Institutional Repository | Satya Wacana Christian University: Students' Perceptions toward Teachers' Use of Bahasa Indonesia in English Learning Classroom

STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS TOWARD TEACHERS’ USE OF BAHASA INDONESIA
IN ENGLISH LEARNING CLASSROOM
Rike Rizkia Permatasari

Abstract
There have been pros and cons regarding the issue toward the use of first language (L1)
by teachers in English learning classroom. In this case, L1 refers to Bahasa Indonesia. Many
teachers in Indonesia still use L1 in their teaching English process. That is why the aimed of this
study is to find out students’ perceptions toward teachers’ use of Bahasa Indonesia. In this study,
quantitative data from 102 students from first and second grade of Mater Alma Junior High
School were obtained through closed-ended questionnaires. There were 15 questions and
categorized them in students' preferences, students' feeling, students' positive perception and the
advantages toward teachers’ use of Bahasa Indonesia in English learning classroom. They were
chosen as they were believed to be more aware of their needed of language used by teachers
regarding their understanding in English learning process. The finding reveals that teachers’ use
of Bahasa Indonesia brought positive perceptions toward students. Students prefer teachers used
Bahasa Indonesia in English learning process because they have a better understanding on the
material, have a secured feeling in expressing the intent/idea/experiences and mastered grammar
points without losing the essences or feels afraid of making mistakes using English.