Student-centered teaching in a MTBMLE classroom

SUMMARY

EXISTING KNOWLEDGE:

1. Student-Centered Teaching Approaches: Student-centered teaching emphasizes active student participation, critical thinking, and a personalized learning environment, contrasting with traditional teacher-centered models. It is widely recognized as beneficial for improving student engagement and learning outcomes.

2. Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTBMLE): MTBMLE is an educational approach where students are taught in their first language, with the aim of improving comprehension, engagement, and academic achievement. It is particularly beneficial in multilingual societies.

3. Challenges in Implementing MTBMLE: Implementing MTBMLE in classrooms often faces challenges, such as limited teacher training, curriculum constraints, and inadequate resources, which can hinder its effectiveness in fostering student-centered learning.

NEW INSIGHTS

1. Positive Impact of MTBMLE on Student-Centered Teaching: Narvacan’s study found that MTBMLE classrooms foster a more student-centered approach, where students are actively involved in discussions, decision-making, and collaborative learning.

2. Teacher Adaptation to MTBMLE: The study revealed that teachers in MTBMLE classrooms tend to adapt their instruction methods to support students' language needs, allowing them to better engage with the content and express themselves more freely in their native languages.

3. Improved Student Engagement and Participation: The use of students' mother tongues in instruction led to higher engagement and participation, with students feeling more confident and capable in expressing their ideas and understanding the material.

PUTTING RESEARCH INTO PRACTICE:

1. Encourage Teacher Training in MTBMLE: Teachers should receive more professional development on how to effectively implement MTBMLE strategies, focusing on promoting student-centered learning.

2. Incorporate Collaborative Learning: Classrooms should foster collaborative learning environments where students can actively participate, share ideas, and learn from each other.

3. Adapt Curriculum to Reflect Local Languages: Education systems should adapt curricula to ensure that lessons are accessible and relevant to students’ linguistic backgrounds, enhancing comprehension and engagement.

REFERENCE: 

Article Title: Evidence for student-centered teaching: A process evaluation of MTB-MLE classroom instruction

Authors: Cristian I. Narvacan

Journal: Journal of Innovation and Research in Primary Education  Year: 2023