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IMPACT OF PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS ON TEACHERS’ USE OF PEDAGOGICAL CODE-SWITCHING IN ENGLISH

LANGUAGE CLASSES

CHRISTINE JOYCE L. ENTERIA

Rizal College of Taal, Inc.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to determine the relationship between the psychological factors of high school English language teachers and their utilization of pedagogical code-switching. It sought to identify the extent of code-switching practices, explore the challenges encountered, and subsequently propose a digital instructional toolkit as an intervention. Utilizing a descriptive-correlational research design with a multimodal approach, the researcher gathered quantitative data through online survey questionnaires and obtained qualitative insights via follow-up interviews. The findings revealed that educators frequently and deliberately employ code-switching as a cognitive scaffolding mechanism and an affective support tool rather than a random linguistic habit. While teachers demonstrated high levels of self-efficacy and motivation, these factors exhibited no significant relationship with their actual code-switching practices, which were primarily driven by immediate classroom demands. Conversely, a significant correlation was established between specific teacher confidence and the strategic use of pedagogical code-switching. Despite its proven instructional benefits, teachers encountered substantial challenges, notably the fear of professional misjudgment regarding their English proficiency and a systemic lack of formalized bilingual resources. In conclusion, pedagogical code-switching is an intentional teaching strategy primarily influenced by teacher confidence. To address the identified pedagogical gaps and alleviate spontaneous translation anxieties, the study proposes the development of a structured Digital Instructional Toolkit to support bilingual teaching practices.

Keywords: Pedagogical code-switching, English instruction, English language classes, Psychological factors, Digital instructional toolkit