Book of Language Programs and Policies in Multilingual Societies Autosaved Autosaved
Book of Language Programs and Policies in Multilingual Societies Autosaved Autosaved
CONTENTS
Preface……………………………………………………………………………………………
………………….......
References………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 87
Index………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 91
PREFACE
Welcome Language Programs and Policies in Multilingual Societies course module!
Language Programs and Policies in Multilingual Societies course module is a three-unit
specialization subject for undergraduate students of Bachelor of Secondary Education major in
English Language. As prescribed by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the course
provided “a survey of local and international basic education language programs and policies
that account for issues and considerations relevant to the engagement of teachers in school
setting” (CHED Memorandum Order No. 75, series of 2017, on the Policies, Standards and
Bachelor of Secondary Education, Annex B, p. 43).
As future language teachers, it is vital that you acquire fundamental knowledge of how
language policies and programs shape language classroom practices, and how these de facto
practices can also influence policies and programs. This knowledge should help you better
comprehend the complexity of language learning and teaching, and hopefully, guide you to
arrive at sound, practical, and effective pedagogical decisions in your future language classes.
At the end of the course, you are expected to know and do the following:
1. Relate the concepts of multilingualism, linguistic diversity, and linguistic rights to
language planning and policy;
2. Familiarize yourself with the different language-in-education policies of Southeast
Asia;
3. Examine and evaluate bilingual education programs, both the weak and the strong
forms;
Before you begin learning from and working on this module, it is important that you
understand the purpose and design from this module.
This is a self-instructional module which requires you to complete learning activities with
minimal supervision from your teacher. It is divided into four units, namely:
Unit I: Multilingualism and Language Policy
Unit II: Language-in-Education Policy
Unit II: Bilingual Education Programs
Unit IV: Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education
The module contains learning activities or tasks that will enable you to build your
understanding and/or knowledge about certain topics. The tasks were designed to encourage
collaboration between and among your peers and to challenge you to critically examine various
information related to multilingualism, language programs and policies, and abstract knowledge
based on your analysis and apply them into different situations. Each unit is divided into lessons,
with the following activities:
Activity 1: ACTIVATE
In this activity, you will activate your prior knowledge about the topic.
Activity 2: ANALYZE
In this activity, you will analyze various texts like research articles and policy documents.
Activity 3: ABSTRACT
In this activity, you will extrapolate essential concepts or understanding based on
your analysis in Activity 2.
Activity 4: APPLY
In this activity, you will apply your acquired skills and knowledge by completing
the performance task.
FINAL COURSE MODULE ASSESSMENT
Your final course module assessment is a Reflective Portfolio that contains the output
and/or documentation of the Final Performance Task of each lesson, specifically in the Apply
activity. At the end of each lesson, you will write your “post0lesson reflection” that will
summarize your learnings and insights from the previously completed learning activities. Here
are some of the questions that you may use as guide for your reflection:
1. What new knowledge and/or skills did you learn and/or acquire in this lesson?
2. Which tasks do you find challenging?
3. How will this lesson help you as a language teacher?
4. Do you think you achieved the lesson’s target objectives?
5. Are there any questions that you feel are unanswered? What are those?
Criteria for Grading the Reflective Portfolio:
Post-Lesson Reflection 30 points
Completeness of the Portfolio 15 points
Organization/ Neatness 5 points
TOTAL 50 points
*The lessons’ final performance tasks are graded using the rubric or criteria for grading
reflected in the Apply activity.
vi l A COURSE MODULE FOR LANGUAGE PROGRAMS AND POLICIES IN MULTILINGUAL SOCIETIES
Unit I
MULTILINGUALISM AND LANGUAGE POLICY
Globalization has immensely bolstered interconnectedness between and among nations,
people, and cultures. As a result, language communities come in contact more often, which
makes multilingualism as the norm of the present world.
In this unit, you will learn about multilingualism, linguistic rights, and the language issues
inherent in a multilingual society. You will know more about the diverse factors that influence
language choice, and how such choice, both of the individual and that of society, shapes
language policy.
LESSON 1:
UNDERSTANDING MULTILINGUALISM
LEARNING GOALS
1. define multilingualism and know the factors that have invigorated the phenomenon;
2. understand and recognize the value of linguistic diversity in a multilingual society; and
3. write a reaction assay on the issue of a national language vis-à-vis its place in a multilingual
environment.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES:
I.ACTIVATE
In the biblical literature, it is said that the world original had “one shared language” until the
“Tower of Babel”. The story (from Genesis) began with the people of Babel attempting to build a tower
that would reach the heaven to prove that they can reach it on their own. Such arrogance greatly
displeased God that he deliberately created multiple language so that the people building the tower will
not understand one another and it will be impossible for them to finish the tower.
Imagine that you live in a world where there is only one language. What do you think will
happen? How will our world be different from what it is now? Will you consider it as a “linguistic
paradise”? Why? Why not?
II. ANALYZE
Whether the story of the Tower of Babel is true or not, the multiplicity of languages in the world
is definitely area real. Also known as “linguistic diversity”, the multitude of languages that exists at
present is approximately at 6,000-7,000 languages worldwide (UNESCO, Education in a Multilingual
World, 2003). With the exception of Iceland- the only country that is legitimately identified as
linguistically homogenous or monolingual- multilingualism is a real.
Below are some of the key points presented in the article about multilingualism as a phenomenon. Work
on the process questions that follow.
Because there are more languages in the world (almost 7,000) than countries. It follows that a
significant number of speakers have more than one language;
Because languages are “unevenly distributed”; speakers of the minority language groups need to
learn and use the language of the majority groups;
Because we have immigrants who speak their first language and who need to acquire and speak
the language of the host (or new) country ; and
Because we learn additional languages, like English, for better social and economic
opportunities.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Cenoz, J. (2013) Defining multilingualism. Annual Review Linguistics. Retrieved August 8, 2020, from
https://www.reserearchgate.net/publication/259438531_Defining_Multingualism. DOI:
10.1017/S026719051300007X
In the article, Cenoz (2013) also identified three major factors that have contributed to the
“visibility of multilingualism”: (1) globalization, (2) transnational mobility of the population, and (3) the
spread of new technologies (p. 4).
Based on your understanding of your reading, how can these three factors strengthen or
promote multilingualism? Provide specific of your reading, how can these three factors strengthen or
promote multilingualism? Provide specific examples on how each factors has influenced the spread of
multilingualism.
Cenoz (2013) also listed a number of definitions for multilingual/ multilingual individual, and to
quote:
“A multilingual individual is anyone who can communicate in more than no engage, be it active
or passive “(Li,2008 , p. 4 ).
“Multilingualism is the ability of societies, institutions, groups and individuals to engage, on a
regular basis, with more than one language in their day-to0day lives”( European Commission,
2007, p. 6).
Multilingualism is a very complex concept that it is important that you get a glimpse of the various
dimensions that constitute it.
Continue reading Cenoz’s (2013) article (p.5-7) and contrast key concepts of multilingualism. With a
partner, complete the graphic organizer below.
MULTILINGUALISM
III. ABSTRACT
At this point, it must be clear to you that linguistic diversity is inherent in any society.Not everyone,
though, accepts such reality. Many researchers still lobby for the elimination of multilingualism and linguistic
diversity as they are deemed “unnecessary, messy, costly, and inefficient” (Phillipson and Skutnabb- kangas,2009, p.
32).
Look for studies or researches that would argue against “multilingualism and linguistic diversity.” Write at
least two arguments and prepare to share with the class. Make sure to cite your sources properly.
Briefly state your main argument here. Provide your explanation here.
Argument 2
In the same article of Phillipson and Skutnabb-Kangas, they comprehensively explained the need for
linguistic diversity in their book chapter, “Politics and Policies of Language and Language Teaching” (p. 32-33). Here
are some of the key points they presented on why linguistic diversity is needed:
Languages are “libraries of the intangible heritage of humankind” (p. 32). Human knowledge, history, and
experiences are encoded and stored in language.
Languages reflect an individual and a community’s culture, tradition, and identity.
Diversity in languages and cultures results in more ideas and creativity for communities to collectively
adapt to the changing world and find solutions to new issues that arise.
The significance of linguistic diversity was compared with ecological diversity where diversity is directly
related to stability, which is important for ling-term survival.
How about you? What are your thoughts? Why is linguistic diversity needed? Prepare to justify your answer.
a. _________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
b. _________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
c. _________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
d. _________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
e. _________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
6 ǀ ACOURSE MODULE FOR LANGUAGE PROGRAMS AND POLICIES IN MULTILINGUAL SOCITIES
IV APPLY
Read the article of Rodriguez’ (2014) “Should we even have a national
language in the first place?” and write a 700- word reaction essay for on against
the arguments presented.
You may access the full article here:
Rodriguez, B. (2014, August 23) “Should we even have a national language in the place?
Retrieved September 15, 2020, from https://www.rappler.com/move-ph/ispeak/66958-
filipino-national-language
Content 15 points
TOTAL 30 points
Reaction Essay
LESSON 2
LEARNING ACTIVITIES:
I. ACTIVATE
In the Philippines, nearly 200 languages and dialects are spoken by an estimate of
100 million Filipinos. The language map below taken from Greenberg’s Linguistic
Diversity Index shows the 10 languages that are predominantly used in various
provinces.
For starters, try to create your class’ linguistic diversity chart. Find out from your
classmates the language that they speak and/or understand. Present your data using
the pie chart provided below.
II.ANALYZE
In the previous activity, you have personally observed that diversity is even present
within your class. Such inevitability presupposes that each one of us has the right to learn and
cultivate our own language our own language. This is also known as one’s linguistics rights.
Phillipson and Skutanabb-Kangs (2017) listed several international covenants that cover one’s
linguistic rights. Read some of those treaties and discuss with your group mates the questions
that follow.
You may access the full article here:
Phillipson, R., & Skutnabb- Kangas, T. (2017). Linguistic human rights, past and present.
Retrieved August 12, 2020, from http://www.tove-skutnabb-kangas.org/dl/129-1994-308-
2008-2017-Tove-Skutnabb-Kangas-Robert-Philipson-Linguistic-Human-Rights-Past-Present.pdf
The Charter of the United Nations (1945) commits its member nations in its general
articles to promoting “universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and
fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race,sex, language, or religion”
(paragraph 6.11,55).
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966, Article 27) states: “ In
those states in which ethnic, religious or linguistic minorities exist, persons belonging
to such minorities shall not be denied the right, in community with other members of
their group, to enjoy their own culture, to profess and practice their own religion, or
to use their own language.”
The UN Convention on the Rights of Child (1989) stresses the maintenance of
identity, including “nationality” and “name.”
The UN’s Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethic,
Religious and Linguistic Minorities: “that the promotion and protection of the rights
of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities
contribute to the political and social stability of States in which they live.” ( Preamble)
1. What do these international covenants have in common? In one sentence, what is the
key message of these treaties in relation to language, identity, and minorities?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. How adequate or satisfactory are these covenants in protecting the individual and
collective right to use and cultivate one’s own language?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. In the Philippines, how ate our linguistic rights protected? Does our Constitution say
anything about it? What about the educational policies that you know? Can you name a
policy that you believe protects our linguistic rights?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
III. ABSTRACT
Different domains would have its preferred language. For each domain listed, try to
determine whether the language is used as a:
A. primary language;
B. secondary language; or
C. not used.
Work with a partner and prepare for a class discussion. The first domain was used as an
example.
What can be said about the role of English, Filipino, and the regional languages in the
different domain? Do you agree with the date? Why do you think there are differences in the
preferred languages across domains? Provide examples to justify your answer.
School
Church
Neighborhood
Local Government
Media (TV/Radio)
LESSON 3
1. relate language choice with sociolinguistic contexts (e.g., location, participants, and
topic);
2. know the eight basic motivation in language planning and how these motivations
influence language choice;
3. classify countries according to their sociolinguistic mix; and
4. demonstrate through a Language Community Profile that language choice is immensely
influenced by beliefs and attitudes of the people toward the language.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES:
I.ACTIVATE
“In a multilingual society, how do people choose language in different situation?’’ In the
previous lesson, you understood that language choice differs depending on the domain. More
specifically, language choice is heavily dependent on its sociolinguistic contexts, such as
location, participants involved, and the topic at hand (Spolsky, 2004).
To better understand the relationship between language choice and the sociolinguistic
contexts, you will now do a self-survey of your language choices. Please complete the table
below.
School
Shopping
Social Media
II.ANALYZE
In the first activity, you have observed (and experienced) how individuals choose specific
languages in varying situations. On a macro-level, language choices are done in a far more
complex and rigorous manner. Read the article of Demetrio, F. P. A. and Liwanag, L. A. (2014, p.
26-30) entitled “The language policies and practices of the Philippines and Thailand: Insights
and lessons for language planning.”
You may access the full article here:
Demeterio, F. P. A. & Liwanag, L. A. (2014). The language policy and practices of the Philippines and
Thailand: Insights and lessons for language planning. Silimon Journal, 55(2), pp. 19-59. Retrieved
August 12, 2020, from https: // www.researchgate.net/publication/
338829292_The_Language_Policies_and_Practices_of_the_Philippines_and_Thailand_Insights_and_L
essons_for_Language_Planning_co-
author_Dr_FPA_Demetrio_III/link/5e2d54bc299bf152167e3bc9/download
Gupta (1985, in Demeterio & Liwanag, 2014) identified eight basic motivations in language
planning that serve as a guide of a country or state in assigning language statues followed by a table that
shows Philippines languages, their respective language status, and the underpinning motivation.
Your task is to replicate the summary table using another Southeast Asian country. In groups of
three, identify a Southeast Asian country, research on its languages and the statuses assigned to them,
and the underpinning motivation for the language choice. Prepare to share your answer with the class.
Please note that for each language, you may have more than one underpinning motivation.
Co-official language
III.ABSTRACT
Now, you have a basic understanding on how specific languages are identified and
valued by a nation or state. At the point, you need to infer how language choice becomes the
core of a language policy. For you to better understand the relationship between language
choice policy, it is vital that you know the three types of countries as defined by a country’s
linguistic and ethnic complexity (Lambert, 1999, in Spolsky, 2004, p. 58).
Shown on the next page are the three types of countries with their brief descriptions.
With your seatmate, you task is to classify the countries listed according to their type. Draw a
line that will connect the type of country to the flag. To complete this task, you must have
access to resources that will inform you of the linguistic situation of the identified countries.
Type 1
How do these types of countries affect language choice and policy? For Type 1 ,
linguistically homogenous countries, establishing the language norm is relatively easy compared
to the two other types. Type 1 countries have an uncontestable national language, and the
language policy is more concerned with the standardization of the language and the additional
foreign languages that they want their citizens to learn. The case though is different in Type 2
and 3 countries where language choice is a continuous debate.
How about the Philippines? In which type of country do you think we belong?
What issues on Philippine language policy come to mind after knowing our country type?
Explain your answer.
IV. APPLY
In this lesson, you learned some of the factors that influence language choice ꟷ the core
of any language policy. But, one influence factor that was not yet elaborated pertains to the
beliefs and attitudes of the people toward a particular language.
In any multilingual society, languages that will be valued and taught in schools, either as
a school subject or as a medium of instruction, are largely based on the beliefs and attitudes of
the people toward the languages.
You may access the full article here:
Cenoz, J., & Gorter, D. (2010). The diversity of multilingualism in education. International Journal of the Sociology
of Language. DOI: 10.1515/ijsl.2010.038. Retrieved August 15, 2020, from
https//www.researchgate.net/publication/274268675_The_diversity_of_multilingualism_in_education/link/554
26e270cf234bdb21a1398/download
Take time to read Cenoz and Gorter’s (2010) article on the “The Diversity of
Multilingualism in Education.”
Before you work on the final task of this lesson, discuss with a partner your key insight
from the readings. Focus your pair discussion on language planning and multilingualism in
education and its relation to: (1) beliefs, (2) attitudes, and (3) discourse of society.
Insights
For your Apply Activity, in groups of four, your task is to create a short Language Community Profile of a
group of people to determine their attitudes toward certain languages. The detailed instructions are listed below.
1. Given that this is only a group exercise, your community profile may only involve five individuals. Decide
which among the groups enumerated you will work on.
SIL International. (n. d.) Language attitude. Retrieved September 15,2020, from
https://www.sil.org/language-assessment/laguage-attitudes
3. Use the questions provided by SIL International ( n. d.) to elicit the participants’ opinions and attitudes
toward certain languages.
4. Prepare a five-minute presentation (with presentation decks) to share your findings with the class. Write
your story structure in the box provided below.
Quality of Data
Group Collaboration
TOTAL
Story Structure
LESSON 4
LEARNING ACTIVITIES:
I. ACTIVATE
Below are some public signs that you will see in Metro Manila:
Do you think such public-discourse is aligned with our language policies? Why or why not?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
In your area, how do your public signs look like? Is it aligned with our language policies and your
local beliefs? If you can take a picture and share with the class, please do so.
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
II.ANALYZE
According to Spolsky (2004), language policy refers to all “language practices, beliefs, and
management decisions of a community or policy.” It “constitutes an attempt by someone to manipulate
the linguistic behavior of some community for some reason” (Burton 2013, p. 3, in Monje, 2019, p. 4).
To gain a comprehensive understanding of language policy, you will now learn about the Model
of Language Policy (Spolsky, 2004).
Language Policy
According to Spolsky (2007), language policy has three “interrelated, but interdependent” components:
language practice, language beliefs, and language management.
Language practices are the “observable behaviors and choice ꟷ what people actually do,” which included the
choice of linguistic feature and of the language variety (p.3).
Language beliefs are “the values assigned to the varieties and features” (p.4).
Language management is “the explicit and observable effort by someone or some group that has claims to have
authority over the participants on the domain to modify their practices or beliefs” (p.4).
Based on these description, try to classify the following statements whether they belong to the component of
Practices, Belief, or Management. Prepare to explain your answer.
________ 1. Roman Catholic church changed its policy of requiring Latin for mass.
_________2. Immigrant parents persuade their children to learn the new language.
_________3.Immigrant parents persuade their children to use their mother tongue at home.
_________5. You use your mother tongue in your daily conversations as much as possible, because you believe that
it is the most appropriate language to use in your present environment.
III.ABSTRACT
Read the article of Spolcky (2007) entitled “Towards a Theory of Language Policy.” Form a
group with four members and complete the following tasks:
You may access the full article here:
Spolsky, B. (2007). Towards a theory of language policy. Retrieved September 15, 2020, from
https://respository.upenn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1186&context=wpel
Key Terms
As a group, identify 10 key terms (preferable new terms) that you encountered in reading
the article. Write a brief definition for each term based on how you understood it .
Insights
Discuss and write down your group’s insights about language policy after reading the
article. List at least three significant insights.
1. ______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
2. ______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
3. ______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
IV.APPLY
You will now have your turn to research and report to the class. Each group will be
assigned one of the following topics:
Topic 1: The Four Layers of Language Policy
Legislation and political processes
States and supranational agencies
Institutions
Classroom practitioners
Topic 2: The Four Common and Co-existing Forces of Language Policies at the National
Level (Spolsky, 2009)
National (or ethnic) ideology or claims of identity
The role of English as a global language
A nation’s sociolinguistic situation
An increasing interest in linguistic rights within the human and civil rights frameworks
Topic 3: The Four Phases of Language Planning (How Language Policies Are Developed)
Selection
Codification
Elaboration
Acceptance
Topic 4: What Language Policies Can Do vis-à-vis the Different Domains
As a group, discuss the key points that you will discuss in your report, including the task
assignment for each member. Try to identify questions that you think your classmates will ask
during your report. Use the box provided below. Each group will be given 25-30 minutes to
report and respond to their classmates’ questions.
SUGGESTED READINGS:
Pennycook, A. (2013). Language policies, language ideologies and local language practices. In Wee,
L., Goh, R. and Lim, L. (ed). Politics of English. South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Asia Pacific.
Rojas, E., & Reagan, T. (2003). Linguistic human rights: A new perspective on bilingual education.
Educational Foundations. Retrieved August 18, 2020, from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/234630134_Linguistic_Human_Rights_A_New_Perpective_o
n_Bilingual_Education/citation/download
Vazquez-Montilla, E., Just, M., & Tricari, R. (2014). Teachers’ dispositions and beliefs about cultural and
linguistic diversity. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 2 (8), 577-587. DOI:
10.13189/ujer.2014.020806
Wedin, A. (2020). Negotiating identities through multilingual writing: Local school policy that opens up
spaces for students’ diverse languages. Linguistics and Education, 22, 1-8. DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.linged.2019.100775
Unit II
LANGUAGE-IN-EDUCATION POLICY
Defining the language or the medium of instruction is the fundamental goal of any
language-in-education policy. But deciding on the LOI or a simple, straightforward process; it is
rather a complicated one because of the linguistic diversity present even in a single classroom.
For Unit II, you will understand language-in-education policy better and how it directly
affects language instruction, content instruction, and student achievement. You will learn about
the historical development of the LEPs in the Philippines and the language policies of the other
Southeast Asian countries, including their language situations and policies and policies and
policy implementation mechanisms. This unit caps with you, comprehensively discussing the
issues and challenges of the past and present language-in-education policies.
LESSON 1:
1. Identity the problems that rise from multilingualism and its impact instruction;
2. Define language-in-education policy;
3. Differentiate overt from covert language policies; and
4. Reflect on the existing local language policies and practise.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES:
I.ACTIVE
Go back to the class’ Linguistic Diversity Chart that you created in Unit I Lesson 2. With a partner,
discuss the following questions and prepare to share your answers with the class.
1. How would you describe the language diversity of your class based on the chart?
2. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of a linguistically diverse or a
multilingual class?
3. What do you think are the main challenges in dealing with a multilingual class?
II.ANALYZE
Linguistic diversity naturally results to a long list of problems in the classroom. Vital questions, like “in what
language will the instruction be delivered?’’ pervade a multilingual classroom.
Language-in-education policies are created to proactively address these problems. Kosonen and Young
(2009) define language-in-education policy (LEP) as the “legislation on and practices pertaining to languages or
media of instruction and languages of literacy used in basic education” (p. 11, in Monje, 2019, p. 4). To put it
simply, LEP’s primary concern is to decide on the medium of instruction that will be used in schools. Specifically,
LEP addresses these issues:
As a class, try to answer the questions on the previous page. Create a summary table on
the board (similar to the example below) to present the class’ answers.
What language/s When do we start How long these Who are qualified to
should be used in teaching these languages should be teach? Who should
school? languages to taught? How many learn these
children? years? How many languages? How will
hours? it be taught?
III.ABSTRACT
Schiffman (1996, in Shohamy, 2006 ) classifies languages policies (LP) into two: covert and
overt LPs. Overt LPs refer “to those languages policies that are explicit, formalized, de jure,
codified, and manifest” (p. 50). It is sometimes called as “top-down” or explicit policy. On the
other hand, covert LPs refer to “language policies that are implicit, informal, unstated, de facto,
grass-roots, and latent” (p. 50); these covert policies are also known as “bottom-up” or “implicit
language policy.”
Unit II • LANGUAGE-IN-EDUCCATION POLICY ǀ 29
Your task for this activity is to find examples of covert LPs and covert LPs for you to better
understand their difference, Examples are provided below. Write your answer in the
corresponding column.
IV.APPLY
According to Shohamy (2006), “One of the main primary concerns of the LEP is the attempt
to create policies for whole nations, for large groups of learners, not realizing that different
people and different groups have different needs, in different times, in different locations, not
always in congruence with hegemonic national ideologies” (p. 91).
Based on your personal observations and readings, reflect on the questions shown below.
Write a 500 to 700-word reflective essay about your observations and realizations.
1. How is the language policy in the Philippines received by theacher, students, and
parents?
2. How is it practiced in public schools?
3. What do you think are the implementation challenges?
4. What are the social, political, and economic implications of the existing language policy?
Criteria for Grading the Reflective Essay:
Depth of Reflection 15 points
Organization of Ideas 5 points
Languages Use 5 points
Adherence to Good Writing Conventions 5 points
TOTAL 30 points
30 ǀ A COURSE MODULE FOR LANGUAGE PROGRAMS AND POLICIES IN MULTILINGUAL SOCIETIES
Reflective Essay
LESSON 2
LANGUAGE-IN-EDUCATION POLICIES
IN THE PHILIPPINES THROUGH THE YEARS
LEARNING GOALS
At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:
1. Familiarize yourself with the Philippine language policies through the years; and
2. Compare and contrast the language policies of the country in terms of their enactment
in schools and the issues associated to the policy.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES:
I.ACTIVATE
Let us have a quick test of the language policies that were implemented during the
significant periods of our nation’s history. For each period, what do you think is its “linguistic
legacy”? Write your answers in the boxes provided.
Spanish
Influence
American
Influence
Japanese
Influence
Postcolonial
Period
III.ABSTRACT
The able below was taken from Monje’s (2019) discussion series entitled “Starting Where
the Children Are: A Process Evaluation of the Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education
Implementation.” It is a summary of our country’s language policies in the past century. Your
task is to match the policy to its corresponding description. You are allowed to use your online
resources in completing the task.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
IV. APPLY
For the final task, you will participate in a Language Policy Conference where your group
is tasked to explain one of the language policies of the Philippines.
The class will be divided into six groups. Each group will be assigned to one language
policy listed in Activity 3 Abstract and develop a five to seven-minute information video that
addresses the following questions:
1. How is/was the language policy being enacted in school?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
2. What are the language issues associated with the language policy?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
4. Do you agree or disagree with the policy? Please explain your answer?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
LESSON 3
As starter, we will test your geographic knowledge of Southeast (SE) Asia. Draw a line
to locate the following SE Asian countries in the blank map below.
In the previous lessons, you have learned that Philippines is a culturally and
linguistically diverse nation. Same is true to all the Southeast Asian countries, with an estimate
of around 1,000 languages spoken by dominant and minority ethno linguistic groups.
Remember your ethnologue account in Unit I. Visit again this website:
https://www.ethnolohue.com/.
In the box below, draw a bar graph that would show the estimated number of
languages spoken in Southeast Asia based on the data from the ethnologue. Make sure to
include all SE Asian countries in your bar graph.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
III.ABSTRACT
Access Kosenen and Young’s (2009) “Mother tongue as bride language of instruction:
Policies and experiences in Southeast Asia.” Check page 23 of the article for the summary of ‘’
key policy facts and comparisons of the language-in-education policies in Southeast Asia.’’ Take
time to read and understand the data and answer the questions that follow.
You may access the full article here:
Kosenen, K., & Young, C. (2009). Mother tongue as bride language of instruction: Policies and
expriences in Southeast Asia. Bangkok: Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization
(SEAMEO). Retrieved August 5, 2020, from
http://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/527021468104056444/pdf/653290PUBOBox31guage0
of0Instruction.pdf
1. On the average, how many official or national language/s do SE Asian countries have?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
IV.APPLY
For the final task of this lesson, each group will be assigned to create a one-page info
graphic of a SE Asian country that will contain the following information:
National setting of the assigned SE Asian country
LEP/s of the country clearly indicating the languages spoken in the country and the
status assigned to them
Policy implementation description (provide concrete examples/programs if possible)
Challenges of the LEP implementation
Students will be given a copy of Kosonen and Young’s (2009) publication entitled
‘’Mother Tongue as a bride of instruction: Policies and experiences in South East Asia.’’
They can also access the said document by visiting this website:
http://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/527021468104056444/pdf/563290PUBOB
ox31gauge0of0Instruction.pdf.
Reproduce your group’s infographic for you classmates. It will be used to deepend the
class’ understanding of LEPs in SE Asia.
LANGUAGE-IN-EDUCATION POLICIES:
ISSUES AND CHALLENGES
LEARNING GOALS
At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:
1. analyze an actual case of introducing an LEP to understand the requisite transformation in
education and the challenges associated with it;
2. evaluate the varacity of the reported challenges in LEP, language instruction, and
multilingualism; and
3. research and propose viable solution to the challenges.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES:
I.ACTIVE
As a first task, let us test your understanding of our previous lessons on language policies
and LEPs. Answer the following questions:
1. What is/are the major goal/s of a language policy?
2. How would you describe the relationship between language policy and LEP?
II.ANALYZE
At this points, you should have learned that language-in-education policies are primarily
concerned with arriving at decisions on the following:
Naming the official or national language/s that represent/s the national or dominant
group, identity, or ideology;
Recognizing the status of English as the ‘’word’s lingua franca in commerce, academia,
and technology’’ (Shohamy, 2003, p. 280) and learning English as a forign language or
additional language in schools; and
Acknowledging and encouraging the study and use of regional, indigenous,
nondominant languages in schools, especially in early grades.
In this task, you will examine closely how these decisions are made. Below is a condensed
version of the case of Israel and its language-in-education policy.
The first LEP was only documented in 1996. Prior to this, no policy governs Jewish
schools. Various languages were used as a language of instruction for Hebrew and
Arabic were bused as the medium of instruction (MOI). English was taught as a
foreign language. For Jewish school, most of the time, Arabic was taught as a
second language, and such is also the case for Arab schools.
In 1996, the LEP of Israel was finalized; the LEP claims to adopt a multilingual
principle- that different languages are used for different purposes. The document
explicitly states the following:
With a partner, discuss the following guide questions and prepare for a class discussion:
1. Using the case of Israel, what do you think are the advantages and disadvantages and
disadvantages of having a formal and official language-in-education policy?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. How nondominant languages in Israel valued are based on its language policy and LEP?
What is the role of nondominant languages in education in Israel?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. One of the primarily issues of having a language-in-education policy is the lack input
from school administrators, teachers, students, and parents given that it adopts a top-
down approach. Given the case of Israel, what do you think are the challenges that
teachers, students, and parents faced prior to and after formalization of the LEP?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
5. What are your thoughts about the ‘’one language, one nation’’ mindset of language policy? How
does it affect multilingual education?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
III.ABSTRACT
Though the attempts to accommodate the nondominant languages are evident, it is undeniable
that nations, including SE Asian countries, continue to face challenges in the implementation of a
pluralistic, more inclusive LEP. Kosonen and Young (2010) presented some problems of SE Asian
countries vis-à-vis multilingual education.
For each identified challenge, discuss with a partner whether you agree or disagree with the
statement. In the last column, write your arguments that will support your stand. Prepare to share your
answer with the class.
The use of
nondominant
languages delays the
learning of the
dominant (i.e.,
national, official. Or
international
languages).
No orthographies for
nondominant
languages
So many languages
being used in a
teachers and students.
IV.APPLY
Form groups of three. Each group will be assigned with one or two challenges from the list on
the previous table. Your task is to research how the assigned challenge/s was or were addressed by other
countries. You may also include your personal insights on the possible solution to the problem/s. prepare
for a group reporting.
Collaboration 5 points
TOTAL 35 points
Report Outline
SUGGESTED READINGS:
UNIT III
BILINGUAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Do you think it is possible to be competent in two or more languages? If
yes, how do you achieve competence in both? What programs are considered
effective and/or ineffective? Why is there a need for bilingualism and biliteracy?
How important are bilingual education programs?
These are some of the essential of the essential questions that you should
address at the end of this unit. You will learn about the bilingual education policy
of the Philippines and the different bilingual education programs that are known
to foster or limit bilingualism and biliteracy.
LESSON 1
BILINGUAL EDUCATION AND THE BILINGUAL EDUCATION POLICY (BEP) IN
THE PHILIPPINES
LEARNING GOALS
At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:
1. Understand the four language situations that could affect a bilingual education policy;
2. Examine the Philippine Bilingual Education Policy document to fully understand its goals,
implementing mechanisms, and challenges encountered in language education; and
3. Write a personal account of your language education experience.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES:
I.ACTIVE
Before you analyze the Philippine BEP, it is vital that you have a clear grasp of the key
terms that will be used in this unit.
Bilingualism is used to describe the two languages of an individual. Specifically, it refers
to the ability of an individual to use two languages. On the other hand, diglossia is a term that is
used to refer to the use of two languages in the societal level. Fishman (1980, in Baker, 2006)
Diglossia
₊
Individual ₊ Situation 1 Situation 3
The language situation presented above shows the functions and interactions of two (or
perhaps more) languages in one community.
How do you think will these language situation affect a bilingual education policy?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
II.ANALYZE
Philippines has two official languages: English and Filipino, also known as the ‘’global
language,’’ is commonly used for formal and business communication, while Filipino is
recognized as the national language. Such status afforded to these two languages were first
reified in the bilingual education policy promulgated in 1974 when the Department of Education
(DECS at that time) mandated the use of English and Filipino as the media of instruction for both
primary and secondary schools.
In 1987, the advocacy of pursuing a ‘’bilingual nation, competent in both Filipino and
English’’ (Gonzales & Sibayan, 1988) was strengthened by the 1987 Constitution, identifying
Filipino as the language of instruction in the subjects of Filipino and Araling Panlipunan, and
English as LOI/MOI for Math and Science.
For this activity, read The Philippine Bilingual Education Policy (BEP) below. Highlight the
key terms that are unfamiliar to you. Write them in the box provided and partner, research the
meaning of those words.
Consistent with the 1987 constitutional mandate and a declared policy of the
National Board of Education (NBE) on bilingualism in the schools (DECS) promulgated its
language policy.
The policy was first implemented in 1974 when DECS issued Dept. Order No. 25, s.
1974 titled, ‘’Implementing guidelines for the Policy on Bilingual Education.’’
c. Filipino and English shall be used as media of instruction, the use allocated to specific
subjects in the curriculum as indicated in the Department Order No. 25, s. 1974.
d. The regional languages shall be used as auxiliary media of instruction and as initial
language for literacy, where needed.
e. Filipino and English shall be taught as language subjects in all levels to achive the goals
of bilingual competence.
f. Since competence in the use of both Filipino and English is one of the goals of the
Bilingual Education Policy, continuing improvement in the teaching of both languages,
their use as media of instruction and the specification of their functions in Philippine
schooling shall be the responsibility of the whole educational system.
g. Tertiary level institutions shall lead in the continuing intellectualization of Filipino. The
program of intellectualization, however, shall also be pursued in both the elementary
and secondary levels.
h. The Department of Education, Culture and Sports shall cooperate with the National
Language Commission which according to the 1987 Constitution, shall be tasked with
the further development and enriched of Filipino.
i. The Department of Education Culture and Sports shall provide the means by which
the language policy can be implemented with the cooperation of government and
non-government organizations.
j. The Department shall programs funds for implementing the Policy, in such areas as
materials production, in-service training, compensatory and enrichment program for
non- Tagalog, development of a suitable and standardized Filipino for classroom use
and the development of appropriate evaluation instruments.
Source: Department of Education (DO 52. S. 1987). The 1987 policy on bilingual education.
Retrieved September 18,2020, from https://www.deped.gov.ph./1987/05/21/do-52-s-1987-
policy-on-bilingual-education/
Unfamiliar Terms
After reading the policy, what questions do you have in mind? Write at least three questions.
Question 1: __________________________________________________________________
Question 2: __________________________________________________________________
Question 3: __________________________________________________________________
Prepare to share your terms and Questions with the class.
III.ABSTRACT
The class will be divided into six groups. Each group is assigned one term from the list of
questions below and they will have to discuss, research, and generate answers to questions
given. You will have to prepare for a class presentation.
2. Do you really believe that it is possible for one nation, specifically the Philippines, to
have its people be competent in two languages? Justify your answer.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
3. Do you agree that the Filipino language is a ‘’linguistic symbol of national unity and
identity’’? Why do you say so?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
4. Section d states that ‘’regional languages shall be used as auxiliary media of instruction’’
What does ‘’auxiliary media of instruction’’ mean? Why do you think regional languages
were assigned this status or role? How will the use of regional languages benefit young
learners?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
5. Based on the policy, do you agree with the provisions given, especially on the languages
identified as LOI? What do you think are the challenges that are associated with this
policy?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
6. What are the advantages and disadvantages of implementing a bilingual program? Use
the Philippine context.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
IV.APPLY
For your final task in this lesson, write a personal account of the language education
which you have experienced growing up. Try to recall the following:
the languages that were taught to you, when were you first exposed, and when you
learned these languages in school;
language/s used in your classes, from elementary until the present; and
challenges that you encountered in learning or ybderstanding lessons, which may be
associated to the language used in instruction.
Content 15 points
Clarity and Organization of Ideas 10 points
Mechanics and Grammar 5 points
TOTAL 30 points
LESSON 2
LEARNING ACTIVITIES:
I.ACTIVATE
Let us try to build your vocabulary on bilingualism. Below are some common terms
used in bilingualism and bilingual education. With a partner, research the meaning of these
words.
1. Monolingualism
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. Majority Language
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. Minority Language
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
4. Assimilation
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
5. Additive Bilingualism
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
6. Subtractive Bilingualism
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
II.ANALYZE
Baker (2006) provides a summary of the broad types of language programs for bilinguals.
The typology of bilingual education programs has 10 types and are classified into three:
monolingual forms of education for bilinguals, weak forms of bilingual education, and strong
forms of bilingual education. In this lesson, you will only focus on the monolingual forms and the
weak forms of language programs for bilinguals.
Identify the type of language program described in each item. Write your answer on the
blanks provided. The type of language programs are provided.
1. Minority language children are denied access to programs or schools attended by the majority
language children.
_____________________________________________________________________________
2. In this program, language minority children are grouped in one class. The minority/first language
is not developed but is replaced by the majority language. This deprives the language minority
children with the opportunity to interact with their native-speaking peers. It is also more
challenging to the language minority children to understand what their teacher is saying because
the LOI is the majority language.
______________________________________________________________________________
3. One example of this program is when language minority children are pulled out from their
mainstream classes and are required to receive specialized instruction like taking ESL (English as
a Second Language) classes. This program poses problems because ‘pulled-out’ students fall
behind the other students on curriculum content.
______________________________________________________________________________
A. Transitional
B. Mainstream with Foreign Language Teaching
C. Separatist
1. This program provided initial instruction in the students’ first language and instruction in the first
language is phased out over time. It is highly criticized, because it is ‘’remedial, compensatory,
and segregated,’’ where language minority children are separated from the mainstream. It
perpetuates the divide of the higher class and the lower- the language minority children, in this
case.
______________________________________________________________________________
2. The language minority deliberately separates themselves from the language majority where
monolingualism in the minority language is fostered, which results into limited bilingualism
among the language minority.
______________________________________________________________________________
3. Majority language children are taught in their home/majority language, with additional foreign
language lessons. The problem with this setup is that relatively few students become competent
in the second language.
______________________________________________________________________________
III.ABSTRACT
Based on the language programs presented in Activity 2, work with a partner in answering these
questions:
1. What is common among the following language programs: mainstreaming, submersion, and
segregation?
2. Explain the relationship between monolingualism and assimilation. Do you agree that language
uniformity is required to achieve nation’s unity? Why?
3. List down the reasons why transitional, mainstream with foreign language teaching, and
separatist language programs are considered as ‘’weak forms’’ of bilingual education.
4. Do any of the programs resemble your personal language education experience? Refer to your
task from the previous lesson. What program do you think was adopted by your school?
IV.APPLY
In groups of four, choose one school (elementary, secondary, or tertiary
school) and create a photographic display of the linguistic landscape of your
chosen school.
What is a linguistic landscape? Linguistic landscape refers to the language
that is visible in a specific are, in a public sphere. For your group task, the linguistic
landscape covers the classroom walls, school signs and notices, instructional
materials, and the like, of your chosen school. Take school based on the
photographs that you have gathered.
Criteria for Grading the Photographic Display:
Content of the Presentation/Quality of Images 25points
Overall Presentation of the Display 10points
TOTAL 35points
LESSON 3
LEARNING ACTIVITIES:
I.ACTIVATE
Ferguson et al. (1977, in baker, 2006) identified the varying aims
of bilingual education as shown below. Your task is to recall the six
types of language programs discussed in the previous lesson and
indicate a check mark if the program promotes the aim stated.
gMainstream
lTranslationa
Separatist
istSegregation
Aims of Bilingual Education
ersionStructure
ithdrawal With
with FL
1. Assimilate individual or
groups into the
mainstream of society; to
socialize people for full
participation in the
community
2. Unify a multilingual
society; bring unity to a
multiethnic, multi-tribal.
Or multinational
linguistically diverse state
3. Enable people to
communicate with the
outside world
4. Provide language skills
which are marketable,
aiding employment and
status
5. Preserve ethnic and
religious identity
6. Reconcile and mediate
between different
linguistic and political
communities
7. Spread the use of a
colonial language,
socializing an entire
population to a colonial
existence
8. Strengthen elite groups
and preserve their
privileged position in
society
9. Give equal status in law
to languages of unequal
status in daily life
10. Deepen an
understanding of
language and culture
II.ANALYZE
Read McCarty’s (2012) article ‘’Analyzing types of bilingual
education’’ that explains the different forms of bilingual education,
including the strong forms, or the programs that are vconsidered as
effective.
You may access the full article here:
McCarty, S. (2012). Analyzing types of bilingual education. Child Research Net. Retrieved October
10,2020, from http://www.childresearch.net/papers/language/2012_02.html
2. Maintenance/Heritage Language
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
4. Mainstream Bilingual
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
III.ABSTRACT
Form groups of three and complete the grid below. Discuss
thoroughly with your groupmates the advantages and disadvantanges
of each types of language program. Prepare to shrae your answer with
the class.
Types of Program Advantages Disadvantages
Immersion
Maintenance/Heritage
Language
Two-Way/Dual
Language
Mainstream Bilingual
IV.APPLY
Speech Outline
SUGGESTED READING:
Baker, D., Basaraba, D., & Polanco, P. (2016). Connecting the present to
the past: Furthering the research on bilingual education and
bilingualism. Review of Research in Education, 40, 821-883.
Craig, B. (1996). Parents’ attitudes towards bilingualism in a local two-
way immersion programs. Bilingual Research Journal, 20 (3 & 4), 383-
410. DOI: 10.1080/15235882.1996.10668636
Flores, B. B. (2001). Bilingual education teachers’ beliefs and their
relation to self-reported practices. Bilingual Research Journal, 25 (3).
275-299. DOI: 10.1080/16235882.2001.10162795
Lacina, J., Levine, L., & Sowa, P. (2011). Learning a second language:
program models in Texas, Florida and the United Arab Emirates.
Retrieved August 18,2020, from
https://www.academic.educ/23782280/Learning_a_Second_Language_
Program_Models_in-Texas_Floridal_and_the_United_
Arab_Emirates
MacSwan, J., Thompson, M., Rolstad, K., McAlister, K., & Lobo, G.
(2017). Three therories of the effects of language education programs:
An empirical evaluation of bilingual and English-only polices. Annual
Review of Applied Linguistics, 37, 218-240.
DOI:10.3102/0034654314548514
Reljic, G., Ferring, D., & Martin, R. (2015). A meta-analysis on the
effectiveness of bilingual programs in Europe. Review of Education
research, 85(1), 92-108. DOI: 10.3120/0034654314548514
Unit IV
MOTHER TONGUE-BASED
MULTILINGUAL EDUCATION
For so many years, our country’s quality of education has always
been in question because of our consistent dismal performance in
international and national standardized exams and high attrition and
dropout rates. Quite a number of curricular reforms were introduced in
the past to curb these problems and one of the most drastic
educational reforms was introduced in 2013-the K to 12 program. Its
distinctive feature is the use of mother tongue as a medium of
instruction for the early grades to ensure that meaningful learning is
taking place in the classroom.
In the module’s last unit, you will closely examine our country’s
Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE), its theoretical
and pedagogical underpinnings, and its value in protecting individuals’
linguistic rights. Your understanding of the program would hopefully
instill in you the value that all learners must have equal opportunities to
learn and succeed in school.
LESSON 1
LEARNING ACTIVITIES:
I.ACTIVATE
Conduct an informal survey in your class. Ask your classmates this
question:
II.ANALYZE
Monje, Orbeta, Francisco-Abrigo, and Capones (2019) reports
that, “the BEP or the use of both Filipino and English as MOI has been
considered a failure due to relatively weak performance of Filipino
students in Math and Science, which led DepEd to believe that Filipinos
are not learning what they should be learning in school. In fact, data
shows that Filipino learners are not mastering even 60% of academic
content with the current BEP (DepEd Fact Sheet 2008). Researchers
III.ABSTRACT
With a partner, co-write a two-paragraph essay explaining how
mother tongue is considered as the foundation of content and second
language learning. Justify your answer.
Essay
IV.APPLY
Mother tongue instruction does not come unopposed. With a
partner, your final task for this lesson is to find a published research
study that contradicts the results to the Lubuagan experiment; research
studies that would show that mother tongue instruction does not result
in improved learning outcomes, neither is it facilitative of additional
language acquisition.
After you have read your article, answer the following questions:
1. What is the purpose/rationale of the research?
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
LESSON 2
LEARNING GOALS
At the end of lesson, you should be able to:
1. Fully understand the goals and the MTB-MLE;
2. Examine MTB-MLE’s framework vis-à-vis the common
components of a curriculum framework;
3. Gain an in-depth understanding of MTB-MLE based on interviews
from parents, students, and teachers.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES:
I.ACTIVATE
Let us do a quick recall of what you have learned from the
previous lesson through a mini class debate. Half of the class will be
assigned the Affirmative Group, while the other half will be the
Opposition Group. The debate motion is: This house believes that a
learner’s mother tongue should be used as a medium of instruction.
As you listen to the debate, scribble down some key points from the
debate.
II.ANALYZE
In addition to the landmark D.O. No. 74, s. 2009, a learner’s right
to learn in his or her mother tongue was further reinforced in Section 4
of R.A. 10533, paragraph 3 of the Enhanced Basic Education Program of
2013, which states that:
For kindergarten and the first three (3) years of elementary
education, instruction, teaching materials, and assessment shall be in
the regional or native language of the learners. The Department of
Education (DepEd) shall formulate a mother language transition
program from Grade 4 to Grade 6 so that Filipino and English shall be
gradually introduced as languages of instruction until such time when
these two (2) languages can become the primary languages of
instruction at the secondary level.
This law is clarified further in the implementing Rules and
Regulations (IRR) of D.O. No. 43, s. 2013, which states that:
10.4. Medium of Teaching and Learning. Pursuant to Sections 4 and
5 of the Act, basic education shall be delivered in languages
understood by the learners as language plays a strategic role
in shaping the formative years of learners.
The curriculum shall develop proficiency in Filipino and English,
provided that the first and dominant language of the learners shall
Dialogic Journal
Why are you reading this document?___________________
What do you hope to learn as you read it?
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
III.ABSTRACT
Shown below is the curriculum framework of the MTB-MLE.
With a partner, examine the framework using the common
components of a curriculum framework. Write your answer to the
essential question in the third column.
MTB-MLE Curriculum Framework
Sources: UNESCO. (n.d.). The structure of a curriculum framework. Retrieved August 15, 2020, from
http://www.ibe.unesco.org/fileadmin/user_upload/COPs/Pages_document/Resources_Packs/TTCP/sitemap?
Module_3/Module_3_1_concept.html
IV.APPY
Form groups of five for the final task of this lesson. Interview
parents, students, or teachers and ask them these questions:
1. Do you know what MRB-MLE is?
2. Do you agree that a child should be taught using his or her L1
before introducing L2 (e.g., English or Filipino)? Why?
3. Do you think MTB-MLE will affect a child’s proficiency in this or
her L2?
Prepare a 700-word interview report that will summarize the data that
you have gathered.
Interview Report
LESSON 3
LEARNING ACTIVITIES:
I.ACTIVATE
Using your interview assignment from the previous lesson, what do you
think are the strengths or successes and the challenges in the current
implementation of MTB-MLE in the country. With a partner, complete the Venn
diagram below.
II.ANALYZE
Your class will be divided into four groups. Each group will be assigned to
read one research article related to the implementation of MTB-MLE in the
Philippines.
Group 1: Metila, R., Pradilla, L., & Williams, A. (2016). The challenge of
implementing mother tongue education in linguistically diverse contexts: The case
of the Philippines. Asia-Pacific Education Research, 25(5-6), 781-789.
Group 2: Espada, J. et al. (2017). Challenges in the implementation of the mother
tongue-based multilingual education program: A case study. Research Journal of
English Language and Literature, 5(4), 510-527.
Group 3: Challenges in the implementation of the mother tongue-based
multilingual education program: A case study. Research Journal of English
Language and Literature, 5 (4), 510-527.
Group 4: Cruz, N. (2015). The implementation of the Mother Tongue-Based
Multilingual Education in Grade 1 in the Public Elementary Schools in Pangasinan
1. Presented at the DLSU Research Congress, De La Salle University. Retrieved
August 15, 2020, from https://www.dlsu.edu.ph/wp-
content/uploads/pdf/conferences/research-congress-
proceedings/2015/LLI/014LLI_Cruz_NT.pdf
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
III.ABSTRACT
For this activity, you will be regrouped. The new grouping consists
of members coming from the four different groups in Activity 2. Your
group task this is to list the implementation challenges of MTB-MLE
based on the various article readings assigned earlier. The members
should synthesize the information that they have acquired from the
readings by identifying the commonalities and differences of results.
In addition to the challenges, the group must agree on the most
effective and efficient solution that would address the challenge.
Complete the grid below and prepare for a group presentation.
IV.APPLY
One of the recent challenges facing the implementation of MTB-
MLE in the country is the filing of Congressman Roman Romulo of
House Bill No. 6125 ‘’An Act Suspending the Implementation of the Use
of Mother Tongue as the Medium of Instruction for Kindergarten to
Grade 3.’’ Read through the house bill. What do you think?
Your final task in this lesson is to create as a class your official
statement that expresses your stand/position for or against H.B. 6125.
You can also check the official statement released by the Linguistic
Society of the Philippines on this matter. As language teachers, what is
your stand?
Idea Outline
SUGGESTED READINGS:
REFERENCES
Asuncion-Lande, N. (1971). Multilingualism, politics, and ‘’Filipinism.’’
Asian Survey, 11 (7), 677-692.
Baker, C. (2006). Foundations of bilingual education and bilingualism.
(4th ed.). Frankfurt, Lodge, UK: Multilingual Matters Ltd.
Cenoz, J. (2013). Defining multilingualism. Annual Review of Applied
Linguistics. Retrieved August 8, 2020, from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259438531_Defining_Multili
ngualism.DOI:10.1017/S026719051300007X
Cenoz, J., & Gorter, D. (2010). The diversity of multilingualism in
education. International Journal of the Sociology of Language.
DOI:10.1515/ijsl.2010.038. Retrieved August 15, 2020, from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/274268675_The_diversity_o
f_multilingualism_in_education/link/5542e270cf234bdb21a1398/down
load
the-implementation-of-the-mother-tongue-based-multilingual-
education-mtb-mle/
Eslit, R. (2017). Mother tongue based multilingual education challenges:
A case study. Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology, 1(1), 10-21.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.33805/2576.8484.103
Espada, J., Bayrante, J., Mocorro, R., Vonculado, O., P., Bongcaras, L.,
Daga, M., Pelingon, J., Quimbo, E., & Labarrette, R. (2017). Challenges in
the implementation of the mother tongue-based multilingual education
program: A case study. Research Journal of English Language and
Literature, 5(4), 510-527.
European Commission. (2007). Final report: High level group on
multilingualism. Luxembourg: European Communities. Retrieved August
15, 2020, from
https://ec.europa.eu/education/policies/lang/doc/multireport_en.pdf
Gonzales, A., & Sibayan, B. (1988). Evaluating bilingual education in the
Philippines: 1974-1985. Manila, Philippines: Linguistic Society of the
Philippines.
Gorter, D., & Cenoz, J. (2017). Language education policy and
multilingual assessment. Language and Education, 31 (3), 231-248.DOI:
10.1080/90500782.2016.1261892
House Bill 6125: An Act suspending the implementation of the use of
mother tongue as the medium of instructions for Kindergarten to grade
3, 18th Congress.gov.ph/legisdocs/basic_18/HB06125.pdf
K to 12 Curriculum Guide Mother Tongue, K to 12 Curriculum Guide
Mother Tongue (2016).
Kosonen, K., * Young, C (2009). Mother tongue as bride language of
institution: Policies and experiences in Southeast Asia. Bangkok: