Teachers shall use Filipino as a medium of instruction in teaching the subjects Filipino, Araling Panlipunan, and ESP; while English should be used in teaching the subjects English, math, science, TLE, ICT, MAPEH, and CLE, but should there be an observation that the learners have difficulty in understanding the content presented in the English language, the teacher should present the content using the Filipino language as his last resort.
Or teachers should be required to come up with two ways of presentation of content. The learners will choose which language do they want to learn the content with.
Reasons:
a. Filipino and English language should be used as a medium of instruction because these two are nationally known and understood in the Philippines and even around the world. Students find it easier to speak the language which is understood by many.
b. Learners are exposed to media and technology, and Filipino and English are used as a medium of instruction in these areas. They watch television and browse websites that are using these two languages that is why they, more often than not, acquire the languages.
c. Socialization. Honestly speaking, everything should be aligned with what is in or trend here in the Philippines and it’s funny that even language is used as a measurement of why they will make you their friend. Since Filipino and English are nationally understood here in the Philippines, people see these two languages as tickets to unity.
d. Some people view code-switching as a negative habit of a teacher, especially of an English teacher, but I don’t see any problem with that. Comprehension is one of our major goals as literature teachers and we are aware that our students are not all capable, so if we noticed already that a student cannot understand the English content, are we going to force him to understand it? Of course not. We exhaust all means but if the only way for him to understand what we are teaching is by code-switching, so be it.
e. For subjects that focus on values formation, though teachers usually present the content in the English language, understanding should be of utmost importance. If the learners can understand it in English, then present it in English, but if they will understand it better in Filipino, give them what they deserve.
f. Students should be given a choice on how they want to learn content. If schools can hire teachers who can present the content in Filipino or in English, it will be more helpful. It will also form part in developing their decision-making skills and staying faithful to the decision they made.
This is based on my encounters in my four years of teaching. I know that these are just a few of many chambers that teaching has and I know that there is still a lot to learn. I wrote this with all humility and I am open to any comments.
This is a good presentation and analysis on the use of Filipino or English in the teaching-learning process. I consider this as one of the best articles I have read here. Job well done!