STUDENTS’ OPINIONS ON THE TEACHERS’ USE OF FIRST LANGUAGE IN THE CLASSROOM
Gracesia Anis Indaryani
ABSTRACT
Teachers’ uses of first language in the classroom are still debatable issues in educational field (SPAHIU, 2013). The debate over whether or not the teachers should use L1 also divides the students’ point of view. This study aims at finding out the purpose of teachers’ L1 use and the opinions of the seventh grader students in SMP Kristen 1 Magelang toward the teachers’ use of L1 in the classroom. Fifty-four students were chosen to participate in this study. The data of this study was collected by using questionnaire and interview. This study also used preliminary research in the form of classroom observation to make sure that the teachers use L1. The finding of this study reveals that the teacher commonly uses L1 for giving instruction, explaining grammar, checking comprehension, giving feedback, giving motivation, explaining new words, discussing assignment, tests, and quizzes, explaining differences between L1 and L2, and explaining instruction-related information. Regarding the students’ opinions, they prefer their teacher to use L1 for aforementioned purposes. The reasons that underlie their opinions are L1 could create less-anxiety classroom, be a helpful and facilitating tools and an effective means in the learning process.
Keywords: First language (L1), Target language/ Second Language (L2),
