With the advent of positive psychology in second language (L2) learning, some researchers have undertaken empirical studies to explore emotional variables affecting L2 learning and how positive emotions can enhance the engagement of L2 learners. As an attempt to contribute to this research domain, this project sought to test a model of student engagement based on classroom social climate (CSC) and foreign language enjoyment (FLE) among English language learners in Iran. A sample of 386 intermediate English as a foreign language (EFL) learners took part in this survey by completing the online battery of questionnaires. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed for the analysis of the gathered data. The results showed that both CSC and FLE were significant predictors of student engagement, with FLE acting as a stronger predictor. Furthermore, CSC exerted a slight influence on FLE. The findings of the present study verify the contributions of positive psychology to L2 pedagogy, implying that pleasant perceptions of learning context and positive emotions can lead to further student engagement.

The potential benefit of employing a flipped learning approach, where learners are presented with the content preceding the class time, is to make a shift from traditional teacher-centered learning environments to more learner- and learning-centered ones. As this content delivery should be short, small, fine, and powerful, ‘microlearning’ as a new method of content-delivery in mediated environments, is suggested. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of this flipped learning approach on raising Iranian EFL learners’ self-regulation. This study was undertaken on 26 intermediate students in a nine-week course held at an English Institute in Tehran, IRAN. Of the participants, 13 learned English using a task-based language teaching (TBLT) approach in a non-flipped learning setting, whereas 13 studied English in a flipped learning setting. The data was collected in three sections: self-regulation survey flipped learning questionnaire and focus group interviews. Findings demonstrate that the latter were more aware of the learning process itself, playing a more active role in the classroom, while enjoying learning, as being more engaged in the learning progress, resulting in the development of their autonomy and self-regulated learning.

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Despite the widespread recognition of learning styles (LSs) in online language learning contexts, there seems to be a paucity of research on their direct role in learners’ task preferences. Therefore, this article aims to investigate the role of LSs in learners' preferences for the specific tasks added to the typical online English learning classrooms. To accomplish this objective, data were collected through a questionnaire of LSs, task ratings and semi-structured interviews. The quantitative data revealed learners with certain dominant LSs had preferences for tasks with features consistent with their individual characteristics. The thematic data analyses went further by showing that an awareness of LSs could help learners better select their preferred tasks. It is concluded that online instructors could use tasks with specific features based on the learners’ LSs and help them have an awareness of their individual characteristics in order that they can benefit more from the instructional materials. Keywords: Learning styles, online classroom, task design, individual differences, task features

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