Exploring the factors driving L1 use in Jordanian secondary EFL classrooms

Abstract

This qualitative study investigated factors contributing to the use of the first language (L1) in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms in Jordanian public secondary schools. Using convenience sampling, 25 participants were recruited: four EFL supervisors from an education directorate, 10 EFL teachers, and 11 students from Grades 11 and 12 across multiple public secondary schools. Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was employed, following open, axial, and selective coding to extract key themes. The findings reveal that L1 use is shaped by a constellation of interrelated factors: teacher-related (e.g. limited L2 proficiency and underuse of listening and speaking activities), student-related (e.g. low L2 proficiency and exam-oriented learning), institutional (e.g. overcrowded classrooms, lack of resources), and systemic (e.g. the high-stakes Tawjihi exam that sidelines communicative competence). A notable policy-practice gap emerged, where supervisors emphasized idealistic expectations for L2 use, while teachers and students described L1 reliance as a pragmatic response to contextual constraints. The findings underscore the need for policy reforms, targeted professional development, and assessment redesign that acknowledge on-the-ground realities and promote meaningful L2 engagement.