Advantages of using mother tongue as medium of instruction in primary grades:
For the students:
* Improved understanding and comprehension: Children learn best in a language they understand. Using their mother tongue eliminates the barrier of learning a new language simultaneously, making it easier for them to grasp concepts and engage with learning materials.
* Enhanced self-confidence and motivation: When students are comfortable with the language of instruction, they feel more confident to participate in class, ask questions, and express themselves freely. This fosters a positive learning environment and encourages their motivation to learn.
* Stronger cognitive development: Studies show that children who learn in their mother tongue develop stronger cognitive skills, including reasoning, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
* Better academic performance: Research indicates that students who receive primary education in their native language tend to perform better academically, particularly in subjects like reading, writing, and mathematics.
* Preservation of cultural identity: Using the mother tongue helps children connect with their cultural heritage and traditions, fostering a sense of belonging and pride.
For the teachers:
* More effective teaching: Teachers can focus on delivering lessons and engaging students without the added burden of teaching a new language. This allows them to cater to individual learning needs and provide personalized instruction.
* Improved communication and interaction: Clear communication between teachers and students is essential for effective learning. Using the mother tongue fosters open and engaging interactions, leading to a more dynamic learning environment.
* Increased student participation and engagement: When students understand the language of instruction, they are more likely to participate actively in class, ask questions, and contribute to discussions.
* Reduced workload and stress: Teaching in the mother tongue simplifies the teaching process, reducing the workload and stress for teachers, allowing them to focus on delivering quality education.
Disadvantages of using mother tongue as medium of instruction in primary grades:
* Transition difficulties: Switching to a second language later in education can pose challenges for students, especially if they haven't had sufficient exposure to the new language.
* Limited access to global knowledge: Using only the mother tongue can limit access to a broader range of knowledge and resources available in other languages, particularly in subjects like science, technology, and global affairs.
* Potential for language inequality: In multilingual contexts, favoring one mother tongue over others can create divisions and inequality among students.
* Lack of exposure to diverse cultures: While preserving cultural identity is important, relying solely on the mother tongue can limit exposure to other cultures and languages, hindering global understanding.
* Challenges for teachers: Teachers may need specialized training and resources to effectively teach in the mother tongue, particularly if they are not native speakers themselves.
It's important to note that the decision to use mother tongue as medium of instruction is complex and depends on several factors, including the specific context, the language policy of the country, and the available resources. Ultimately, the goal is to create an inclusive and effective learning environment that benefits all students.