The effects of instructor clarity and non-verbal immediacy on Chinese and Iranian EFL students’ affective learning: The mediating role of instructor understanding
PDF

Keywords

affective learning
cross-cultural comparison
non-verbal immediacy
rhetorical/relational goal theory
teacher clarity
teacher understanding

How to Cite

Derakhshan, A., Zhang , L. J., & Zhaleh, K. (2023). The effects of instructor clarity and non-verbal immediacy on Chinese and Iranian EFL students’ affective learning: The mediating role of instructor understanding. Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching, 13(1), 71–100. https://doi.org/10.14746/ssllt.31733

Number of views: 967


Number of downloads: 1052

Abstract

Drawing on the rhetorical/relational goal theory, this study examined the role of instructor clarity and non-verbal immediacy in affective learning through the mediation of instructor understanding. Data were gathered through close-ended questionnaires from 756 Chinese and 715 Iranian English as a foreign language (EFL) students, the factor structure and cross-cultural validity of which were supported via confirmatory factor analysis and testing measurement invariance, respectively. Path analysis results indicated that clarity and non-verbal immediacy positively predicted instructor understanding and affective learning; instructor understanding positively predicted affective learning; and understanding was a significant positive mediator in the relationship of non-verbal immediacy and clarity with affective learning. Except for the positive association of non-verbal immediacy with understanding which was significantly higher for the Iranian group, no significant difference was found between the Chinese and Iranian groups in all other associations, providing empirical support for the role of EFL teachers’ positive interpersonal communication behaviors in EFL students’ affective learning, irrespective of the cultural context.

https://doi.org/10.14746/ssllt.31733
PDF

Funding

This work was supported by Golestan University under Grant Number 1459.

References

Bentler, P. M., & Chou, C. P. (1987). Practical issues in structural modeling. Sociological Methods & Research, 16(1), 78-17. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0049124187016001004

Bolkan, S. (2014). Intellectually stimulating students’ intrinsic motivation: The mediating influence of affective learning and student engagement. Communication Reports, 28(2), 80-91. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08934215.2014.962752

Bolkan, S. (2015). Students’ affective learning as affective experience: Significance, reconceptualization, and future directions. Communication Education, 64(4), 502-505. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03634523.2015.1058963

Bolkan, S., & Goodboy, A. K. (2015). Exploratory theoretical tests of the instructor humor–student learning link. Communication Education, 64(1), 45-64. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03634523.2014.978793

Boomsma, A. (1982). Robustness of LISREL against small sample sizes in factor analysis models. In K. G. Joreskog & H. Wold (Eds.), Systems under indirect observation: Causality, structure, prediction (Part 1) (pp. 149-173). North Holland.

Chesebro, J. L., & McCroskey, J. C. (1998). The development of the teacher clarity short inventory (TCSI) to measure clear teaching in the classroom. Communication Research Reports, 15(3), 262-266. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08824099809362122

Cohen, J. (1992). A power primer. Psychological Bulletin, 112(1), 155-159. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.112.1.155

Comadena, M. E., Hunt, S. K., & Simonds, C. J. (2007). The effects of teacher clarity, nonverbal immediacy, and caring on student motivation, affective and cognitive learning. Communication Research Reports, 24(3), 241-248. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08824090701446617

Dai, K., & Wang, Y. L. (2023). Investigating the interplay of Chinese EFL teachers’ proactive personality, flow, and work engagement. Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01434632.2023.2174128

Derakhshan, A. (2021). The predictability of Turkman students’ academic engagement through Persian language teachers’ nonverbal immediacy and credibility. Journal of Teaching Persian to Speakers of Other Languages, 10(21), 3-26.

Derakhshan, A. (2022a). The 5Cs positive teacher interpersonal behaviors: Implications for learner empowerment and learning in an L2 context. Springer. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-16528-3

Derakhshan, A. (2022b). Revisiting research on positive psychology in second and foreign language education: Trends and directions. Language Related Research, 13(5), 1-43. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52547/LRR.13.5.2

Derakhshan, A., Dewaele, J-M, & Azari Noughabi, M. (2022). Modeling the contribution of resilience, well-being, and L2 grit to foreign language teaching enjoyment among Iranian English language teachers. System, 109, 102890. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2022.102890

Derakhshan, A., Doliński, D., Zhaleh, K., Enayat, M. J., & Fathi, J. (2022). A mixed-methods cross-cultural study of teacher care and teacher-student rapport in Iranian and Polish University students’ engagement in pursuing academic goals in an L2 context. System, 106, 102790. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2022.102790

Derakhshan, A., Eslami, Z. R., Curle, S., & Zhaleh, K. (2022). Exploring the predictive role of teacher immediacy and stroke behaviors in English as a foreign language university students’ academic burnout. Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching, 12(1), 87-115. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14746/ssllt.2022.12.1.5

Derakhshan, A., Fathi, J., Pawlak, M., & Kruk, M. (2022). Classroom social climate, growth language mindset, and student engagement: The mediating role of boredom in learning English as a foreign language. Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01434632.2022.2099407

Derakhshan, A., Kruk, M., Mehdizadeh, M., & Pawlak, M. (2021a). Activity-induced boredom in online EFL classes. ELT Journal, 76(1), 58-68. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/elt/ccab072

Derakhshan, A., Kruk, M., Mehdizadeh, M., & Pawlak, M. (2021b). Boredom in online classes in the Iranian EFL context: Sources and solutions. System, 101, 102556. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2021.102556

Derakhshan, A., & Nazari, M. (2022). “I am fed up with the criticisms:” Examining the role of emotional critical incidents in a novice teacher’s identity construction. The Asia Pacific Education Researcher. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40299-022-00666-1

Dewaele, J. M. (2010). Emotions in multiple languages. Palgrave Macmillan. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230289505

Dewaele, J. M. (2019a). The effect of classroom emotions, attitudes toward English, and teacher behavior on willingness to communicate among English foreign language learners. Journal of Language and Social Psychology, 38(4), 523-535. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0261927X19864996

Dewaele, J. M. (2019b). When elephants fly: The lift-off of emotion research in applied linguistics. Modern Language Journal, 103(2), 533-536. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/modl.12576

Dewaele, J. M., & Li, C. (2021). Teacher enthusiasm and students’ social-behavioral learning engagement: The mediating role of student enjoyment and boredom in Chinese EFL classes. Language Teaching Research, 25(6), 922-945. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/13621688211014538

Douglas Fir Group. (2016). A transdisciplinary framework for SLA in a multilingual world. Modern Language Journal, 100(S1), 19-47. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/modl.12301

Enskat, A., Hunt, S. K., & Hooker, J. F. (2017). A generational examination of instructional Facebook use and the effects on perceived instructor immediacy, credibility and student affective learning. Technology, Pedagogy and Education, 26(5), 545-557. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/1475939X.2017.1354065

Finn, A. N., & Schrodt, P. (2012) Students’ perceived understanding mediates the effects of teacher clarity and nonverbal immediacy on learner empowerment. Communication Education, 61, 111-130. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03634523.2012.656669

Finn, A. N., & Schrodt, P. (2016). Teacher discussion facilitation: A new measure and its associations with students’ perceived understanding, interest, and engagement. Communication Education, 65(4), 445-462. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03634523.2016.1202997

Fornell, C., & Larcker, D. F. (1981). Evaluating structural equation models with unobservable variables and measurement error. Journal of Marketing Research, 39-50. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/002224378101800104

Frymier, A. B., Goldman, Z. W., & Claus, C. J. (2019). Why nonverbal immediacy matters: A motivation explanation. Communication Quarterly, 67(5), 526-539. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01463373.2019.1668442

Gabryś-Barker, D. (2016). Caring and sharing in the foreign language class: On a positive classroom climate. In D. Gabryś-Barker & D. Gałajda, (Eds.), Positive psychology perspectives on foreign language learning and teaching (pp. 155-174). Springer. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-32954-3_9

Gabryś-Barker, D. (2018). Emotionality in FL teacher discourse: Implications for teacher education and future research directions. In A. J. Martínez (Ed.), Emotions in second language teaching (pp. 301-321). Springer. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-75438-3_17

Gao, L. X., Zhang, L. J., & Tesar, M. (2020). Teacher cognition about sources of English as a foreign language (EFL) listening anxiety: A qualitative study. Linguistic and Philosophical Investigations, 19, 64-85. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22381/LPI1920203

Getie, A. S., & Popescu, M. (2020). Factors affecting the attitudes of students towards learning English as a foreign language. Cogent Education, 7(1). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2020.1738184

Gkonou, C., & Mercer, S. (2018). The relational beliefs and practices of highly socio-emotionally competent language teachers. In S. Mercer & A. Kostoulas (Eds.), Teacher psychology in SLA (pp. 158-177). Multilingual Matters. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21832/9781783099467-014

Goldman, Z. W., Bolkan, S., & Goodboy, A. K. (2014). Revisiting the relationship between teacher confirmation and learning outcomes: Examining cultural differences in Turkish, Chinese, and American classrooms. Journal of Intercultural Communication Research, 43(1), 45-63. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17475759.2013.870087

Gregersen, T. S. (2005). Nonverbal cues: Clues to the detection of foreign language anxiety. Foreign Language Annals, 38(3), 388-400. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1944-9720.2005.tb02225.x

Gregersen, T. S. (2006). A cross-cultural comparison of nonverbal teacher immediacy and foreign language anxiety in Chilean and Russian English language classrooms. Revista Signos, 39(62), 407-426. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4067/S0718-09342006000300004

Gregersen, T. (2010). Demonstrating affect. The implications of nonverbal immediacy training. In M. Torreblanca, Ch. Abello, R. Chacón, & D. López (Eds.), The impact of affective variables in FL teaching and learning (pp. 67-78). Secretariado de Publicaciones Universidad de Sevilla.

Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture’s consequences: Comparing values, behaviors, institutions, and organizations across nations. Sage Publications.

Houser, M. L., & Hosek, A. M. (Eds.). (2018). Handbook of instructional communication: Rhetorical and relational perspectives (2nd ed.). Routledge. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315189864

Hsu, C.-F. (Sandy). (2012). The influence of vocal qualities and confirmation of nonnative English-speaking teachers on student receiver apprehension, affective learning, and cognitive learning. Communication Education, 61(1), 4-16. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03634523.2011.615410

Hu, L., & Bentler, P. M. (1999). Cutoff criteria for fit indexes in covariance structure analysis: Conventional criteria versus new alternatives. SEM, 6(1), 1-55. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10705519909540118

Jin, Y., & Zhang, L. J. (2021). The dimensions of foreign language classroom enjoyment and their effect on foreign language achievement. International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, 24(7), 948-962. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13670050.2018.1526253

Kearney, P., Plax, T. G., & Wendt-Wasco, N. J. (1985). Teacher immediacy for affective learning in divergent college courses. Communication Quarterly, 33(1), 61-74. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01463378509369579

Kelly, S., & Gaytan, J. (2019). The effect of instructors’ immediate behaviors and clarity on student writing apprehension. Business and Professional Communication Quarterly, 83(1), 96-109. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/2329490619868822

King, J., & Ng, K.-Y. S. (2018). Teacher emotions and the emotional labour of second language teaching. In S. Mercer & A. Kostoulas (Eds.), Language teacher psychology (pp. 141-157). Multilingual Matters. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21832/9781783099467-013

Kline, R. B. (2016). Principles and practice of structural equation modeling (4th edition). The Guilford Press.

Kruk, M., Pawlak, M., Shirvan, M. E., & Shahnama, M. (2022). The emergence of boredom in an online language class: An ecological perspective. System, 107, 102803. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2022.102803

Li, C. (2020). A positive psychology perspective on Chinese EFL students’ trait emotional intelligence, foreign language enjoyment and EFL learning achievement. Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, 41(3), 246-263. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01434632.2019.1614187

Li, C., Dewaele, J. M., & Jiang, G. (2020). The complex relationship between classroom emotions and EFL achievement in China. Applied Linguistics Review, 11(3), 485-510. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/applirev-2018-0043

Li, C., Huang, J., & Li, B. (2021). The predictive effects of classroom environment and trait emotional intelligence on foreign language enjoyment and anxiety. System 96, 102393. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2020.102393

Li, C., & Wei, L. (2022). Anxiety, enjoyment, and boredom in language learning amongst junior secondary students in rural China: How do they contribute to L2 achievement? Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 1-16. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0272263122000031

Ling, C. Y., & Braine, G. (2007). The attitudes of university students towards non-native speakers English teachers in Hong Kong. RELC Journal, 38(3), 257-277. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0033688207085847

Limperos, A. M., Buckner, M. M., Kaufmann, R., & Frisby, B. N. (2015). Online teaching and technological affordances: An experimental investigation into the impact of modality and clarity on perceived and actual learning. Computers & Education, 83, 1-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2014.12.015

MacIntyre, P., & Gregersen, T. (2012). Emotions that facilitate language learning: The positive-broadening power of the imagination. Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching, 2(2), 193-213. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14746/ssllt.2012.2.2.4

McCroskey, J. C., & McCroskey, L. L. (2006). Instructional communication: The historical perspective. In T. P. Mottet, V. P. Richmond, & J. C. McCroskey (Eds.), Handbook of instructional communication: Rhetorical and relational perspectives (pp. 33-47). Allyn and Bacon.

Mehrabian, A. (1969). Some referents and measures of nonverbal behavior. Behavioural Research Methods and Instrumentation, 1, 213-217. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03208096

Mercer, S., & Dörnyei, Z. (2020). Engaging language learners in contemporary classrooms. Cambridge University Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009024563

Mercer, S., & Gkonou, C. (2020). Relationships and good language teachers. In C. Griffiths & Z. Tajeddin (Eds.), Lessons from good language teachers (pp 164-174). Cambridge University Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108774390.016

Meredith, W. (1993). Measurement invariance, factor analysis and factorial invariance. Psychometrika, 58, 525-543. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02294825

Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M., & Saldaña, J. (2014). Qualitative data analysis: A methods sourcebook. Sage.

Miller, Z., & Godfroid, A. (2020). Emotions in incidental language learning: An individual differences approach. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 42(1), 115-141. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S027226311900041X

Mottet, T. P., Frymier, A. B., & Beebe, S. A. (2006). Theorizing about instructional communication. In T. P. Mottet, V. P. Richmond, & J. C. McCroskey (Eds.), Handbook of instructional communication: Rhetorical and relational perspectives (pp. 255-282). Allyn & Bacon.

Myers, S. A., & Goodboy, A. K. (2015). Reconsidering the conceptualization and operationalization of affective learning. Communication Education, 64(4), 493-497. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03634523.2015.1058489

Nunnally, J. C. (1967). Psychometric theory. McGraw-Hill.

Pawlak, M., Derakhshan, A., Mehdizadeh, M., & Kruk, M. (2021). The effects of class mode, course type, and focus on coping strategies in the experience of boredom in online English language classes. Language Teaching Research. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/13621688211064944

Pishghadam, R., Derakhshan, A., Zhaleh, K., & Habeb Al-Obaydi, L. (2021). Students’ willingness to attend EFL classes with respect to teachers’ credibility, stroke, and success: A cross-cultural study of Iranian and Iraqi students’ perceptions. Current Psychology. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-021-01738-z

Plonsky, L., & Ghanbar, H. (2018). Multiple regression in FL research: A methodological synthesis and guide to interpreting R2 values. Modern Language Journal, 102(4), 713-731. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/modl.12509

Prior, M. T. (2019). Elephants in the room: An “affective turn,” or just feeling our way? Modern Language Journal, 103(2), 516-527. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/modl.12573

Richards, J. C. (2020). Exploring emotions in language teaching. RELC Journal. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0033688220927531

Richmond, V. P., Gorham, J. S., & McCroskey, J. C. (1987). The relationship between selected immediacy behaviors and cognitive learning. In M. L. McLaughlin (Ed.), Communication Yearbook 10 (pp. 574-590). Sage. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/23808985.1987.11678663

Schrodt, P., & Finn, A. N. (2011). Students’ perceived understanding: An alternative measure and its associations with perceived teacher confirmation, verbal aggressiveness, and credibility. Communication Education, 60, 231-254. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03634523.2010.535007

Segabutla, M. H., & Evans, R. (2019). Lack of lecturer clarity during instruction: Possible reason for poor throughput? South African Journal of Higher Education, 33(3), 115-131. DOI: https://doi.org/10.20853/33-3-2224

Swain, M. (2013). The inseparability of cognition and emotion in language learning. Language Teaching, 46(2), 195-207. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0261444811000486

Tavassoli, A., & Kasraeean, A. (2014). The relationship between students’ beliefs about language learning and their attitudes towards their teachers: A study in English language classes at Azad University, Shiraz, Iran. Journal of Studies in Learning and Teaching English, 2(6), 25-47.

Teo, T., Khazaei, S., & Derakhshan, A. (2022). Exploring teacher immediacy-(non)dependency in the tutored augmented reality game-assisted flipped classrooms of English for medical purposes comprehension among the Asian students. Computers & Education, 179, 104406. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2021.104406

Titsworth, S., Mazer, J. P., Goodboy, A. K., Bolkan, S., & Myers, S. A. (2015). Two meta-analyses exploring the relationship between teacher clarity and student learning. Communication Education, 64(4), 385-418. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03634523.2015.1041998

Violanti, M. T., Kelly, S. E., Garland, M. E., & Christen, S. (2018). Instructor clarity, humor, immediacy, and student learning: Replication and extension. Communication Studies, 69(3), 251-262. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10510974.2018.1466718

Wang, Y. (2023). Probing into the boredom of online instruction among Chinese English language teachers during the Covid-19 pandemic. Current Psychology. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-022-04223-3

Wang, Y., & Derakhshan, A. (2023). Enhancing Chinese and Iranian EFL students’ willingness to attend classes: The role of teacher confirmation and caring. Porta Linguram, 39.

Wang, Y., L., Derakhshan, A., & Zhang, L. J. (2021). Researching and practicing positive psychology in second/foreign language learning and teaching: The past, current status and future directions. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 1-10. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.731721

Wang, Y., Derakhshan, A., & Azari Noughabi, M. (2022). The interplay of EFL teachers’ immunity, work engagement, and psychological well-being: Evidence from four Asian countries. Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01434632.2022.2092625

Xie, F., & Derakhshan, A. (2021). A conceptual review of positive teacher interpersonal communication behaviors in the instructional context. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.708490

Zare., J., Aqajani Delavar, K., & Derakhshan, A. (2023). The impact of altruism on the emotions and English summary writing skills of second language learners: An intervention study in light of positive psychology. Language Teaching Research. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/13621688231151632

Zhang, L. J., Saeedian, A., & Fathi, J. (2022). Testing a model of growth mindset, ideal L2 self, boredom, and WTC in an EFL context. Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01434632.2022.2100893

Zhang, L. J., & Tsung, L. (2021). Learning Chinese as a second language in China: Positive emotions and enjoyment. System, 96, 102410. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2020.102410

Zhang, Q. (2011). Teacher immediacy, credibility, and clarity as predictors of student affective learning: A Chinese investigation. China Media Research, 7, 95-103.

Zhang, Q., & Huang, B. (2008). How does teacher clarity affect student learning? A multi-cultural test for the mediated effect. Texas Speech Communication Journal, 33, 10-19.

Zhang, Q., & Zhang, J. (2005). Teacher clarity: Effects on classroom communication apprehension, student motivation, and learning in Chinese college classrooms. Journal of Intercultural Communication Research, 34, 255-266.

Ziaee, S., Tavakoli, M., & Rezazadeh, M. (2021). EFL learners’ and teachers’ attitudes towards classroom tasks and their effects on task outcome: The case of L2 writing performance. Applied Research on English Language, 10(1), 129-152.