Elementary Teachers’ Mother-Tongue Based Instruction During the Covid-19 Pandemic

The study aimed to determine elementary teachers’ extent of use of mother tongue in instruction during the Covid -19 pandemic. Mixed research approach through descriptive design and thematic analysis was used. The data were collected through an online survey with the 40 MTB-MLE teachers from the elementary schools of Baggao West District, in Baggao, Cagayan, northern Philippines during the school year 2022-2023. Results of the descriptive analysis showed that the participants used mother tongue in instruction during the Covid-19 pandemic along objectives, strategies, teaching resources, and assessment to a very great extent. Moreover, the problems and challenges encountered by the participants in using mother tongue in instruction during the Covid-19 pandemic include poor internet connectivity and unfamiliar vocabulary. Considering the study’s salient findings, the researchers designed a plan of action to enhance elementary teachers’ use of mother tongue in instruction.