Whether to use L1 depends on the learners, level, school type and whether the class shares an L1. A mix can help (comfort, understanding, confidence, especially for students falling behind), while keeping English use as high as possible.
Moves
- L1 as a bridge for new concepts or instructions, then back to English for practice.
- English-only default with visible prompts; L1 at set moments (checking understanding).
- In mixed-L1 classes, English is the shared language.
- Brief L1 help for a struggling student to rejoin.
Limits
Short and general; no evidence or guidance on amount.
Connections
Translation done well - four L1 activities · Planned translanguaging improved expository reading (MultiEd) · Check your feedback language against learners’ level