A Comparison of EFL Teachers and Students’ Perceptions on the Use of L1 in English Classrooms: A Case of Persian Language in Iranian Institutes

The present study aimed to find out teachers and students perceptions toward the use of L1 in English classrooms in institutes. In order to do this, the study used a mixed methods research design. There were two groups of participants in this study, 56 EFL learners of elementary, intermediate, and advanced level, and 11 EFL teachers who were selected through convenient sampling. The proficiency level of the students was determined using a Standardized English Proficiency Test, Nelson proficiency test. In order to gather the data from students, a questionnaire from a well-known survey-Prodromou 2000 was employed and selected teachers were interviewed. After the data were collected and analyzed, the results indicated that: a, Students in all language levels in institutes have positive perceptions toward using L1 in L2 classes. b, in contrast to students, teachers showed their unwillingness toward using L1 in their classes. c Teachers use L1 in high schools more than in institutes. Moreover, the study has insights and implications for teachers.