英文摘要 |
This study explores Chinese foreign language (CFL) learners’ experiences in a summer intensive Chinese language program in the U.S. that was offered exclusively online due to COVID-19 in 2020 for the first time since its inception 50+ years ago. Students’ learning experiences and the ways in which their motivation was affected by these unusual circumstances were explored on the macro (societal-level factors), meso (program-level factors), and micro (individual-level factors) levels. There were 64 students who participated in an end-of-program online survey. Following the survey, we interviewed 15 students individually shortly after the program. The findings suggest that while the students were not negatively impacted by the macro-level societal factors in terms of their enthusiasm to advance their language study, motivation and overall learning experiences of students were still affected in complex and interconnected ways by factors on macro, meso and micro levels. Specifically, our findings suggest that students felt most motivated by their desire to achieve their long-term goals, a clear sense of progress in their language study, and encouragement from their instructors, whereas screen fatigue, lack of interaction with peers, and lack of a sense of community were the three most demotivating factors identified by the students. Based on the findings of the motivating and demotivating factors on all the three levels, recommendations are made for future program and curriculum development. |