Institutional Repository | Satya Wacana Christian University: Students' Opinions on the Teachers' use First Language (L1) in the Classroom

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),
Students’ preferences, Classroom.