Examining the Role of Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction in Communication in Online Language Learning: A Comparison of Synchronous and Asynchronous Modes.

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Title: Examining the Role of Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction in Communication in Online Language Learning: A Comparison of Synchronous and Asynchronous Modes.
Authors: Jiang, Zilu1, Xie, Kui2, Stein, David3
Source: Online Learning. Dec2025, Vol. 29 Issue 4, p133-161. 29p.
Subject Terms: *Asynchronous learning, *Student engagement, *Second language acquisition, *Research methodology, *Online education, Need (Psychology)
Abstract: Although the role of psychological needs in supporting language learning is well established, less is known about how these needs operate in different online learning modes. This study investigates how basic psychological needs satisfaction (i.e., autonomy, competence, and relatedness) is associated with students' willingness to communicate (WTC), as well as their communication quantity and quality, across asynchronous and synchronous online language learning. Using the experience sampling method (ESM), data were collected from 104 students over multiple time points during real-time online classes. Multi-group path analysis was then conducted to compare structural relationships across the two learning modes. Results showed that while competence and relatedness needs were positively associated with WTC in both modes, autonomy need satisfaction was associated with WTC only in asynchronous settings. WTC was associated with communication frequency and fluency in both modes, but its link to complexity and accuracy emerged only in synchronous sessions. These findings highlight the differentiated roles of psychological needs in shaping communicative engagement across online instructional formats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Online Learning is the property of Online Learning Consortium and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Education Research Complete
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  Data: Although the role of psychological needs in supporting language learning is well established, less is known about how these needs operate in different online learning modes. This study investigates how basic psychological needs satisfaction (i.e., autonomy, competence, and relatedness) is associated with students' willingness to communicate (WTC), as well as their communication quantity and quality, across asynchronous and synchronous online language learning. Using the experience sampling method (ESM), data were collected from 104 students over multiple time points during real-time online classes. Multi-group path analysis was then conducted to compare structural relationships across the two learning modes. Results showed that while competence and relatedness needs were positively associated with WTC in both modes, autonomy need satisfaction was associated with WTC only in asynchronous settings. WTC was associated with communication frequency and fluency in both modes, but its link to complexity and accuracy emerged only in synchronous sessions. These findings highlight the differentiated roles of psychological needs in shaping communicative engagement across online instructional formats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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  Data: <i>Copyright of Online Learning is the property of Online Learning Consortium and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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        Value: 10.24059/olj.v29i4.5222
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        Text: English
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      – SubjectFull: Asynchronous learning
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Student engagement
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      – SubjectFull: Second language acquisition
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      – SubjectFull: Research methodology
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      – SubjectFull: Online education
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      – SubjectFull: Need (Psychology)
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              M: 12
              Text: Dec2025
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