The effects of using Arabic (L1) in English classes (L2) on students’ performance in exams at the University of Jordan

Abstract

This paper examines the accumulative grades of native Arabic-speaking students in their mandatory, university-level, English classes. The study aims at exploring the effect of using the students’ L1 in their L2 classes on passing the course compared to using English (L2) exclusively. Also, it examines whether or not the use of L1 can help students achieve a higher grade average in their exams. The study’s findings would empower FL teachers to employ more effective approaches in their university-level L2 classes in order to help their students not only pass their foreign language classes, but also get better grades.