FACILITATOR’S NOTE

INTRODUCTION
This is one of the closest to my heart when we talk about MOTL because I want this to
advocate to my co-teachers regardless of the subjects they are teaching. They need to consider
themselves as language teachers because whether we like it or not the process of learning and the
process of acquiring information is through the LANGUAGE. Even acquiring culture, belief system, all
things that we need to learn about the world and society or about a particular subject. Let’s not go
beyond that. Something we would like our children and ourselves to learn is basically carried on
through a language.
And I believe not a just belief though but it is a fact that language is a vehicle of information.
And if our students and our teachers not careful in the use of the language there is a possibility of
misunderstanding and miscomprehension of the information that we are getting from the language
may it be from the media, online, news, instructional materials, and the language that we are using,
teachers, to convey information to our students and to teach the content area.

SLIDE 1
Our topic for this day is entitled, Medium of Teaching and Learning (MOTL): Instruction
Inside The Classroom. You might be asking, what is MOTL all about, is this helpful to my teaching
pedagogy or is that new term. Well, it emanated from MEDIUM of INSTRUCTION. Only that we are
now using MOTL to make it more holistic in perspective that language is not a just a medium for
teaching but as well as a medium for students’ learning the content area. Now, the Medium of
Teaching and Learning would be through a language. Furthermore, it is a vehicle of information.

SLIDE 2
Read the OBJECTIVES.

SLIDE 3
BUSTING MYTHS

I’m going to present to you the research done by the British Council and the United Nations
about myths or beliefs about language. The statements to be presented today we are going to bust it
why they are called myths.

SLIDE 4 - 5
1. English is one of the dominant languages in the world. Hence, must be chosen as the
dominant medium of teaching and learning. – Well, it is true that English is one of the
dominant languages in the world alongside with Spanish, Mandarin, French or you name it.
What made these languages dominant? It is the number of speakers. They are used for trade,
industry and business. Prolifically, they are used in all sorts of daily living.
English is one of the dominant languages. That is why there are a lot of people would have this
kind of perspective and belief that it should be used as a medium of teaching and learning at
school so that students have a better start. I beg to disagree because there are lots of
researches showed that being good to speak in English does not equate to intelligence and
success. There are people believing that English is a measurement of one’s intelligence and
being a good speaker to that language will guarantee you success in life. That’s not true. (Cite
some examples about successful who are not good in speaking English).
English is just one of the languages. It doesn’t necessarily mean that the vehicle of knowledge
and information should be in English. It is not the monopoly of the English language. It is the
characteristics of all languages. That is why language is a vehicle of information. (Cite some

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 ethnocentrism on languages). Like us, Filipinos, we indulge to speaking in English thus
resulting to the gradual death of our own language, the Filipino or Tagalog. Actually, based on
research conducted by the Cambridge University, there are 7 languages that die everyday.
They are no longer speakers of their own native language. In the Philippines, we are able to
appreciate our culture through our language. Because culture and language are relative. And if
the language dies, the culture also dies and vice versa. What we want our students here is that
they will grow up with the culture and language and at the same time use these as
foundational skills and knowledge in learning other languages. (Cite personal reflection)

2. Mother Tongue as a medium of teaching and learning undermines the learner’s time in
learning English.
What happen is that in the Philippines a lot of parents, politicians and even teachers saying
NAUBOS O NABAWASAN DAW ANG ORAS NG MGA BATA SA PAG-ARAL NG INGLES
DAHIL NG SUBJECT NA MOTHER TONGUE. NA DAPAT ANG ORAS NA GINUGUGOL SA
PAG-ARAL SA MOTHER TONGUE AY DAPAT MAPUNTA SA PAG-ARAL NG INGLES. KASI
INGLES ANG GINAGAMIT SA COMMERCE, BUSINESS AT SA WORK.
But it is not. If you are going to places in the Philippines, languges (visayas and mindanao) are
used in music, poetry and literature but at the same time they can speak English pretty well
too. One of the problems is that the ones who are speaking English are the ones who are not
supporting our own language. Therefore, we should not demean our own language. Instead,
we should be proud in using our language. Tayo lang talaga ang masyadong kritikal at
judgemental sa kapwa nating Pilipino. (Cite examples – Ay bisaya yan, katulong yan!) People
are the ones who put certain stature of the language in the way that they wanted to be. Mother
Tongue as a medium of teaching and learning undermines the learner’s time in learning
English. It is NO. Mother Tongue promotes critical thinking and early literacy among our
students if only our teacher have been trained well and if only our parent supports our teachers
on this. Because we need to have good IMs for our teachers to use and exploy to students in a
positive way. It is easy for the students to read and write in the language they are comfortable
with. It even supports in learning English and other languages. (Cite examples like OFW in
abroad)

3. The more time people spend in a second or foreign language context, the more quickly
they learn the language.
Some of us believe that if we keep on using second language or foreign language we get
easily to learn the language. Yes it is actually true but it is also stressful cognitively. (Cite
example – I used to teach subjects like Filipino and ESP). We don’t want that for our students.
We want our students to see that all languages are equal. It doesn’t if we didn’t undertand a
certain language means it is lower than the others.

SLIDE 6
SELF-KNOWLEDGE

SLIDE 7 - 8
IRR of R. A. 10533 (Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 or The K-12 Program) Section 4,
Paragraph d.
• Mother Language or First Language (L1) refers to the language or languages first learned
by a child, which he/she identifies with, is identified as a native language user of by others,
which he/she knows best, or uses most.
When we talk about ML or FL, it is the first language that the child has been exposed to. It is decided
by the parents or the family what language should they use and not by the community. (Cite
examples – child speaking English). What would be the FL of the child? And that would be
__________. I don’t know why lot of people say ani ka kay bisaya imuha mama ug papa you should
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use VISAYAN Language. We should not be bias when there are children who uses their individual
languages in communicating and conveying ideas the classroom. As teachers, we should guide. Just
like what I have said earlier that their FL can be used to learn other language. And that it means here
and not what has been prescribed. It is what child used. During the first days of our class, we are
doing profiling and self-assessment among our students. We get to know their backgrounds,
statuses, behaviours and others. What happens in the field is that a lot of people hate the MT
Program in the Philippines because it is prescribed. The English could be a mother tongue of our
students too. Huwag nating sabihin na kasalanan ng MT kung bakit hindi mag-Ingles o magsalit ng
Filipino ang mga bata. Posibleng Di lang siguro naituro ng maayos. Baka hindi angkop ang mga
nagamit na estratehiya. Di lang siguro nai-transition ng maayos o naisalin sa ibang wika na dapat
ipinagpatuloy. We should transition what students learn from their language to other language. Lalo
na ngayon ay naapektuhan ang pag-aaral nila dahil sa pandemya.

• This includes Filipino sign Language used by individuals with pertinent disabilities.
• The regional or native language refers to the traditional speech variety or variety of
Filipino sign language existing in a region, area or place.
We should consider that sign language is also a language. Like people who deaf and mute, they have
their own language. They can communicate using sign language. That’s why we have SPED schools
here in the Philippines. PWDs are intelligent and even talented. Some people may find it funny the
way they communicate but that’s the only way in conveying and communicating their ideas. Some
people needs to be educated. (Cite examples – muistorya ug bisaya sa manila). We need to respect
the language of everybody.

SLIDE 9 - 11
• The curriculum shall develop proficiency in Filipino and English provided that the first
and dominant language of the learners shall serve as the fundamental language of
education.
We have doing this. Their first language will serve as the fundamental in learning Filipino or English
and same as goes the other way. Thus, in this way students will acquire proficiency in both Filipino
and English. We have to start from the language of our students. We have to use in our teaching and
learning inside the classroom. Use that, propagate that, improve that, and transition on to other.
Simple as that.
• For kindergarten and the first three years of elementary education, instruction, teaching
materials, and assessment shall be in the regional or native language of the learners.
• The DepEd shall formulate a mother language program from the mother/first language to
the subsequent languages of the curriculum that is appropriate to the language capacity
and needs of learners from Grades 4 to 6.

SLIDE 12
DISCUSSION
Understanding the importance of MOTL as a support to student learning.

SLIDE 13 - 14
What is Medium of Teaching and Learning (MOTL)?
Refers to the language used as supportive element in teaching and learning. Without language as the
medium of teaching and learning, the educative process would not take place. Know that there are 2
sides of the educative process, the teaching side and the learning side. For them to be successful
together in the holistic perspective, the language should be in the middle. On that note, teachers are
supposed to be the models of the level of proficiency in the use of the language for the students.
Show the language how being used in the content area. Filipino language behaves on how it is being
used and so as well the English. We all know that there is Filipino in Filipino subject, EsP and
ARPAN.The usage of Filipino there is different in each subject. There is English in English subject,
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Mathematics and Science. The usage of English there is different in each subject. There is a
difference learning the language and using the language to learn the content area. There are
vocabularies that are endemic to specific content. We need to mindful as we teach the content using
the language.

SLIDE 14
UNICEF and USAID conducted studies shown that students learn efficiently and effectively
using a language that they are familiar with.

SLIDE 15
There are two sides of the educative process in the use of MOTL. The first one is Teacher’s
Medium of Teaching. Teachers are best models on how the language should be used in the content.
(I may be a good speaker in English but do you think that I am good in teaching Mathematics using
the English as the medium of instruction? No. Because I don’t know how English behaves in
Mathematics. The same as Filipino in Araling Panlipunan. In teaching, there shall be two important
things to consider: the content and the language. You cannot teach the content without the vehicle of
the language. Also, if you may have the good command of the language it doesn’t mean you can
effectively teach the content. We should master these two. That is why DepEd are having seminars
on Instructions. We should not focus on content strategies but to retool teachers in using the
language in conveying and teaching the content.
We should not be strict on seeing the level of proficiency of students in comunicating their
understanding and learning. Teachers have to use interventions to help the students in learning the
language of the content. We may see our students failing in Mathematics. Sasabihin agad natin na
mahina ang bata sa Mathematics. Baka hindi niya lang siguro naintindihan ang mga konsepto ng
mga Mathematics. At baka hindi niya naiintindihan ang pagpapaliwanag at ang wikang gamit ng
Mathematics. Did you teach your students the language of Mathematics? We often use symbols.
Have we teach them how to read and use the symbols? Have them transition when they see these
symbols it means this and that. When and where to use the symbols. We have to do language as the
supportive instruction. Indeed, learning is a continous process. It does not mean that we have Filipino
and English subjects they are proficient in other subjects too. Teachers of that content area must be a
language teachers of that content area. Make the language of the content comprehensible and
understandable to students.

SLIDE 16
Teachers and students use spoken and written language to communicate with each other – to
present tasks, engage in learning processes, present academic content, assess learning, display
knowledge and skill, and build classroom life.

SLIDE 17
In truth, much what students learn is language.
Yes, language and content cannot be separated. They always go together. IF the students do not
understand the language we cannot expect our students to learn the content. We cannot expect to
learn the content without knowing and understanding the language. Understand the Language and
Learn the content.

SLIDE 18
What is the importance of the MOTL in the educative process?

SLIDE 19

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 According to Melchor A. Tatlonghari, 2008, he explained that language doesn’t have a shape.
We need to use language to communicate something. Language is a vehicle. Kung language alone
lang walang laman po yan. Like we say language in literature, hindi pwede language language lang.
What Tatlonghari made point is that as teachers we have to understand that the language takes the
shape of the content area. And the subject areas have different shapes. They do not conform to just
one common shape. It is not our job teachers to change the shape of the subject area. Otherwise,
you change the nature of the subject area. Ang mga subjects nato naay laing laing natures. We
cannot say that Mathematics, Science, TLE and English subjects are the same just because they are
using English language as the medium of the teaching and learning. NO! Teachers teach the
respective nature of each subject area. We should use language based on its nature and shape of
the subject area. Hence, this is Science. I chose circle because Science is a continuous process.
When language is use in Science it will take the shape of it. So, in Mathematics bakit square po yan?
Ako ra ni gabuot buot ha. Why square? Because it is exact, it is procedural. Kung unsay nakabutang
diha mao jud na. I mean fixed. Walang opinion opinion jan. As well as in Araling Panlipunan,
language will take its shape too. That’s why our students are quite left and quite baffled. Marunong
naman akong mag-Ingles, marunong naman akong mag-Filipino, marunong naman ako sa Mother
Tongue. Bakit hindi ko maintindihan sa Math, sa Araling Panlipunan? Because the language being
used in that content is not comprehensible to the students. If we just first use the language that is
comprehensible to students and gradually introduce them to the language of the content. That is what
we call Transitioning. Ang ginahimo ra man gud nato, kay itudlo ra ang content. Mao diay na? Bahal
ra nang mga bataa. Meron namang subjects na Filipino and English bahala na sila magturo. No. It is
our job.

SLIDE 20
In order to enhance student’s learning, they need access to inclusive and culturally relevant
curriculum and learning materials in a language with which they are familiar.
Inclusive – include students no what their backgrounds.
Culturally Relevant – that is what we call indigenization
Learning Materials in a language with which they are familiar - that where contextualization
and localization take place.

You may have this kind of content with learning materials but the question is, are the students
understant that? Are these on student’s level of perception and comprehension? Nindot kaayo ka ug
visual aids pero magamit kaha sa mga bata during activities? It is not how good you are teaching the
content, it is how good you are making the students to learn and understand the content in a
language they are familiar with. Because at the end of the day, what we want our students to achieve
is to learn the content and that’s a via of language they are familiar with. Sir, mother tongue ba yun? I
wouldn’t know. You should know as a teacher. Baka bisaya. Baka Filipino. Baka Ingles. Eh paano
kung ang MOTL ay Ingles pero naintindihan nila ay Filipino? Then use Filipino as the auxiliary
language to support the learning of the English MOTL of Math or Science or TLE. Do not just use the
required MOTL. Use auxiliary English. So pwede diay me mugamit ug laing language nga kabalo ang
mga bata para masuportahan ang ilahang pagsabot? Yes! What we want our student is to
understand. But gradually and eventually introduce them to required MOTL of the subject. Step by
step. Hinay hinay lang. Sa beginning pa lang, kung dili na masabtan sa bata ang MOTL sa subject
and you continue, our students will definitely fail. But if you introduce another language that they are
familiar with as an auxiliary to the primary MOTL, let say English yung MOTL, but ang masabtan sa
mga bata ay Cebuano, you may use the MT Cebuano as the auxiliary language to help students learn
the required MOTL. The students would say, nakasabot man gud me sa Math ug Science ganiha, kay
gi explain man ni sir Clod in Bisaya ang mga terms nga dili na masabtan. Mao diay na siya?! What
the students to see is the connection between that language that they know to the language of the
content. When they are able to transition, then we are helping our students in learning the content.
We just dont teach the MOTL of the subject but we have to see the other side of the coin.

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 SLIDE 21 - 22
What are ways to improve teacher’s medium of teaching?
We will be using CLIL. I know there are lots of models out there that can be used to improve teacher’s
medium of teaching. There are CBLI and CBLM.
CLIL - Content and Language Integrated Learning is an idea in which the subject and
language are aiming for student to learn both the Language and Subject Knowledge. You cannot
separate these two. What we can do here is that the language teachers also integrate content to the
teaching within and across curriculum. Language and Language alone is not meaningful. It has to
have a shape and a context from the content of the subject area. Teachers need to be retooled on
how to integrate content area and language in their subject area. Integration is the key. Teachers
should have the knowledge of the content are and pedagogy. Makita man nato sa atong CO
indicators sa RPMS. These things that I am saying today are all connected to our RPMS. There are
teachers who have fear in integrating because they might destroy their content are or lesson. That is
why you have to be trained, mentored and equipped. Basta integration, unsa unsa na muha i-
integrate. You have to be careful also. Kay based sa akoang Division Demo Teach, I was asked
about one of my activities which applies integration within and across curriculum. We make sure that
there is a clear connection. So that the students can see the meaning and purpose why have you
integrated. Content Area Teachers should have provided with Language teaching to the content area.

SLIDE 23
What are the ways to improve student’s medium of learning?
Bakit bumaba ang literacy ng mga bata? Dahil ang tingin natin ang reading ay para sa English and
Filipino subjects lang. Bakit? Di ba pang-Math or Science or TLE din yan? Di ba ang mga teachers
ay magtuturo on how to read and write in Mathematics? In Science? TLE? Iba iba ang nature, shape
and landscape ng bawat asignatura. Iba iba din ang pagsulat at pagbasa ng language sa mga
subjects na yan. The skills may be in general but the language behaviour in that content area may be
to unfamiliar with the students to apply their literacy skills.
For example, marunong kang magbasa at magsulat sa Filipino. Ngayon, pumunta ka sa Spain.
And you were asked to write in Spanish. Do you think you can write in Spanish? It does not mean that
you know how to read and write in Filipino makes you know how to read and write in Spanish. It is the
same goes other way around. Balik pa rin po tayo, teach the students the language of the content.

SLIDE 24
Expose students to authentic materials that use the language of the content.
Authentic materials are magazines, newspapers, catalogs, etc. (State the examples ).
Use authentic materials to make your students realize how the language is being used in these
materials. Incorporate the language in these materials. Our books are graded and contrived. Those
are good for instruction. But we want our students to see how these language of the content be used.
Students don’t know the language of mathematics because they were not to read materials that have
mathematics. Or reports in Science. Expose our students to these materials and they will see how
profilic the language of the content is used.

SLIDE 25
Make your students pay attention new words. Consciouly learning new words every day.
Teacher may introduce new words everyday. But as possible make these words connect to your
lesson. So that students can see its meaning and appreciate its connection to the content that you
are teaching. We tend to focus on the instruction but not the language of the instruction.
Special Vocabulary – words that are used in all subject areas. Their meaning will change when
it is used in another subject. Example root. Iba yan sa Math at sa Science. Iba din ang root sa
English.

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 Technical Vocabulary – words that have technical meaning. Hindi sila maintindihan easily. The
definition of that word ay sobrang mahaba. Example Photosynthesis and Isoscelis Triangle. These
have to be describe to them.
Dictionary Games – Let’s begin with words that start with Letter B. I will read the meaning or
definition and you give the correct word or term by writing it in a piece of paper or writing board.
Board Games – Scrabble
Mobile Apps

SLIDE 26
Encourage parents to have conversations with their school age children to talk about
what they are learning using the MOTL.

SLIDE 27
OPEN FORUM

SLIDE 28
WHAT WE KNOW

SLIDE 29
CHALLENGE

SLIDE 26
Let no corrupting talk comes out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as
fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear it.”
Ephesians 4:29
All languages are equal. But the users of the language are the ones who have different idea on how
to use the language. Language is pure. But it becomes impure, it becomes bad, it becomes slewer
because of the perspectives and belief system or otherwise the people using the language.

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