How teaching modality affects Foreign Language Enjoyment: a comparison of in-person and online English as a Foreign Language classes

Abstract

Abstract The sudden shift to online foreign language (FL) learning due to the pandemic offered researchers the unique possibility to explore the role of learner emotions in different teaching modalities. This mixed methods paper investigates differences in 437 English as a foreign language (EFL) students’ levels of FL enjoyment (FLE) in pre-pandemic in-person EFL classes and their online classes after the switch to emergency remote teaching (ERT) based on a convergent research design. Statistical analysis of quantitative data gathered with a web survey showed a significant drop in learners’ FLE in ERT, based on a 9-item scale. The sharpest drop was observed for the scales’ subdimensions Personal and Social Enjoyment while Teacher appreciation decreased less. Qualitative content analysis of 21 in-depth interviews revealed that enjoyable aspects were mentioned more frequently for ERT than for in-person classes. The nature of FLE was found to shift with teaching modality: FLE was linked to rich social interactions in in-person classes, while it was linked to the convenience and comfort of working from home and an increase in learner autonomy in ERT. Additionally, learners reported that despite the physical isolation, they managed to establish good social connections in ERT classes. This shows that FLE can flourish in challenging circumstances. Its intensity might differ from in-person classes but it feeds generally on similar nutrients, namely interesting learning materials, friendly and professional teachers and stimulating interactions with peers in order to develop social bonds.