L2 Learning Contexts Research Articles

Exploring the dynamic relations between second language students’ classroom engagement and task value belief: A longitudinal study

BackgroundStudent engagement and subjective task value belief are critical psychological constructs driving the second language (L2) learning process. L2 research has established the positive effect of subjective task value belief on student engagement in the L2 classroom, while the reverse effect has received some theoretical and empirical support in the broader field of educational psychology. However, theoretically grounded empirical work on testing the reciprocal relationship between these two constructs remains absent in L2 research. AimThis study sought to examine the longitudinal reciprocal relationship between L2 students’ classroom engagement and their subjective task value belief – the relationship that is neither sufficiently theorized nor empirically tested in the L2 learning context. SampleData were collected across three time points over an academic semester from 920 undergraduate students learning English as a foreign language in Vietnam. MethodRandom intercept cross lagged panel modelling was conducted to examine the carry-over (or autoregressive) effects of L2 students' subjective task value belief (or their classroom engagement) at one time on itself at a subsequent time, as well as the concurrent effects and spill-over (or cross-lagged) effects of L2 students’ subjective task value belief on their classroom engagement and vice versa. ResultL2 students’ classroom engagement and their subjective task value belief not only co-varied within individuals concurrently, but variation in one construct led to subsequent variation in another over the semester. ConclusionFindings confirm the dynamic, situation- and time-specific patterns of relationship between the two constructs in line with the expectancy value theory (Eccles & Wigfield, 2020a) and the development-in-sociocultural context model of student engagement (Wang, Henry, & Degol, 2020).

Developing and validating an L2 writing willingness to communicate scale: A sequential embedded mixed-methods approach

Current willingness to communicate (WTC) scales center on WTC in general second language (L2) learning, while L2 writing WTC is underrepresented. This study intended to close this gap by developing and validating an L2 writing WTC scale. A three-phase sequential embedded mixed-methods design was adopted to overcome the over-reliance on quantitative data and provide adequate evidence of validity. Nineteen items were generated based on our literature search and thematic analysis of the interview data ( n = 10). With quantitative data collected from 288 learners of English as a foreign language (EFL), the psychometric properties of the initial scale were examined by exploratory factor analysis. After that, the revised 17-item questionnaire was validated by confirmatory factor analysis and other validation methods with data from 224 EFL learners. The results indicated that the underlying structure involved writing task traits, English language ideology, writing teacher support, interest in English language, and self-perception of English language proficiency. The scale was further validated through factor analysis of the quantitative data ( n = 173) and thematic analysis of the immediate retrospective interview data ( n = 12) from EFL learners to test its generalizability in other L2 learning contexts and for face validity evidence. The findings showcased a promising mixed-methods design for scale development and clarified the underlying factors of L2 writing WTC. Implications for scale development and the teaching and learning of L2 writing were discussed.

Enjoyment begets enjoyment: An experience sampling study on the impact of L2 teacher enjoyment on EFL learners’ learning enjoyment and willingness to communicate

While previous studies have separately explored learner and teacher emotions in the context of second or foreign language (L2) learning, their dynamic associations over time remain underexplored. Additionally, the impact of these reciprocal interplays on learners' communication intention has not been taken into scrutiny in L2 research. The present study investigated the relationships between trajectories of foreign language teaching enjoyment (FLTE), foreign language learning enjoyment (FLE), and L2 willingness to communicate (WTC). Using an experience sampling method, data were collected from 9 English instructors and 162 students over two weeks. The dynamic structural equation modeling analysis revealed significant positive changes in actual and perceived FLTE, FLE, and L2 WTC. Specifically, a reciprocal relationship was found between teacher and student enjoyment, with L2 students' high FLE levels correlating with higher L2 WTC. Although student-perceived FLTE remained stable, L2 teachers’ actual enjoyment fluctuated, being influenced by FLE and L2 WTC. Additionally, L2 WTC significantly impacted teacher enjoyment. On average, teachers with more development in FLTE had students with more development in their FLE and L2 WTC. Overall, the findings underscore the dynamic interplay between teacher and student emotions in L2 learning context and its consequent positive impact on learners' communication intentions. In closing, the findings are discussed in connection with educational theories, and implications are drawn for L2 teaching.

The associations between EFL learners’ L2 class belongingness, emotion regulation strategies, and perceived L2 proficiency in an online learning context

ABSTRACT Although the sense of belongingness plays a major influence in fostering intrinsic motivation and psychological well-being, scant research attention has been given to English as a foreign language (EFL) learners’ belongingness in relation to peers and teachers and its outcomes in L2 learning contexts. Additionally, despite the importance of emotion regulation in L2 education, little is known about its role in mediating the impact of L2 belongingness on self-assessment of L2 proficiency in online L2 learning environments. Therefore, the present study used survey data to examine the associations between learners’ sense of class belongingness, their preferred emotional regulation strategies (reappraisal vs. suppression) and self-perceived English proficiency, in a sample of 191 Turkish EFL university students. Path analysis results indicated significant direct paths between social belongingness with peers and academic belongingness with teachers, respectively, and the emotional regulation strategy of reappraisal. Further analysis indicated a significant indirect association between social belongingness with peers and perceived L2 proficiency through the measure of reappraisal emotional regulation. There was also a significant indirect relationship via reappraisal between academic belongingness with teachers and perceived L2 proficiency. The results are discussed in connection with self-determination theory and social identity theory, and implications are drawn for teaching.

Does it make a difference? COVID-19 and its effect on a factor structure of SRL in an EFL online context

Self-regulated learning (SRL) is considered an important skill for not only academic achievement, but also second language (L2) development. Proficient L2 speakers often display more developed SRL skills than novices, and it has been shown that SRL instruction can improve L2 learning results. In Japan, the context of this paper, little research had been done on SRL in online L2 learning environments prior to the emergency remote teaching (ERT) period during COVID-19, and the effects of that period are still forthcoming. This study aims to fill the gap by conducting a factor analysis of the SRL of 498 EFL learners across 12 Japanese universities at the end of the first year of ERT in 2021. The results from exploratory factor analysis (EFA) indicated that four factors (goal setting, task strategies, environmental structuring, and classmate communication) were important with classmate communication being a new combined factor of help seeking and self-evaluation. Additional analysis based on prior online learning experience indicated that experience played a role in SRL in online L2 learning contexts. These findings suggest that instruction of SRL and carefully cultivated classroom environments could be beneficial for online L2 learning success.

An Overview of Empirical Research on Domain-Specific Grit in L2 Learning Contexts

An Overview of Empirical Research on Domain-Specific Grit in L2 Learning Contexts

The strength of self and L2 willingness to communicate: The role of L2 grit, ideal L2 self and language mindset

The introduction of positive psychology to the SLA domain triggered a bulk of research on how learners can thrive and flourish in the language classroom emphasizing the role that character strengths play in the achievement of goals. In this study, we examined character strengths in the context of second language (L2) learning and their role in a critical goal of L2 learning - the Willingness to Communicate (WTC) in the target language. Specifically, we examined the impact of L2 grit, Ideal L2 Self (ILS), and growth language mindset (growth LM) as complex direct and indirect predictors of WTC. Data was collected from 450 Iranian EFL learners with diverse language proficiencies. The predictor of L2 grit, the possible mediators of ILS and Growth LM, and the outcome variable of WTC were modeled in a double latent mediation model. Results indicated that ILS and growth LM fully mediated the relationship between L2 grit and WTC. As such, the study highlighted the role of personal strengths such as grittiness, self-motivation, and a growth LM in the L2 learning context. Finally, future research avenues are suggested based on the findings of this study.

Writing in L2 Greek: Exploring the effect of L2 proficiency and learning context on complexity, accuracy, and fluency

Complexity, accuracy, and fluency (CAF) have been proposed as measures of L2 performance and are fundamental variables of written analysis. Empirical studies have shown how written production is developed across proficiency levels and have highlighted the impact of language learning context (second versus foreign) on such development. Despite research that analyzes L2 written production in relation to L2 proficiency or L2 context, few studies examine both in combination. This study explores the role of proficiency and learning context in the written production of L2 Modern Greek learners. Three hundred twenty-four (N = 324) L2 Modern Greek learners of different proficiency levels (A2 to C1) studying in two different learning contexts (second: Greece versus foreign: Spain) carried out a written task (opinion essay). The results showed that two indices of the length of production (mean length of sentence and clause), one index of subordination (dependent clauses per clause), accuracy, and fluency were good indicators of proficiency level. Also, learning context affected the length of production, sentence complexity, and subordination. While differences were observed between the two settings, no superiority of one context over the other was found. Significant interaction effects between context and proficiency were detected in syntactic complexity (coordination) and fluency.

The Impact of EFL Learners’ Negative Emotional Orientations on (Un)Willingness to Communicate in In-person and Online L2 Learning Contexts

The present study explored how negative emotional orientations (i.e., anxiety, boredom, and demotivation) may contribute to English as a foreign language (EFL) learners’ willingness to communicate (WTC) in in-person and online classes. In doing so, a total of 290 university students majoring in English were recruited to fill in a set of scales. The structural equation modeling analysis indicated that foreign language classroom anxiety (FLA) and L2 demotivation have a direct impact on EFL learners’ in-person and online L2WTC. While L2 demotivation was the strongest significant predictor of learners’ in-person L2WTC, FLA was the strongest predictor of online L2WTC. Additionally, there was a positive correlation among FLA, L2 demotivation, and foreign language classroom boredom (FLB). While FLA demonstrated no direct impact on communication willingness, it exhibited significant indirect paths to in-person L2WTC via the full mediation of L2 demotivation and FLA . Although the result did not show any significant direct impact of FLB on online L2WTC, it had a small yet significant indirect path to online L2WTC through the full mediation of FLA. FLA also revealed indirect significant paths to online L2WTC through FLB and L2 demotivation. The implications for L2 teachers and teacher educators will be further discussed.

ADHD learners as victims or survivors in L2 learning contexts: a case of application of dynamic assessment to selective attention and reading comprehension ability

With the growing concern for the issues and problems associated with static testing, dynamic assessment (DA) has been recently receiving increased attention as an alternative in educational settings. The present single case study attempted to investigate the potential of interactionist dynamic assessment in developing an Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) L2 learner’s reading competence and selective attention. A 13-year-old female EFL learner with the combined type of ADHD voluntarily participated in this study. During the DA sessions, the learner read some short passages and answered the questions through mediations emerging from the interactions between the mediator and the learner. The qualitative analysis of DA protocols led to the development of an inventory of different forms of implicit and explicit mediations. Moreover, the quantitative analysis of the data showed that DA contributed to the learner’s reading comprehension and some congruent parameters of selective attention. The results of the present study call for teachers’, policymakers’, and material developers’ increasing attention to the mediations required to assist ADHD L2 learner’s independence from the mediator, which demonstrates self-regulation.

A cross-modal analysis of lexical sophistication: EFL and ESL learners in written and spoken production

Abstract The present study investigated the effects of two usage-related factors – modality (written vs. spoken) and language learning contexts (EFL vs. ESL) – on lexical sophistication in second language (L2) production. We measured 14 features of lexical sophistication in written and spoken texts produced by EFL and ESL learners with matched proficiency. The results showed significant interactions of modality and L2 learning contexts in several indices. In three indices, the EFL learners used more sophisticated words in writing than in speaking. In six indices, the gaps of lexical sophistication scores between writing and speaking were greater for the EFL than the ESL group. The conjoined effects of these factors are argued to stem from disparity in the amount and type of L2 input provided in EFL and ESL contexts.

INDIVIDUALIZED GUIDANCE TO EMPOWER AN L2 LEARNER WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IN ACADEMIC ESSAY WRITING

The present study was conducted to see the extent to which intensive online individualized guidance sessions could help a second/foreign language (L2) learner of English with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at an undergraduate level to write an academic essay in the education field with citations and references. The sessions, 30 minutes each, were conducted 14 times in total during the second semester of the 2020/2021 academic year. Teaching journal detailing the participant’s learning dynamic in each session, the participant’s ongoing writing progress, and the recorded videos of the sessions were used to assess this learner participant’s learning progress. The study found that through the individualized guidance sessions, the learner participant could write a 326-word academic essay with citations using three journal articles in the Indonesian language as the references. It also found that as the participant became more familiar with the pattern of the sessions and the expectation of what to do in each session, he could do his task faster and more confidently. Based on the findings, several pedagogical implications and possible research contributions are stated along with suggested directions for future studies in the field of autism in the L2 learning context.

“Three months on, I still sound like an Anglophone”: Tales of Success and Failure told by English and French Tandem Partners

This paper reports on two ways in which success and failure can be operationalized and quantified in a non-institutional L2 learning context such as language tandem setting. We draw on the SITAF database, where we gathered 25 hours of video-recorded conversations held by 21 pairs, each consisting of a native speaker of English and a native speaker of French. The tandems performed collaborative tasks in both languages, thus giving each participant ample opportunity to be both the ‘expert’ and the ‘novice’ (learner) part of the dialogue. The tandem partners met regularly and autonomously outside of the recording sessions, and making progress in their L2 was one of their declared goals. Two possible measures of success in achieving this goal are: (1) the quality and quantity of learner uptake which followed the expert’s corrective feedback (CF) during the recorded conversations. Significant differences between the two L1 groups were observed: while 52% of the CF given by the native French speakers met with total uptake, over 52% of the English CF generated no uptake at all; (2) the participants’ own narratives of progress, as both the experts and the learners, obtained through questionnaires they filled out at the end of the program. Our study aims to contribute to the discussion on the stakes of successful L2 informal learning (with a focus on the acquisition of L2 pronunciation) by adopting a perspective which combines learners’ spoken output data and learners’ perceptions of their own language learning activity.

How does learners’ L2 utterance fluency relate to their L1? A meta‐analysis

AbstractUnraveling how learners’ L2 fluency performance relates to their L1 is crucial for promoting L2 speaking assessment. Despite the consensus that learners’ L1 and L2 are correlated in several measures of utterance fluency, there have been variations in the correlation strength resulting from methodological differences. The current meta‐analysis aims to present an overall picture of the L1–L2 fluency relationship and investigate the moderating effect of methodological factors. We identified 16 studies with 137 effect sizes and 714 participants. Through a multi‐level meta‐analysis, we calculated the aggregate effect sizes of the relationship between L1 and L2 fluency and examined the potential moderating effect of five learner and task variables. The overall correlation was strongest in L1 and L2 breakdown fluency, followed by speed and composite fluency, and weakest in repair fluency. Based on the results of the moderator analyses, we assume that the relationship between L1 and L2 composite fluency may be affected by L2 learning context, task type, and task consistency. The findings have implications for future research design and L2 fluency assessment.

Language learning motivation, learner agency, and the medium of instruction

AbstractRecent conceptualizations of language learning motivation have highlighted its dynamic and contextual nature. Yet the role of the L2 learning context in shaping motivation remains under‐explored. This study adopts an agency perspective to examine emerging motivational orientations across diverse medium of instruction settings. The present study reports findings from a motivation survey of 3854 secondary‐school English learners across three types of instructional setting (English medium, Chinese medium and mixed medium) in Hong Kong. Hierarchical regression modeling points to a differential effect of motivation on language attainment across the three settings and the emergence of diverse internal structures of L2 motivation. Differences in the role played by agentic and nonagentic motivational orientations across the three settings are discussed and implications are outlined for theorizing language learning motivation and for language teaching practice.

Review of the Empirical Research on Digital Multimodal Composing in L2 Learning Contexts

Driven by advances in multimedia technologies, digital multimodal composing (DMC) has gained growing scholarly interests. DMC affords language learners a new experience in language learning and use. While completing DMC projects, L2 learners construct meanings by assembling both linguistic and non-linguistic resources (e.g., visuals, audio, videos, etc.). This is largely in line with their out-of-class text composing experiences. To understand the state-of-the-art developments in DMC research, this article reviewed the empirical studies published between January 2011 and October 2022. It provides a general overview of these studies regarding the overall trends, theoretical underpinnings, research contexts, research methods, and major research strands. The research findings indicate: (1) DMC has been increasingly attended to by L2 researchers with the number of research articles showing an ascending trend; (2) These empirical studies were grounded in a variety of theories, including the social semiotic theory of multimodality, multiliteracies, task-based language teaching, social/cultural construction, meta-functions of systemic-functional linguistics, translanguaging, and others; (3) The bulk of research has been investigated in tertiary schools, although the research contexts were diversified; (4) Most studies were conducted qualitatively; (5) Scholarly attention has been paid to four major strands: composing process, teachers’ and learners’ perceptions of DMC, DMC’s impact on L2 development, and assessment of DMC artifacts. The major research strands and sample studies were discussed in detail. This article ends with recommendations for future studies.

Security Mindset Fundamentals and Second Language Learning

Security mindsets can be said to engage elements of situational awareness and analytical, creative, and practical elements of adversarial thinking. Scholars have debated whether this is taught or fostered, but they have acknowledged that security mindsets are critical. Here, the argument is made that implicit features of language itself can be drawn on in everyday K12+ second language (L2) learning settings to introduce members of the general populace and, among them, potential future members of the cybersecurity workforce, to security thinking. Beyond the features of language itself, L2 lessons can also be adapted to familiarize students with explicit security-related topics and scenarios. By exploiting these novel connections between language learning and security thinking, L2 learning contexts can become a security mindset training ground for millions of U.S. students.

The impact of mental disturbance on second language learning psychology among Chinese undergraduate students: a structural equation modelling analysis.

Recent developments in the field of second language acquisition have led to a growing interest in exploring the influential power of domain-general psychological properties in the L2 learning context. Several attempts have been made to elucidate the impact of properties such as boredom, resilience and enjoyment, etc. However, the association between psychopathology and second language learning psychology has received scant attention and has not been closely examined. Hence, the current study aims to explore the impact of mental disturbance on second language learning psychology and delineate the influential trajectory, by referring to the network approach as the theoretical foundation. Participants were 173 Chinese speakers of L2 English. By performing correlation analysis and structural equation modelling analysis, this research revealed that mental disturbance had a significant positive impact on L2 anxiety and a significant negative impact on L2 autonomy and L2 self-efficacy. L2 anxiety and L2 autonomy acted as mediating roles in the impact of mental disturbance on L2 self-efficacy, in which a chain mediation trajectory was detected. An expanded network approach was thus advanced. Pedagogical implication and future research were identified and discussed.

The predictive effect of trait emotional intelligence on emotion regulation strategies: The mediating role of negative emotion intensity

Employing a mixed methods approach, this study investigated the mediating effect of negative emotion intensity on the relationship between trait emotional intelligence (trait EI) and the emotion regulation strategies of cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression in an L2 learning context. Questionnaires were administered among 391 EFL learners to measure their trait EI, English learning-related negative emotion intensity, and the selection of cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression. The mediation analysis revealed that negative emotion intensity mediated the relationship between trait EI and cognitive reappraisal. However, the mediating effect of negative emotion intensity was not significant on the relationship between trait EI and expressive suppression. Semi-structured interviews revealed factors that explained the trait EI – negative emotion intensity – cognitive reappraisal nexus, including available cognitive resources and learning engagement. Pedagogical implications were provided to enhance the learners' selection of cognitive reappraisal and decrease their tendency to use expressive suppression.

Identity Construction and Classroom Participation Of An Indonesian Graduate Student In An Australian University

This narrative study explores identity construction and classroom participation of an Indonesian student who attended a master program in TESOL in an Australian university. Grounded from identity and investment frameworks (Norton, 2000) and situated learning theory (Lave & Wenger, 1991), the study specifically probes into the changing identity construction across time shaped by the participant’s involvement in the community of practice. Data analysis followed Polkinghorne’s (1995) categorical procedure and Connelly and Clandinin’s (2006) three-dimensional space of narrative inquiry. The findings portray gradual and complex identity construction mediated by the participant’s agentive classroom participation. It was also found that the participant’s identity evolved across time together with a movement from peripheral to full participation. This study informs that L2 learning is dependent on social, emotional, cultural, and situated practices depicted in L2 learner’s classroom participation. It also highlights the need for incorporating narrative inquiry to understand multiple, subjective, and conflicting values in L2 learning and other educational contexts.