A Study of Flow in EFL Classrooms through Free Online Games

從線上遊戲應用於英語教室來探討心流之現象

10.7109/HKEJ.201104.0095

蘇正造(Cheng-Chao Su)

英語為外語 ； 心流／神馳理論 ； 學習動機 ； 挑戰與技巧 ； 遊戲學習 ； 過關遊戲 ； EFL ； flow theory ； motivation ； challenge and skills ； game-based learning ； walkthrough games

Hwa Kang English Journal

17卷1期（2011 / 04 / 01）

95 - 123

英文

Csikszentmihalyi提出的心流理論是瞭解學習動機的新方式。如果語言學習也能產生這種心流經驗，使學習成為一種「最優經驗(optimal experience)」，引起學習者的動機，沈浸於學習中，提高學習成效。本研究利用四種不同的線上遊戲，讓學生從遊戲中學習英語，以調查學生的心流狀態，主要的發現有：(1)過關說明清楚的免費線上遊戲可以引起學生英語學習的動機，並且產生心流經驗。(2)免費的線上遊戲提供英語學習的另一扇門，但是MOO則必須特別說明與訓練，學生才可能使用。(3)挑戰與技巧的平衡是學生體驗心流與否的重要關鍵，提供選取遊戲的重要參考。目前，對於遊戲與心流理論實際應用於英語教學的研究並不多，本研究做了這方面的嘗試，提出心得與建議，希望對遊戲應用於英語教學有所貢獻。

The flow theory is a new way of understanding motivation, first proposed by Csikszentmihalyi. If language learning can produce such flow experience, learning would become optimal experience, which is a heightened level of motivated task engagement, leading to improved performance on a task. Through the investigation of students' perception of flow in playing four different online computer games, the study finds that: 1) Free online games with clear walkthrough steps can motivate EFL students, and flow occurs in the EFL classroom; 2) Free online games offer a potential for language learning although MOO [Multi-User Domain, Object Oriented] may need more orientation because of its pure text interface; 3) The balance between challenge and skills plays an important role in students' perception of flow. Since there is not much research on flow in EFL classrooms, this study provides one application of flow theory in an EFL context, and advocates the use of computer games in English learning.

1. Bryant, T. (2008). From Age of Empires to Zork: Using games in the classroom.Retrieved Oct 20, 2010, from http://www.academiccommons.org/commons/essay/gamesinclassroom
2. Culligan, M. (2003). Digital natives in the classroom. In B. Hoffman (Ed.), Encyclopedia of educational technology. Retrieved from http://coe.sdsu.edu/eet/Articles/digitalnatives/start.htm
3. Turbee, L. (1999). Language learning MOO theory and practical application.Retrieved from http://lonniechu.com/LLMOOTPA.html
4. Backer, J.(2001).Using a modular approach to SchMOOze with ESL/EFL students.The Internet TESL Journal,7(5)
5. Bakker, A. B.(2005).Flow among music teachers and their students: The crossover of peak experiences.Journal of Vocational Behavior,66,26-44.
6. Block, A. E.,Ruiz, M. A. G.,González, F. E.(2005).Virtual reality applications in the foreign language classroom.XIX Forum of University Specialists on Foreign Languages (FEULE),Mexico:
7. Chapelle, C.,Jamieson, J.(1988).Using CALL effectively: What do we need to know about students?.System,16,151-162.
8. Chen, H.,Wigand, R. T.,Nilan, M. S.(1999).Optimal experiences of web activities.Computers in Human Behavior,15(5),585-608.
9. Chen, J.(2007).Flow in games.Communications of the ACM Magazine,50(4),31-34.
10. Chen, P.(2003).The University of South Dakota.
11. Csikszentmihalyi, M.(1997).Finding flow: The psychology of engagement with everyday life.New York:Basic Books.
12. Csikszentmihalyi, M.(1990).Flow: The psychology of optimal experience.London:Harper & Row.
13. Csikszentmihalyi, M.(1975).Beyond Boredom and Anxiety.San Francisco, CA:Jossey-Bass.
14. Csikszentmihalyi, M.(1990).Literacy and intrinsic motivation.Daedalus,119(2),115-140.
15. Csikszentmihalyi, M.(ed.),Csikszentmihalyi, I.(ed.)(1988).Optimal experience: psychological studies of flow in consciousness.Cambridge University.
16. Dabrowski, R.(2005).Indiana University at Bloomington.
17. Deci, E. L.,Ryan, R. M.(1985).Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behaviour.NY:Plenum.
18. Deutschmann, M.,Panichi, L.(2009).Talking into Empty Space? Signalling Involvement in a Virtual Language Classroom in Second Life.Language Awareness,18(3-4),310-328.
19. Dörnyei, D.(2005).The psychology of the language learner.Mahwah, NJ:Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
20. Edbert, J.(ed.)(2005).Call research perspectives.Mahwah, NJ:Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Incorporated.
21. Egbert, J.(2003).A study of flow theory in the foreign language classroom.The Modern Language Journal,87,499-518.
22. Gee, J. P.,Halverson, R.,Shaffer, D. W.,Squire, K. R.(2005).,Wisconsin Center for Education Research, School of Education, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
23. Hansson, T.(2005).English as a second language on a virtual platform-Tradition and innovation in a new medium.Computer Assisted Language Learning,18(1),63-79.
24. Harrison, R.,Toyoda, E.(2002).Categorizatin of text chat communicatin between learners and native speakers of Japanese.Language Learning and Technology,6(1),82-99.
25. Hektner, J. M.,Csikszentmihalyi, M.(1996).A longitudinal exploration of flow and intrinsic motivation in adolescents.Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association,New York, NY:
26. Henderson, M.,Huang, H.,Grant, S.,Henderson, L.(2009).Language acquisition in Second Life: Improving self-efficacy beliefs.Proceedings Ascilite Auckland 2009
27. Hislope, K.(2008).Language learning in a virtual world.The International Journal of Learning,15(11),51-58.
28. Holt, R.(2000).Ontario, Canada,Brock University.
29. Jones, M.(1998).Creating electronic learning environments: Games, flow, and the user interface.Proceedings of selected research and development presentations, National Convention of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT)
30. Koenraad, T.(2008).How can 3D virtual worlds contribute to language education.WorldCALL 2008 Conference,Japan:
31. Lliao, L.(2006).A flow theory perspective on learner motivation and behavior in distance education.Distance Education,27(1),45-62.
32. Magnan, S.(ed.)(2008).Mediating discourse online.Amsterdam:John Benjamins.
33. Markus, Kötter(2001).MOOrituri te salutant? Language learning through MOO-based synchronous exchanges between learner tandems.Computer Assisted Language Learning,14(3-4),289-304.
34. Mayrath, M.,Sanchez, J.,Traphagan, T.,Heikes, J.,Trivedi, A(2007).Using Second Life in an English course: Designing class activities to address learning objectives.Proceedings of World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications 2007,Chesapeake, VA:
35. McQuillan, J.,Conde, G.(1996).The conditions of flow in reading: two studies of optimal experience.Reading Psychology: An International Quarterly,17,109-135.
36. Oxford, R.(ed.)(1996).Language learning motivation: Pathways to the new century.Honolulu:University of Hawaii at Manoa.
37. Pearce, J.,Ainley, M.,Howard, S.(2005).The ebb and flow of online learning.Computers in Human Behavior,21(5),745-771.
38. Peterson, M.(2010).Learner participation patterns and strategy use in Second Life: an exploratory case study.ReCALL,22(3),273-292.
39. Peterson, M.(2005).Learning interaction in an avatar-based virtual environment: A preliminary study.PacCALL Journal,1(1),29-40.
40. Peterson, M.(2001).MOOs and second language acquisition: Towards a rationale for MOO-based learning.Computer Assisted Language Learning,14(5),443-459.
41. Peterson, M.(2010).The use of computer games and simulations in computer assisted language learning (CALL): A meta-analysis of research.Simulation & Gaming,41(1),72-93.
42. Prensky, M.(2001).Digital natives, digital immigrants.On the Horizon,9(5),1-6.
43. Prensky, M.(2001).Do they really think differently?.On the Horizon,9(6),1-9.
44. Purushotma, R.(2005).Commentary: You're not studying, you're just….Language Learning & Technology,9(1),80-96.
45. Ranalli, J.(2008).Learning English with The Sims: exploiting authentic computer simulation games for L2 learning.Computer Assisted Language Learning,21(5),441-455.
46. Rieber, L. P.(2001).Designing learning environments that excite serious play.annual meeting of the Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education,Melbourne, Australia:
47. Schmidt, R.,Savage, W.(1992).Challenge, skill and motivation.PASAA,22,14-28.
48. Schwienhorst, K.(2002).The state of VR: A meta-analysis of virtual reality tools in second language acquisition.Computer Assisted Language Learning,15(3),221-239.
49. Schwienhorst, K.(2004).Native-speaker/Non-native-speakers discourse in the MOO: Topic negotiation and initiation in a synchronous text-based environment.Computer Assisted Language Learning,17(1),35-50.
50. Squire, K.(2003).Video games in education.International Journal of Intelligent Simulations and Gaming,2(1)
51. Stanley, G.(2008).Language learners & computer games: From space invaders to Second Life.TESL-EJ,11(4)
52. Stevens, V.(2006).Second Life in education and language learning.TESL-EJ,10(3)
53. Sweetser, P.,Wyeth, P.(2005).Game flow: A model for evaluation player enjoyment in games.Computers in Entertainment,3(3),1-24.
54. Tardy, C. M.,Snyder, B.(2004).That's why I do it' : Flow and EFL teachers' practices.ELT Journal,58(2),118-128.
55. Trevino, L.,Webster, J.(1992).Flow in computer-mediated communication: Electronic mail and voice mail evaluation and impacts.Communication Research,19,539-573.
56. Turbee, L.(1996).MOOing in a foreign language: how, why, and who?.A paper for the Information Technology Education Connection's International Virtual Conference/Exhibition on Schooling and the Information Superhighway
57. Uzun, L.(2009).An evaluative checklist for computer games used for foreign language vocabulary learning and practice: VocaWord sample.Novitas-ROYAL,3(1),45-59.
58. von der Emde, S.,Schneider, J.,Kötter, M.(2001).Technically speaking: Transforming language learning through virtual learning environments(MOOs).Modern Language Journal,85(2),210-225.
59. Wang, C.,Song, H.,Stone, D. E.,Yan, Q.(2009).Integrating Second Life into an EFL program in China: Research collaboration across the continents.TechTrends,53(6),14-19.

1. 樊祖燁,李欣怡,王郁婷(2020)。遊戲攻略代打平台行銷企劃之研究。臺北海洋科技大學學報，11(1)，117-141。
2. 林佳靜(2021).EFL Learners' Perceptions of a Game-based and Technology-assisted Writing Course.Taiwan International ESP Journal,12(1),1-21.
3. 劉仲矩、黃湘凌(2014)。以 Q 方法探討智慧型手機使用者反應類型之研究。Electronic Commerce Studies，12(1)，027-050。