Mother tongue education: a panacea to effective teaching and learning of English in Nigeria primary schools

Abstract

The controversy as to whether the English Language or the child's mother tongue facilitates teaching and learning at primary school level has not been resolved. The advocates of mother-tongue medium claim that it makes for meaningful teaching and learning and better pupils' participation in the learning process while antagonists of MT- medium claim it hinders effective teaching and learning of the English language. The study therefore investigated the impact of the MT Education on effective teaching and learning of English in selected primary schools in Anambra and Enugu States of Nigeria using survey research design. Three research questions were raised and answered. Data were collected through the use of teachers' questionnaire. Findings revealed that primary school teachers were aware of MT policy provision and that it facilitates effective leaching and learning of the English Language at primary schools. Consequently, recommendations were made that pupils should he given the opportunity of learning in MT longer than the first three years of primary education while government should ensure regular monitoring of classroom practices to ensure compliance with MT policy provision.