Theorizing agency from a complex dynamic systems theory perspective: Evidence from language learner narratives in online shadow education

IF 0.1 3区文学 0 LITERATURE

JOURNAL OF THE MIDWEST MODERN LANGUAGE ASSOCIATION Pub Date : 2025-02-27 DOI:10.1111/modl.12988

Kevin Wai Ho Yung

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Abstract

The recent dynamic turn in second language acquisition research has called for an investigation in learner agency by taking its complex dynamic nature into account. Informed by complex dynamic systems theory (CDST), this study investigated the agency of learners in a complex educational context where mainstream schooling and private tutoring (shadow education) coexist, and when teaching and learning was switched online. Through longitudinal narrative inquiry, this study analyzed the experiences of three senior secondary students enrolled in online English private tutoring. Data were collected through three rounds of individual interview and two pieces of learner reflective writing, supplemented by artifacts such as participants’ language‐learning materials and interviews with their tutors, schoolteachers, and parents. The multiple sources of data collected for 1 year were compiled as narratives for analysis. The findings highlight the importance of considering learner agency from the perspective of CDST, acknowledging characteristics such as its relational, ecological, emergent nature, and its spatiality, multidimensionality, and sustainability. This study sheds light on the complex agency–structure interplay in shadow education situated in the wider education context, and offers implications for educators to support language learners to be agentic in regulating their learning.

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从复杂动态系统理论的角度将代理理论化：来自在线影子教育中语言学习者叙述的证据

近年来二语习得研究的动态转向要求对学习者代理进行研究，并考虑其复杂的动态性。摘要本研究以复杂动态系统理论（CDST）为基础，探讨在主流学校教育与私教（影子教育）并存、教与学在线转换的复杂教育情境下，学习者的代理行为。本研究采用纵向叙事探究法，对三名高中生参加网络英语私教的经历进行了分析。数据通过三轮个人访谈和两篇学习者反思性写作收集，辅以参与者的语言学习材料和对他们的导师、学校老师和父母的访谈。收集了1年的多个来源的数据作为叙述进行分析。研究结果强调了从CDST的角度考虑学习者代理的重要性，承认其关系性、生态性、突发性、空间性、多维性和可持续性等特征。本研究揭示了在更广泛的教育背景下，影子教育中复杂的代理-结构相互作用，并为教育工作者支持语言学习者在调节学习过程中发挥代理作用提供了启示。

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来源期刊

JOURNAL OF THE MIDWEST MODERN LANGUAGE ASSOCIATION LITERATURE-

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期刊介绍： The Journal of the Midwest Modern Language Association publishes articles on literature, literary theory, pedagogy, and the state of the profession written by M/MLA members. One issue each year is devoted to the informal theme of the recent convention and is guest-edited by the year"s M/MLA president. This issue presents a cluster of essays on a topic of broad interest to scholars of modern literatures and languages. The other issue invites the contributions of members on topics of their choosing and demonstrates the wide range of interests represented in the association. Each issue also includes book reviews written by members on recent scholarship.