Hi Dave. I remember trying to explain the word 'adventure' to students when I was an inexperienced teacher, and refused to use my L1 teaching assistant. I must have taken 10 minutes explaining, acting out, drawing... all to no avail. It wasn't even target vocabulary for the lesson! I think you're right, newly qualified TEFL teachers often get it drilled into their heads that they shouldn't use L1... EVER! I'm glad I when I see evidence to the contrary.
Hi Dave. I remember trying to explain the word 'adventure' to students when I was an inexperienced teacher, and refused to use my L1 teaching assistant. I must have taken 10 minutes explaining, acting out, drawing... all to no avail. It wasn't even target vocabulary for the lesson! I think you're right, newly qualified TEFL teachers often get it drilled into their heads that they shouldn't use L1... EVER! I'm glad I when I see evidence to the contrary.
Thanks John! Great example from your experience. I wonder how much this happens every day in classes around the world?