Is Enjoyment Still Important in University Second Language Education?

Abstract

This study investigates if undergraduate students majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine (STEM) who have studied Japanese in the Institution-Wide Language Provision (IWLP) context experienced enjoyment in Japanese language learning. This research was held at a British STEM university in London. Questionnaires were used to generate the quantitative and qualitative data. The participants were STEM undergraduate students who were studying Japanese in the 2015/16 academic year. The results showed that the majority of students experienced enjoyment and flow in Japanese language learning. These results show that the general assumption that all learning is grim and unpleasant is not necessarily true and that the assumption may be changed. Furthermore, language learning may be considered as the same as a leisure activity such as games, shopping or hobbies. As an implication for professional practices, language teachers are encouraged to be familiar with the concept of enjoyment and flow so that they are able to manipulate to invoke students’ enjoyment and flow.