Integration of Language Strategies in Teaching Science

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54536/ajmri.v5i1.6490

Keywords:

Language Challenges in Science Teaching, Language Strategies in Science Education, Science Learning Materials, Teacher Proficiency in Language Integration

Abstract

This systematic literature review aimed to examine the integration of language strategies in science education, focusing on their integration in learning materials, teachers’ proficiency in integrating them in instruction, and the challenges faced during implementation. Drawing on studies published between 2010 and 2025, this review synthesized findings from empirical and conceptual research mostly within the Philippine context guided by the PRISMA framework. The review identified a variety of language strategies integrated into science learning resources, including vocabulary supports, visual supports, writing and creative expression, and interactive and collaborative activities aimed at supporting scientific literacy and comprehension. Findings indicated that while language strategies significantly enhance students’ understanding of scientific concepts, teachers’ proficiency in integrating these strategies varies widely due to differences in training, resources, and institutional support. Common challenges such as lack of adequate training, time constraints, resource limitations, alignment issues, and diverse learner needs are consistently reported. The review highlighted the need for sustained teacher education, development of linguistically accessible learning materials, and systemic support to improve language strategy integration in science education. These insights aimed to inform curriculum development, instructional design, and policy formulation to improve science teaching effectiveness and learner outcomes. 

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Abzuldinova, G., & Choydon, Z. (2022). Keywords as a structural and meaning element of the text of schoolchildren’s scientific projects. Til zhane adebiet: teoriasy men taziribesi, 134(3), 82–92. https://doi.org/10.52301/2957-5567-2024-3-3-82-92

Bansiong, A. J. (2019). Readability, content, and mechanical feature analysis of selected commercial science textbooks intended for third grade Filipino learners. Cogent Education, 6(1), Article 1706395. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2019.1706395

Barbosa, L. M., Fonseca, B., Dal-Farra, R. A., & Lopes, L. A. (2014). Teaching science education with poetry. Creative Education, 5(19), 1745–1749. https://doi.org/10.4236/ce.2014.519195

Becker, K. L. (2023). Promoting college reading completion and comprehension with reading guides: Lessons learned regarding the role of form, function, and frequency. Journal of Political Science Education, 20(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/15512169.2023.2196634

Bresser, R., & Fargason, S. (2023). Becoming scientists: Inquiry-based teaching in diverse classrooms, grades 3–5 (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781032680620

Brown, S.-A. (2015). Creative expression of science through poetry and other media can enrich medical and science education. Frontiers in Neurology, 6, Article 3. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2015.00003

Candidorio, K. (2010). The usefulness of graphic organizers in enhancing science learning [Master’s thesis, St. John Fisher University]. Fisher Digital Publications. https://fisherpub.sjfc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1110&context=education_ETD_masters

Caraig, R. V., & Quimbo, M. A. T. (n.d.). Assessing reading comprehension difficulties in core science subjects of senior high school students in a private school in Calamba City, Philippines [Unpublished manuscript]

Childs, P. E., & Ryan, M. (2016). Strategies for teaching the language of science. In P. E. Childs & M. Ryan (Eds.), Teaching the language of science (pp. 1–19). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-287-738-1_1

Damayanti, D., Fauzi, A., & Inayati, A. M. (2018). Learning materials: The “nucleus” of language teaching. Journal of English Education, 3(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.31327/jee.v3i1.417

DeLuca, E. (2010). Unlocking academic vocabulary. The Science Teacher, 77(3), 27–32. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ876144

Department of Education. (1987). DECS 52 s. 1987. The 1987 policy on bilingual education. https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/1987/05/DO_s1987_52.pdf

Department of Education. (2019). PISA 2018 national report of the Philippines. https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/PISA-2018-Philippine-National-Report.pdf

Department of Education. (2022a). Division Memorandum 305, s. 2022: Division training on language teaching strategies in teaching science and mathematics [Schools Division of Dagupan City]. https://depeddagupan.com/div-memo-no-305-s2022-division-training-on-language-teaching-strategies-in-teaching-science-and-mathematics/

Department of Education. (2022b). Training on language strategies in teaching science and mathematics—DOST. https://depedilocossur.info/?p=8055

Department of Education. (2024a). DO 10, s. 2024: Policy guidelines on the implementation of the MATATAG Curriculum. https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/DO_s2024_010.pdf

Department of Education. (2024b). DO 12, s. 2024: Amendment to DepEd Order No. 10, s. 2024 (Policy guidelines on the implementation of the MATATAG Curriculum). https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/DO_s2024_010.pdf

Diquito, T. J. (2024). Basic education curriculum under the newly implemented K to 10 (MATATAG) Curriculum in the Philippines: The case of science education. American Journal of Education and Technology, 3(3), 123–132. https://doi.org/10.54536/ajet.v3i3.3396

Dunbar, K. N., & Klahr, D. (2012). Scientific thinking and reasoning. In K. J. Holyoak & R. G. Morrison (Eds.), The Oxford handbook of thinking and reasoning (pp. 701–718). Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199734689.013.0035

Education Endowment Foundation. (2024, October 17). Unlocking the language of science: Strategies for teaching scientific vocabulary. https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/eef-blog-unlocking-the-language-of-science-strategies-for-teaching-scientific-vocabulary

Gerardo, N. (2023). Teachers’ use of language strategies in teaching science [Unpublished master’s thesis, Mariano Marcos State University].

Heiss, N. (2024). Succinctly science: How poetry can help make science accessible and enjoyable. Journal of Unschooling and Alternative Learning, 18. https://jual.nipissingu.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2024/02/v14304.pdf

Hoffman, L. (2013, November). Talk like a scientist! Simple “frames” to scaffold the language of science. Georgia Science Teachers Association eObservations Newsletter. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED566950.pdf

National Math and Science Initiative. (2023, October 26). The challenges of implementing high-quality instructional materials. https://www.nms.org/Resources/Newsroom/Blog/2023/October/High-Quality-Instructional-Materials-Challenges.aspx

Pandey, A. R. (2023). Language, mother-tongue education and sustainable development: Some reflections on Gandhian thought. Contemporary Education Dialogue, 20(1), 65–90. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1365505

Pila, O. K., & Mavuru, L. (2022). Natural sciences teachers’ perceived cognitive academic language proficiency (CALP) needs. In Education and new developments 2022 – Volume 1 (pp. 354–358). https://doi.org/10.36315/2022v1end080

Racca, R. M. A. B., & Lasaten, R. C. S. (2016). English language proficiency and academic performance of Philippine Science High School students. International Journal of Languages, Literature and Linguistics, 2(2), 44–49. https://doi.org/10.18178/IJLLL.2016.2.2.65

Risnita, R., & Bashori, B. (2020). The effects of essay tests and learning methods on students’ chemistry learning outcomes. Journal of Turkish Science Education, 17(3), 332–341. https://www.tused.org/index.php/tused/article/view/1093/627

Saro, J., Montejo, C., Sucong, J., Bustamante, M. F., & Perez, J. (2024). A qualitative exploration on the perceived impact of the MATATAG Curriculum on basic education teaching in the school year 2024-2025. International Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary Research and Studies, 4(4), 952–966. https://doi.org/10.62225/2583049X.2024.4.4.3134

Serrano, N. (2019). Science teachers’ level of use of differentiated instruction strategies and pupils’ performance [Unpublished master’s thesis, Mariano Marcos State University].

Sipe, M. D., Malaluan, N. E., Gayeta, N. E., Zimik, H. R., & Javier, M. (2024). Integration of ELT strategies in science classrooms: Asian university teachers and students’ perspectives. Heliyon, 10(7), Article e27349. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27349

Srisawat, S., Wannapiroon, P., & Nilsook, P. (2021). An empirical study of seamless scientific learning model. In ICEMT ‘21: Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Education and Multimedia Technology (pp. 91–94). ACM. https://doi.org/10.1145/3481056.3481103

Tabamo, A. J. C. (2023). The use of primary literature in teaching science as a strategy in addressing surface learning: A synthesis. International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, 4(7), 2191–2197. https://doi.org/10.55248/gengpi.4.723.46962

Tshuma, T., & Nyamupangedengu, E. (2024). Drama in the science classroom: Reimagining the teaching of natural and life sciences. Educational Research for Social Change, 13(1), 18–33. https://doi.org/10.17159/2221-4070/2024/v13i2a2

Valdez, A. V. (2020). Language used in the science test: Its effects to Meranao students test performance. In Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Education and Technology (ICET 2020). Atlantis Press. https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.201204.002

van Driel, S., Slot, E., & Bakker, A. (2018). A primary teacher learning to use scaffolding strategies to support pupils’ scientific language development. European Journal of STEM Education, 3(2), Article 5. https://doi.org/10.20897/ejsteme/3115

Wise, M., & Cooper, C. (2019, January 22). Increasing the value of graphic organizers. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/increasing-value-graphic-organizers

Downloads

Published

2026-01-30

How to Cite

Dance, C. U. ., & Lagura, R. T. . (2026). Integration of Language Strategies in Teaching Science. American Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Innovation , 5(1), 42-50. https://doi.org/10.54536/ajmri.v5i1.6490

Similar Articles

1-10 of 227

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.