ENGLISH TEACHERS’ USE OF TARGET LANGUAGE: A STUDY IN SONG CONG PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Abstract

In the field of foreign language teaching, it has widely been believed that using target language extensively has possitive influences on the effectiveness of the teaching and learning. Nevertheless, in some certain cases where the teachers demonstrate low proficiency, lack of confidence and do not use English as routines, the teacher’s use of the target language has not become a regular practice and the quality of this such use is still in dispute. This article has examined the current situation of teachers’ use of target language in Binh Son 1, Binh Son 2 and Cai Dan primary schools in Song Cong City, Thai Nguyen Province, Vietnam. Moreover, the paper has pointed out the teachers’ difficulties in maximizing the target language use. Based on the recommendations by American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), the research has discussed specific strategies on enhancing the use of English instructions in Vietnamese context.