Rural and Urban EFL Teachers and Students' Attitude toward Using L1 in Iranian English Classrooms

Abstract

This study aimed to explore students’ attitude toward the effect of using translation from L1 to L2 on improving English accuracy. It carried out in a junior high school in Isfahan, Iran and administered in two phases, one with teachers and another with students. The qualitative approach and survey design were exploited to conduct the research. The participants of the study were 30 students and they were given two sets of questionnaire. Findings showed that EFL teachers and students in rural areas used L1 no more than teachers and students in urban EFL classrooms. Results have shown that there is not any significant relationship between the use of translation and the students' attitudes towards the use of L1. They also indicated that there is a significant relationship between the method of teaching and the students' attitudes towards using L1 in EFL classroom. The findings of this study can be useful for EFL students as well as teachers to enhance the efficiency and productivity of bilingual classes.