Home Teacher and Learner Factors Shaping Classroom Emotions: Evidence From High School Students in Xinjiang, China
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Teacher and Learner Factors Shaping Classroom Emotions: Evidence From High School Students in Xinjiang, China

  • Qiao Gan

    Qiao Gan received his PhD in linguistics from the Australian National University and is currently a postdoctoral fellow at the New Zealand Institute of Language, Brain and Behavior at the University of Canterbury. His research interests include variationist sociolinguistics and second language acquisition.

    and Lingling Ma

    Lingling Ma received her master’s degree in TESOL from the Institute of Education at University College London in the United Kingdom. Her research interests include second language acquisition and TESOL.

Published/Copyright: May 30, 2025
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Abstract

This study employed a mixed methods approach to investigate the impact of learner and teacher variables on foreign language enjoyment (FLE) and foreign language anxiety (FLA) among 250 high school English learners in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China, a group that has so far been under-researched. Quantitative analysis results indicated a prevalence of FLE over FLA, demonstrating a significant negative correlation between these emotional dimensions. However, complete overlap between these emotions was not observed. Utilizing multiple regression models in R revealed main effects of Grade, Self-reported English Proficiency, Learners’ Attitudes towards Teachers, and Teachers’ Frequency of English Use on FLE. Conversely, only self-reported English Proficiency exhibited a main effect on FLA. Unlike most prior studies, gender did not exhibit a main effect; however, it interacted with Grade in influencing FLE and interacted with Learners’ Attitudes towards Teachers regarding FLA. Qualitative analysis of participant responses elucidated factors contributing to enjoyable experiences, encompassing authentic English usage, self-recognition, teacher recognition and peer recognition. Conversely, factors such as mistakes made in assignments and unpreparedness for lessons, triggered anxious experiences. The pedagogical implication underscores that the classroom emotional climate is co-shaped by both students and teachers, with teachers playing a pivotal role in fostering FLE.

About the authors

Qiao Gan

Qiao Gan received his PhD in linguistics from the Australian National University and is currently a postdoctoral fellow at the New Zealand Institute of Language, Brain and Behavior at the University of Canterbury. His research interests include variationist sociolinguistics and second language acquisition.

Lingling Ma

Lingling Ma received her master’s degree in TESOL from the Institute of Education at University College London in the United Kingdom. Her research interests include second language acquisition and TESOL.

Acknowledgments

We are grateful to Irini Mavrou for her support in the design and writing of this study. We also thank the editors of CJAL and the two anonymous reviewers for their constructive feedback on an earlier draft.

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Published Online: 2025-05-30
Published in Print: 2025-04-28

© 2025 BFSU, FLTRP, Walter de Gruyter, Cultural and Education Section British Embassy

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