Language Learners’ Willingness to Communicate and Speaking Anxiety in Online versus Face-to-Face Learning Contexts

Abstract

Foreign language instruction has moved from face-to-face to online learning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to explore the extent to which Foreign Language Classroom Enjoyment (FLCE), Foreign Language Speaking Anxiety (FLSA) and demographic variables (i.e., age, gender, and course grades) are linked to English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners’ Willingness to Communicate (WTC) in English under two conditions: online learning and conventional (face-to-face) learning. The study sample consisted of 106 Saudi undergraduate EFL learners. The research instrument was an online questionnaire. The data were analysed quantitatively through t-tests, Pearson correlational tests, and a hierarchical regression analysis. The research findings indicated that: (1) higher levels of WTC were found in the online learning context than in the face-to-face context; (2) FLCE was a positive predictor, while FLSA was a negative predictor, of WTC in the online and face-to-face learning contexts; (3) a high course grade seemed to be a positive predictor of EFL learners’ WTC only in the online learning context. These findings imply that utilizing online-based learning, particularly in the context of developing speaking skills, may foster EFL learners’ communication in the foreign language. Therefore, it is recommended that language teachers should support their students in practicing L2 communication during online classes in a more supportive atmosphere.