Understanding Chinese second language learners' foreign language learning boredom in online classes: its conceptual structure and sources

ABSTRACT

Scholarly attention to foreign language learning boredom (FLLB) has surged in recent years. However, little is known about L2 learners' online FLLB experience prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. To fill this gap, the present mixed-methods study explores the conceptual structure and sources of FLLB in an online learning environment. A corpus of 348 Chinese as second language (CSL) learners participated in a questionnaire survey and 10 of them attended follow-up interviews. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a three-factor structure underlying CSL learners' FLLB classroom boredom, content boredom and teacher/learner boredom. Qualitative data enriched our understanding of the three-factor construct of FLLB and boredom sources in online classes. Results were discussed with reliance on the control-value theory of achievement emotions, previous findings, as well as their theoretical and practical implications for L2 teaching and learning. The newly found three-factor structure coincides with the long-lasting '3T' difficulties ['3T' difficulties refer to three major concerns in teaching CSL. They are connected with how to implement effective teaching strategies, develop high-quality teaching materials and build qualified and capable teaching teams] in International Chinese education;therefore, it inspires CSL researchers and teachers to attach more importance to the negative emotion of FLLB in the future.