The practices and challenges of mother tongue as a medium of instruction: The case of Sidaamu-Afoo

This research was intended to survey the practices and challenges of mother tongue as a medium of instruction with reference to Sidaamu-afoo. In order to achieve the objectives of the study, a descriptive research design was used. To this end, a total of 144 teachers were randomly selected from 36 first cycle primary schools in Sidama Zone; the schools were also selected in like manner. The teachers were made to fill in a close-ended questionnaire, and a semi-structured interview was held with 12 teachers who were randomly selected from those who had already filled in the questionnaire. Data obtained by the questionnaire were analyzed by using different types of appropriate descriptive statistics, and data collected by the interview were analyzed qualitatively by categorizing similar responses together in themes and the results were discussed by quoting some utmost concepts directly. The results of the questionnaire and the interview were triangulated. Thus, this research employed a mixed-methods approach. The findings revealed that teachers strive to effectively implement Sidaamu-afoo as a medium of instruction. However, there are factors affecting the effective implementation of Sidaamu-afoo as a medium of instruction. The factors are associated with education offices (regional, zonal or woreda), schools, teachers, and students. Based on the findings, recommendations have been made.