The impact of teacher support on OLE in RFL learners: The chain mediating roles of classroom enjoyment and motivation

Abstract

This study investigates how teacher support, classroom enjoyment, and motivation influence online learning engagement (OLE) among university students studying Russian as a Foreign Language (RFL). It also examines the mediating roles of classroom enjoyment and motivation between teacher support and OLE. A structured survey was administered to students from Hefei University of Technology, Shanghai International Studies University, and Southwest University of Science and Technology, measuring teacher support, motivation, classroom enjoyment, and OLE in online Russian classes. Using PLS-SEM analysis, the model explained 83.7 % of the variance in OLE. Results showed that while teacher support did not have a direct effect on OLE, it indirectly boosted engagement through classroom enjoyment and motivation. All hypotheses were supported, underscoring the importance of these mediators in enhancing OLE. The study concludes with theoretical and practical recommendations to improve online engagement for university RFL students.