Enhancing Online Learner Engagement: Insights from a University Language Centre

Enhancing Online Learner Engagement: Insights from a University Language Centre

In this talk, I will share key findings from a research study conducted at a university language centre, exploring strategies for fostering psychological engagement in online English language instruction. The study, based on classroom observations and interviews with academic English teachers, examines the role of digital tools, task design, and emotional appeal in maintaining learner engagement. The findings highlight the importance of distinguishing between "shallow" and "actual" engagement, personalizing learning, and leveraging students' curiosity through dynamic and interactive activities. Additionally, the study underscores the significance of teacher professional development in adapting pedagogical strategies to the challenges of online learning. I will discuss practical implications for language educators, including ways to sustain engagement in virtual settings and how these insights can be applied to other educational contexts. Through this presentation, I will invite attendees to reflect on innovative approaches to fostering…