Educational Research AY2019/2020

This study examined how Malay Language primary school teachers view Malay Language teaching and learning. A survey about teaching belief and attitude was completed by 33 teachers, and one-to-one in dept interviews were conducted to 6 teachers. The data gave an insight of the challenges Mother Tongue teachers faced during Malay Language lessons in primary school setting. These insights suggest that the main challenge is students’ diversity which is influenced by Singapore’s language planning and bilingual policy. Even though the teachers believe they have a role to play in their classroom to overcome its challenges, it is important to continue to provide avenue for teachers to voice and address their concerns in order to support teachers in teaching and learning.