The Impact of Using L1 Pedagogical Practices in English as Foreign Language (EFL) Classrooms: A Case Study of Emhimmed Ben Ebrahem Secondary School Teachers
الكلمات المفتاحية:
L1 use، qualitative research، Libyan Secondary school، bilingual pedagogyالملخص
This qualitative study examines the influence of employing students' first language, Arabic, in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classroom at Emhemmed Ben Ebrahem Secondary School. This study fills a gap in context-specific knowledge, especially in areas like Libya, which have not been studied enough, while there are still debates about the role of L1 in L2 learning. The research examines the impact of L1 on pedagogical practices, student engagement, and language learning outcomes from the viewpoints of teachers. Data were gathered via semi-structured interviews with five EFL teachers and non-participant classroom observations. Thematic analysis indicated that the strategic utilisation of L1 functioned as a scaffolding mechanism for elucidating intricate grammar and vocabulary, thereby enhancing comprehension and engagement; L1 alleviated anxiety, cultivating a conducive atmosphere for risk-taking in L2 communication; and excessive dependence on Arabic sometimes obstructed immersive language practice, underscoring the conflict between accessibility and target-language proficiency. Teachers were unsure about L1's usefulness, but they stressed the need to put English first because of institutional pressures. The study highlights the sociocultural significance of L1 in Libya's educational context, where minimal extracurricular engagement with English intensifies reliance on Arabic in the classroom. The implications indicate the necessity for organised guidelines on balanced L1 utilisation, professional development for educators, and policy reforms to align communicative objectives with localised pedagogical contexts. This research enhances global EFL discourse by promoting context-responsive strategies that utilise L1 as a support mechanism without hindering L2 acquisition.
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