Ethical Lingua: Journal of Language Teaching and Literature
Vol. 13 No. 1 (2026): Volume 13 No 1 April 2026

Classroom discourse: a descriptive study on teachers’ use of English in EFL classrooms

Indriani (Universitas Muhammadiyah Palopo)
Puspa Sari (Universitas Muhammadiyah Palopo)
Jusriati (Universitas Muhammadiyah Palopo)



Article Info

Publish Date
25 Apr 2026

Abstract

The use of English in classroom interaction remains a challenge in many EFL contexts, particularly in Indonesia and in this case in Thailand. As the classroom often becomes the primary space for exposure to English, teacher discourse plays a critical role in shaping opportunities for meaningful interaction. This study aims to describe how English is used in classroom discourse and how teachers’ strategies influence student participation. Employing a descriptive qualitative design, the study involved one experienced English teacher from Thailand selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using an observation checklist and field notes, and then analyzed thematically to identify patterns of English use, code-switching, and discourse practices. The findings indicate that classroom discourse was dominated by giving instructions and code-switching. English use for explaining material and grammar was limited, while questioning occurred regularly. However, corrective feedback, pronunciation practice, authentic material use, and encouragement for students’ active participation were minimal or absent. In conclusion, teacher discourse ensured procedural clarity but reinforced a teacher-centered environment, offering limited communicative opportunities. Pedagogical implications highlight the importance of adopting student-centered approaches, integrating authentic resources, corrective feedback, and motivational strategies to promote learners’ active use of English.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

25409190

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

Ethical Lingua is an online academic journal published by Universitas Cokroaminoto Palopo. The journal publish scholarly articles on the scope of Language Teaching, Learning, and Assessment; Language Curriculum and Material Development; Linguistics and Applied Linguistics; Cultural Issues in ...