Teachers' and students' perceptions of the use of L1 in the EFL classroom at Dalat University (Lam Dong Province): Master of TESOL

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the teacher’ and students' perceptions of the use of L1 in the EFL classroom at Da Lat University in the central hinghland of Lam Dong Province. The participants for this study were twenty EFL instructors who teach General English at the Faculty of Tourism, and the Faculty of International Studies and one hundred and fifty second year students from the two faculties. Student questionnaire, in-depth interview for teachers and students were used to collect data. The data were analyzed using qualitative analysis with a focus on different types of situations in which L1 was used as well as perceived role of L1 use. The results of the study indicated that teachers and learners held positive attitudes towards the use of L1, and that L1 should be used in some situations with a purpose to facilitate L2 learning. Based on the findings of the research, several implications are offered to support learners in their English language acquisition.