Designing for Engagement: The Motivational Impact of Aesthetic Learning Spaces in Vietnamese EFL Classrooms

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Title: Designing for Engagement: The Motivational Impact of Aesthetic Learning Spaces in Vietnamese EFL Classrooms
Language: English
Authors: Thang Ho-Minh (ORCID 0000-0002-1514-3974)
Source: Educational Process: International Journal. Article e2025378 2025 17.
Availability: UNIVERSITEPARK Limited. iTOWER Plaza (No61, 9th floor) Merkez Mh Akar Cd No3, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey 34382. e-mail: editor@edupij.com; Web site: http://www.edupij.com/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 30
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Aesthetics, Classroom Environment, Classroom Design, English (Second Language), Second Language Instruction, Second Language Learning, Undergraduate Students, Student Attitudes, Business English, Student Motivation
Geographic Terms: Vietnam
ISSN: 2147-0901
2564-8020
Abstract: Background/purpose: This study investigates the educational influence of artistically enriched learning environments on the motivation of Vietnamese undergraduate students enrolled in Business English programs. While prior research has increasingly acknowledged the role of physical space in shaping learning outcomes, few studies have critically examined the psychological and motivational impact of aesthetic classroom design, particularly in Southeast Asian higher education contexts. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory, Flow Theory, and Place Identity Theory, the research addresses how artistic spaces affect students' intrinsic, extrinsic, and emotional dimensions of learning motivation. Materials/methods: A mixed-methods design was employed, integrating quantitative survey data with qualitative responses from open-ended questions. The survey, adapted from validated instruments and refined to fit the aesthetic context of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), was completed by 558 Business English students. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS for descriptive statistics, reliability (Cronbach's alpha), exploratory factor analysis (EFA), t-tests, correlations, and regression analyses. Thematic content analysis was used to interpret students' open-ended reflections on their learning environments. Results: The findings reveal a strong positive correlation between students' perceptions of artistic learning spaces and their motivational outcomes. Aesthetic features such as harmonious lighting, green spaces, student-curated art, and flexible furniture significantly predicted levels of intrinsic motivation and emotional engagement. Gender differences were also evident, with female students reporting higher emotional responsiveness. Qualitative data supported these results, with students describing enhanced concentration, identity formation, and academic pride linked to aesthetic environments. Conclusion: Artistically enriched educational spaces hold substantial promise for motivating EFL learners by satisfying psychological needs, fostering immersion, and enhancing emotional engagement. This study affirms the value of integrating artistic elements into spatial and pedagogical design. Nevertheless, strategic institutional investment, student co-design, and educator training are essential to optimize such environments for learning effectiveness, well-being, and inclusion.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1483612
Database: ERIC
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  Data: Designing for Engagement: The Motivational Impact of Aesthetic Learning Spaces in Vietnamese EFL Classrooms
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Thang+Ho-Minh%22">Thang Ho-Minh</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1514-3974">0000-0002-1514-3974</externalLink>)
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  Data: UNIVERSITEPARK Limited. iTOWER Plaza (No61, 9th floor) Merkez Mh Akar Cd No3, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey 34382. e-mail: editor@edupij.com; Web site: http://www.edupij.com/
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Foreign+Countries%22">Foreign Countries</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Aesthetics%22">Aesthetics</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Classroom+Environment%22">Classroom Environment</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Classroom+Design%22">Classroom Design</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22English+%28Second+Language%29%22">English (Second Language)</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Second+Language+Instruction%22">Second Language Instruction</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Second+Language+Learning%22">Second Language Learning</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Undergraduate+Students%22">Undergraduate Students</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Student+Attitudes%22">Student Attitudes</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Business+English%22">Business English</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Student+Motivation%22">Student Motivation</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Vietnam%22">Vietnam</searchLink>
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  Data: 2147-0901<br />2564-8020
– Name: Abstract
  Label: Abstract
  Group: Ab
  Data: Background/purpose: This study investigates the educational influence of artistically enriched learning environments on the motivation of Vietnamese undergraduate students enrolled in Business English programs. While prior research has increasingly acknowledged the role of physical space in shaping learning outcomes, few studies have critically examined the psychological and motivational impact of aesthetic classroom design, particularly in Southeast Asian higher education contexts. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory, Flow Theory, and Place Identity Theory, the research addresses how artistic spaces affect students' intrinsic, extrinsic, and emotional dimensions of learning motivation. Materials/methods: A mixed-methods design was employed, integrating quantitative survey data with qualitative responses from open-ended questions. The survey, adapted from validated instruments and refined to fit the aesthetic context of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), was completed by 558 Business English students. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS for descriptive statistics, reliability (Cronbach's alpha), exploratory factor analysis (EFA), t-tests, correlations, and regression analyses. Thematic content analysis was used to interpret students' open-ended reflections on their learning environments. Results: The findings reveal a strong positive correlation between students' perceptions of artistic learning spaces and their motivational outcomes. Aesthetic features such as harmonious lighting, green spaces, student-curated art, and flexible furniture significantly predicted levels of intrinsic motivation and emotional engagement. Gender differences were also evident, with female students reporting higher emotional responsiveness. Qualitative data supported these results, with students describing enhanced concentration, identity formation, and academic pride linked to aesthetic environments. Conclusion: Artistically enriched educational spaces hold substantial promise for motivating EFL learners by satisfying psychological needs, fostering immersion, and enhancing emotional engagement. This study affirms the value of integrating artistic elements into spatial and pedagogical design. Nevertheless, strategic institutional investment, student co-design, and educator training are essential to optimize such environments for learning effectiveness, well-being, and inclusion.
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RecordInfo BibRecord:
  BibEntity:
    Languages:
      – Text: English
    PhysicalDescription:
      Pagination:
        PageCount: 30
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Foreign Countries
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Aesthetics
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Classroom Environment
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Classroom Design
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: English (Second Language)
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Second Language Instruction
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Second Language Learning
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Undergraduate Students
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Student Attitudes
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Business English
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Student Motivation
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Vietnam
        Type: general
    Titles:
      – TitleFull: Designing for Engagement: The Motivational Impact of Aesthetic Learning Spaces in Vietnamese EFL Classrooms
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            – D: 01
              M: 01
              Type: published
              Y: 2025
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              Value: 2147-0901
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              Value: 2564-8020
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