Impact of teacher education on using Mother Tongue

SUMMARY

Existing Knowledge:

1. The use of students’ mother tongues in English language teaching has been a topic of debate, with some educators advocating for its inclusion to facilitate learning, while others view it as a hindrance to language immersion.

2. Teacher education programs play a critical role in shaping teachers’ attitudes and beliefs regarding the use of mother tongues in the classroom, influencing their instructional practices.

3. Previous studies have indicated that teachers’ personal experiences and educational backgrounds significantly impact their perspectives on the effective use of learners' first languages in language instruction.

New Insights from this Study:

1. The study revealed that teacher education programs that emphasize the value of students’ mother tongues lead to more positive attitudes among English teachers toward using their learners' first languages as a resource in the classroom.

2. Teachers who received training focused on bilingual and multilingual education were more likely to employ their students’ mother tongues strategically to enhance comprehension and engagement in lessons.

3. The research highlighted that teachers’ willingness to use mother tongues varied based on their educational backgrounds, with those from diverse linguistic contexts showing greater openness to integrating mother tongues in their teaching practices.

Putting Research into Practice:

1. Teacher education programs should incorporate modules that address the benefits and strategies for using mother tongues in English language teaching to cultivate more positive attitudes among future educators.

2. Professional development workshops should focus on practical methods for integrating students’ first languages into lessons, equipping teachers with the skills to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

3. Educational policymakers need to advocate for and provide resources that support bilingual and multilingual education, fostering an appreciation for the role of mother tongues in enhancing language learning.

Reference:

Article Title: The Impact of Teacher Education on English Teachers’ Views about Using Mother Tongues: A Teachers’ Perspective.

Authors: Neokleous, Georgios, Anna Krulatz, and Yaqiong Xu.

Journal: Languages Year: 2022