen, E. (2021). The relation between working memory, number sense, and mathematics throughout primary education in children with and without mathematical difficulties Child Neuropsychology, 1-28. doi:10.1080/09 297049.2021.1959905 https://doi.org/10.1080/0929704 9.2021.1959905
      • [41]Nicolas, C. A. T., & Ematab, C. Y. (2018). An Integrative Approach through Reading Comprehension to Enhance Problem-Solving Skills of Grade 7 Mathematics Students. International Journal of Innovation in Science and Mathematics Education, 26(3), 40-64.
      • [42]Nora E. Saneka & Marike de Witt, (2019). Barriers and Bridges Between Mother Tongue and English as a Second Language in Young Children. South African Journal of Childhood Education, doi:10.4102/sajce. v9i1.516 https://doi.org/10.4102/sajce. v9i1.516
      • [43]Ohanna Elizabeth De Koker, (2019). An investigation of challenges experienced by teachers who are teaching through Afrikaans medium of instruction: A case of four selected primary schools in Windhoek. University of Namibia. http://hdl. handle.net/11070/2578
      • [44]Pauline Grace P. Casil-Batang & Conchita Malenab- Tempora (2018) Language Attitude and English Proficiency of ESL Learners . Cagayan State University, Philippines. Asian EFL Journal 20(2):186-205. https:// www.researchgate.net/publication/ 324532953. February 2018.
      • [45]Peng Peng & Xin Lin & Zehra Emine Ünal & Kejin Lee & Jessica Namkung & Jason Chow & Adam Sales (2020) Examining the mutual relations between language and mathematics: A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 146(7), 595-634. https:// doi.org/10.1037/bul0000231 h t t p s : / / d o i . o r g / 1 0 . 1 0 3 7 / bul0000231
      • [46]Perfecto, M. R. G. (2020). English language teaching and bridging in mother tongue-based multilingual education. International Journal of Multilingualism, 1-17. doi:10.1080/1 4790718.2020.1716771 https://doi.org/10.1080/1479071 8.2020.1716771
      • [47]Piper, B., Simmons Zuilkowski, S., Dubeck, M., Jepkemei, E., & King, S. J. (2018). Identifying the essential ingredients to literacy and numeracy improvement: Teacher professional development and coaching, student textbooks, and structured teachers’ guides. World Development, 106, 324-336. doi:10.1016/j.worlddev. 2018.01.018 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev. 2018.01.018
      • [48]Powell, S. R., Berry, K. A., & Tran, L. M. (2019). Performance Differences on a Measure of Mathematics Vocabulary for English Learners and Non- English Learners with and without Mathematics Difficu y. Reading & Writing Quarterly, 1-18. https:// doi.org/10.1080/10573569.2019. 1677538 https://doi.org/10.1080/1057356 9.2019.1677538
      • [49]Purpura, D. J., Napoli, A. R., & King, Y. (2019). Development of Mathematical Language in Preschool and Its Role in Learning Numeracy Skills. In Cognitive Foundations for Improving Mathematical Learning (pp. 175- 193). doi:10.1016/b978-0-12- 815952-1.00007-4 https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0- 12-815952-1.00007-4
      • [50]Putrawan, Gede Eka (2019) The Role of First Language and Translation in EFL Learning: A Brief Literature Review. International Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Translation (IJLLT), 2 (2). pp. 170-174. ISSN 2617-0299
      • [51]Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) (2018). Philippines - Country Note - PISA 2018 Results. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).Volumes I-III, 2019. https:// www.oecd.org/pisa/publications/ PISA2018_CN_PHL.pdf
      • [52]Rajathurai, N. (2020). Understanding the Importance of Mother Tongue Learning. International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD), 5(1), 77-80. Retrieved from https://www. ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd35846. pdf
      • [53]Robertson, S.-A., & Graven, M. (2018). Exploratory mathematics talk in a second language: a sociolinguistic perspective. Educational Studies in Mathematics. doi:10.1007/ s10649-018-9840-5 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10649- 018-9840-5
      • [54]Tess P. Englis & Helen B. Boholano, (2021). Mother Tongue - Based Instruction in Teaching Elementary Mathematics. Solid State Technology.
      • San Isidro, X. (2018). Innovations and Challenges in CLIL Implementation in Europe. Theory Into Practice, 1-11. doi:10.1080/00405841.2018.148 4038 https://doi.org/10.1080/0040584 1.2018.1484038
      • [55]Seid, Y. (2018). The impact of learning first in mother tongue: evidence from a natural experiment in Ethiopia. Applied Economics, 1-17. doi:10. 1080/00036846.2018.1497852 https://doi.org/10.1080/0003684 6.2018.1497852
      • [56]Tilla Olifant & Madoda Cekiso & Eunice Rautenbach, (2019). Teachers’ perceptions of Grades 8-10 English First Additional Language learners’ reading habits, attitudes and motivation. ‘Teachers’ perceptions of Grades 8-10 English First Additional Language learners’ reading habits, attitudes and motivation’, Reading & Writing 10(1), a254. https:// doi.org/10.4102/ rw.v10i1.254 h t t p s : / / d o i . o r g / 1 0 . 4 1 0 2 / rw.v10i1.254
      • [57]Vicente Bermejo & Pilar Ester & Isabel Morales, (2021) How the Language of Influences Mathematical Thinking Development in the First Years of Bilingual Schoolers. Front. Psychol. 12:533141. doi: 10.3389/ fpsyg.2021.533141 h t t p s : / / d o i . o r g / 1 0 . 3 3 8 9 / fpsyg.2021.533141
      • [58]Wilkinson, L. C. (2018). Teaching the language of mathematics: What the research tells us teachers need to know and do. The Journal of Mathematical Behavior, 51, 167-174. doi:10.1016/j. jmathb.2018.05.001 h t t p s : / / d o i . o r g / 1 0 . 1 0 1 6 / j . jmathb.2018.05.001

  • Article Metrics

    Views

    464

  • Copyright and Permissions

    At Guinness Press, authors retain the copyright for all articles published in our journals. These articles are licensed under the open-access Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 license, granting free access for reading and download. Additionally, the original published version must be appropriately cited when reusing or quoting the article. These terms ensure widespread accessibility while ensuring proper attribution to the authors.

    All content published by Guinness Press is safeguarded by international copyright and intellectual property regulations. We kindly request that you honor these protections when utilizing our materials.

    For further information, please contact us at info@guinnesspress.org.