TEACHER’S CODE SWITCHING IN EFL (ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE) CLASSROOM AT SMPN 3 MEDAN

This research aims to analyze the code switching phenomenon carried out by teachers in teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) at SMP Negeri 3 Medan. Code switching refers to switching between two or more languages in a communication context, which in a language learning context can be used as a strategy to facilitate student understanding. This research uses a qualitative descriptive method to describe the forms, types and reasons why teachers carry out code switching in the teaching process. Data were collected through direct classroom observations and semi-structured interviews with ninth grade English teachers who teach at SMP Negeri 3 Medan. The research results show that code switching carried out by teachers occurs in three main types: intersentential, intrasentential, and tag-switching. The main reason teachers do code switching is to help students understand teaching material and increase the vocabulary that students have. Apart from that, code switching is also used as a strategy to be a bridge the language gap between teachers and students who have limited English skills. This research concludes that code switching has an important role in the EFL learning process at SMP Negeri 3 Medan. Proper use of code switching can help improve students' understanding of the material being taught. However, a balance is needed so as not to hinder
students' mastery of the target language. This research is expected to provide insight for EFL teachers in managing the use of code switching effectively in the classroom.