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Introduction

As part of the required course in Taller Focalizado III, I am to conduct and submit a research Project in order to gain experience in how to implement research. The title I have selected for my Project is “ L1 vs L2 ,WHICH IS THE BEST ONE?”.

My reason for selecting this topic was because the majority of my students had never had English and my work as their new teacher bécame a challenge.

The main question was “ When should L1 be used in class?”. One of the main concerns for every English teacher is related with whether or not use student’s first language in foreign language classes. The topic on which this Project is focused was a real concern to me. Should I expressed myself the entire time in English or use spanish as well, since most of the students never had interaction with this foreign language.

My Project will seek to explain how a teacher can exploit their student’s previous L1 learning experience so they can increase their understanding of L2.

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION.

The idea for this Project has to do with my concern on how to develop my classes with students that never had an English class. My selected group is the Seventh Grade “C”, Centro Experimental Maximio Sava N° 4 School.

A lot of people have the opinión that one should never use students first language in the classroom, I can say that they have a good point : I don’t want my students bécame dependant on their first language, I want they feel comfortable using English.

However, I noticed that student’s attention was lost because the 80% of the class I decide to express and explain everything in English. That is why when I noticed this , I started to switch to spanish and the rythm of the class changed.

Considering this I thought when their first language should be used in class .

PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION

My class is at a Beginner Level and as a teacher I can not forced them to understand everything when I speak in a different language. Their behavoiur was an indicator that they weren’t following the class so in that moment I switched to spanish to control them.

I could tell that with beginners students not all the time understand. For example, when I explained or gave an activity in English, they got confused and in that moment is when I could use the L1. In order to clarify , I gave the indications in the L2 , but also the L1.

Doing this procedure, some of them tend to translate in order to make sure if he or she got it right. But I have to be very carefull as well to not OVER USE IT.

HYPOTHESIS

According to my observation, I believe my students with time are going to be able to be part and participate in a fully english class. Even though it is not my intention they become an native speaker but to have a good english class with less use of their L1.

However, L1 may provide benefits but its usage should be on a decreasing scale. My goal would be to do all the posible in order to mantain English as the language of Instruction and communication, nevertheless occasionally L1 may still be useful.

ACTION PLAN