Tracking the Longitudinal Change of Flow Experience in an EFL Conversation Course
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| Title: | Tracking the Longitudinal Change of Flow Experience in an EFL Conversation Course |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Yuya Arai (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal for the Psychology of Language Learning. 2025 7(2):40-57. |
| Availability: | International Association for the Psychology of Language Learning. 1114 W Call Street, College of Education, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306. e-mail: jpll.editors@gmail.com; Web site: http://jpll.org/index.php/journal |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 18 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | English (Second Language), Conversational Language Courses, College Students, Student Experience, Language Proficiency, Foreign Countries, Change, Second Language Learning |
| Geographic Terms: | Japan |
| ISSN: | 2642-7001 |
| Abstract: | Second language researchers have recently recognized the importance of flow experience as an optimal state for learning, but still little is known about the necessary conditions for flow and its longitudinal change and impact on language learning outcomes. This study tracked the changes of 329 Japanese university students' flow experience and oral proficiency in a semester-long English as a foreign language (EFL) conversation course. A flow questionnaire was administered four times during the semester, while their oral proficiency was assessed by an AI-based interactional speaking test at the beginning and end of the semester. A series of longitudinal analyses using multilevel modeling showed a U-shaped trajectory of flow experience. Furthermore, it was found that flow experience was predicted from the learner-perceived balance between task challenge and skills, concurring with Csikszentmihalyi's (1975/2000, 1990) flow theory. In addition, flow experience contributed to improved oral proficiency scores, providing further positive evidence for the theory. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1494503 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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