The Emotional Dynamics of Online EFL Speaking Classes: A Qualitative Study on the Predictors of Anxiety and Enjoyment

Recent research has shown that learners’ foreign language anxiety (FLA) and foreign language enjoyment (FLE) are mutually present in foreign language classes. This qualitative study investigated learners’ English as a Foreign Language (EFL) FLA and FLE through learning experience episodes to determine only FLA-related factors and only FLE-related factors as well as the mutual factors that affect both FLA and FLE in online speaking classes. Meticulous analyses were conducted to reveal FLA and FLE predicting factors separately under the categories of teacher-related factors, student-related factors, and course-related factors. In line with the investigation of the mutual factors that affect both FLA and FLE, it has been suggested that topic selection, teachers’ manners, course design, technological infrastructure, and students’ readiness for the class were found to be possible FLA and FLE predictors present in online speaking skills classes. Implications of the findings are provided for EFL teaching at the tertiary level