SUBJECT AREA TEACHERS' PERCEPTION AND PRACTICE TOWARDS THE USE OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE AS A MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTIONTO IMPROVE STUDENTS'LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY IN SNNPR IN GEDEO ZONE: THE CASE OF YIRGACHEFE PREPARATORY SCHOOL

<strong>ABSTRACT: </strong>The main aim of this study was to explore subject teachers’ perception and practice towards the use of English as a medium of instruction in their classes to improve their students English language proficiency. Accordingly, it explores the extent to which teachers used English in relation to the students’ mother tongue and Teachers code switching. A mixed-method research approach was used to conduct this study. The participants of this study were all Grade 11 subject area teachers who were engaged in teaching in the academic year of 2012 E.C in Yirgchefe preparatory school. The researcher scorched out a descriptive research design. Hence the data collected through questioner interview and class room observation. Thus, 30 subject area teachers were selected using comprehensive sampling technique for the study. To this end, a descriptive research method was employed and both quantitative and qualitative methods were used in data analysis and presentation. This survey questionnaire contained 3 point Liker scales and the data which were obtained from the questionnaire were analyzed quantitatively using simple statistics (percentage and frequency), and the data from the interview and classroom observation were analyzed qualitatively. The results of this study indicated that subject area teachers had a positive attitude to use English as medium of instruction. However, they didn’t apply it in their classroom interaction practically. Moreover, the findings showed that the current level of both students’ and teachers’ English proficiency was considered to be inadequate to use English as a medium of instruction at preparatory school level. It was also found that the teachers’ effort to promote students’ use of the TL was inefficient. These studies consider the fact that English is still the language of instruction; therefore, measures need to be taken to solve the language problem. In order to work on this language problem the teaching of English as a subject as well as its use as a medium of instruction should be enhanced to promote effective and efficient teaching and learning in classrooms. Thus, English teachers were not the only responsible body to teach students all the language skills learners need to learn other subjects. Therefore, subject area teachers should also feel responsible and work in collaboration with English teachers for the improvement of their students’ language proficiency.