Teachers use the MT and the official school language for instruction in middle primary. Students in middle primary grades should have developed confidence in using the official school language to talk about familiar topics. They should also be confident in their ability to use their MT for learning math, science and other school subjects. Having achieved success to this point, they should be ready for the next challenge— using the official school language with the mother tongue for learning.
To support students in using both languages for learning, teachers help them build their academic vocabulary relating to each school subject. They do this by following the basic educational principle of using what students already know to help them understand what is new. Here are the steps that teachers can use to help students learn new concepts in the MT and then the related academic terms in the school language:
1. Use the MT to introduce and teach a new concept( example for Math: multiplication). Assign activities in which students use the concept to solve a problem and / or complete a task. Encourage them to talk together in the MT and help each other. Ask thoughtful questions that encourage them to summarize what they have learned.
2. Review the academic term in the MT and then introduce the term in the official school language.( Example for Math:“ In the MT we call this‘ multiplication.’ In __ [ official school language ] we call it ___.”)
3. Write the MT and official language terms on the chalkboard and students write them in their exercise books.
4. Follow the same pattern to teach one or two more official language terms relating to the new concept, then review and students write each one.
5. Briefly review the essential parts of the lesson, this time using the official school language. Speak slowly and carefully, stopping to check that students understand. Use the new terms frequently so students hear them in context. Provide another short activity and this time encourage students to use the official school language as they work together. Encourage and help them if they have trouble communicating in the school language.
6. Finish the lesson with a short review in the MT of the main concept and ask questions to make sure students understand.
Booklet for Programme Implementers
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