What makes EFL learning enjoyable for Chinese tertiary-level students? Insights from Q methodology

Abstract

Understanding subjective perspectives of enjoyment in foreign language (FL) learning among diverse students can yield insights into the determinants of their enjoyment in FL learning, thus informing FL educators in tailoring their teaching strategies in FL classroom. With this aim, the current study utilized Q-methodology to explore the perspectives of Chinese university students on Foreign Language Enjoyment (FLE) in an English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) setting. A total of 30 students participated in a Q-sort with 40 FLE-related statements, followed by Principal Component Analysis and varimax rotation for pattern extraction. Additionally, retrospective interviews with six participants provided deeper insights. The research identified four factors shaping FLE in EFL learning: informativeness, independent learning, collaborative work, and interestingness. These findings highlight the subjective nature of EFL learners' FLE perspectives, influenced by both internal factors (self-reported FL proficiency and achievement) and external factors (support from teachers and peers). Our findings suggested that educators are encouraged to tailor teaching strategies to enhance FLE in the context of EFL learning, thus improving students' learning outcomes.