The case of insructors using mother tongue in English prep classes

The purpose of this study is to investigate the case of insructors using mother tongue in English Prep classes of the School of Foreign Languages, Kocaeli University.In this study, qualitative research methods were used. This study is a descriptive research. Study group was decided by "purposeful sampling method". In the spring and fall terms of 2015-2016 school year, the study was carried out with 4 instructors using a coursebook in their prep classes of the School of Foreign Languages, Kocaeli University. Observation and interview were data collection instruments and for observations, structured observation forms; for interviews, semi-structured interview forms were used. Observations were carried out in 4 classes; 2 from Elementary and Starter levels, 2 from Morning and Evening classes. For the analysis of observation data which was more than 35 hours (about 2137 minutes), content analysis method was used. 4 instructors teaching in those observed classes attended to the interviews and each interview was recorded to be examined another time. After those records were written down, they were analysed by content analysis method. According the results of observation analysis, it was found that the level of L1 used in Starter classes was higher than the level of L1 used in Elementary classes. At the same time, it was observed that the level of L1 used in Morning classes was higher than the level of L1 used in Evening classes. On the other hand, it was found out that instructors used L1 much more to "check understanding, give instructions, build rapport among students, give feedback, talk about administrative information and explain grammar rules". From the analysis results of interviews, it was found out that instructors used more L1 especially for the Starter levels. However, when different types of education were thought, many instructors stated that they needed much more L1 in the Evening classes. On the basis of these results, it can be recommended that instructors can use L1 for the Starter level classes as it may not result negative consequences, but they should lessen the use of L1 for the oncoming levels. As the level of L1 used by instructors for Morning and Evening classes does not make difference, it can be recommended that different types of education may not be considered as an important factor that affects of using L1. Key Words: Foreign language teaching; use of mother tongue; school of foreign languages; the instructors