Mother-Tongue-Based Multilingual Education and Learning Outcomes Among Students in The Yoruba Language in Southwestern Nigeria (Published)
This study examined the influence of Mother-Tongue-Based Multilingual Education on students’ learning outcomes in the Yoruba language in Southwestern Nigeria. The study adopted a quantitative research approach using a cross-sectional survey design within a Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) framework. The population comprised Senior Secondary School students offering Yoruba language and Yoruba language teachers in public secondary schools in Southwestern Nigeria. A sample of 300 respondents consisting of 270 students and 30 teachers was selected using a multistage sampling technique. Ekiti State was selected using simple random sampling, nine public secondary schools were selected using purposive sampling, while students and teachers were selected using simple random and purposive sampling techniques respectively. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and students’ Yoruba language achievement scores obtained from school records. The instrument was validated through face and content validity by experts in Educational Evaluation and Yoruba Language Education. Reliability was established using the test-retest method and Cronbach’s Alpha reliability test, which produced a reliability coefficient of 0.82. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that Mother-Tongue-Based Multilingual Education had a significant positive effect on students’ learning outcomes. Teachers’ attitudes, institutional support, and classroom engagement also significantly influenced learning outcomes. Classroom engagement partially mediated the relationship between Mother-Tongue-Based Multilingual Education and learning outcomes. The study recommended stronger implementation of mother-tongue education policies, improved teacher training, and provision of instructional materials to enhance Yoruba language learning outcomes.
Keywords: Mother tongue, classroom engagement, institutional support, teacher attitudes, yoruba language