IMPACT AND EFFECTIVENESS OF CODE SWITCHING IN CLASSROOM
By: Haizel Momongan; Supervised By: Muziatun, S.Pd, M.App. Ling, Ph.D
Introduction
In Gorontalo where there is blend of languages; with the diversity embracement in the class of elementary school. Conducting the interview with Ibu Katrin, an experienced teacher at SDN 5 Suwawa, I discussed her views on the subject of code-switching and her concern whether it should be used and to what extent. This is a unique insight of how this affects young learners in their educational journey.
Understanding Code Switching
Ibu Katrin starts by illustrating what features code-switching in an elementary class looks like. "Students in our school learn Gorontaloan, Bahasa Indonesia, and a little English. It is quite common to switch between the languages as the way we communicate with the kids is based on code-switching in order to explain different topics throughout the lessons and make the children comprehend new and rather complex topics.
Impact on student learning
Ibu Katrin underscored the importance of code-switching while teaching in that it helps in ensuring that lessons are made easier to understand by young learners. "In the process of teaching what I have learnt, I give preference to the utilization of Gorontaloan whenever it is difficult for learners who have Bahasa Indonesia to understand the concepts which are introduced In order for them not to struggle while grasping the basic principles that are introduced, I translate them into Gorontaloan. "According to the interviews Ibu Katrin also highlights the aspects of the cognitive values. we must learn to experience more than one language because this contributes to the general development of their thinking skills and the ability to differentiate between one language and the other. she notes that bilingual learners gain a lot when engaged in code-switching. 'It enhances both languages. For instance, when we share with them a story in Bahasa Indonesia and later on we have to discuss the story in Gorontaloan, the students' benefit both languages.
Classroom Dynamics and Engagement
In her own experience, Ibu Katrin emphasizes how cultural people switch between languages. "Home language is familiar in the students' day to day lives and using it in lesson helps them feel valued, this greatly enhance their morale to contest in the classroom.It is her view that code-switching is of great significance in how she interacts with her students. "When I use this kind of language as Gorontaloan it helps the children build trust hence will be relaxed to express themselves this is very vital as children learn. " In her classroom, code-switching also foster friendly discussions with fellow students. There are usually scenarios where students interchange languages in order to assist each other, a practice that is highly praise since it fosters teamwork and peer tutoring, which are core values of any classroom.