Section 3: Classroom Etiquette

Chapter 19: Students Native Language in the Classroom

For English learning students their native language can be something that they feel they cannot survive in class without. There are many different viewpoints and perspectives on the role of the student’s native language in the classroom. However, in most schools the native language (L1 or Language 1) of the students is viewed as taboo in the classroom while the native English teacher is teaching. While it is important that the students are interacting and using English in a meaningful way during each class it is also important to make sure that they do not feel frustrated or constricted by their lack of English knowledge. While making the lesson plans for each class it is important to give your students the proper tools in English for each lesson so that they can interact with you and their peers in an easy and meaningful manner without feeling the need to use their native language. It is important to make rules in the classroom around the native language such as having rules where they can only use their native language during a certain time such as during certain games or for asking questions. Many schools will insist that the student’s native language has no use or place in the classroom; however, if you punish students or make them feel ashamed for using their native language you will only push away some students. It is important that you create a system for rewarding meaningful English language usage and a system to deter students from always using their native language in a classroom setting. Rules will vary from school to school so it is important to know what your own school's rules are regarding the school’s students using their native language at certain times in the English classroom. Overall, student’s native languages can be a strong tool to help encourage them to learn English. It is up to you as a teacher to help encourage them and also keep them in check from overusing their native language.