Flourishing in Spanish

Abstract

This paper reports on a pilot implementation of the FL2 approach and resources, developed to support tertiary students’ wellbeing as well as their second language learning (L2). The FL2 approach and learning activities were piloted in two Spanish language courses at Australian universities. Evaluation data were collected through an online survey of participating students and compared to the results of previous pilots conducted with students of Italian. Responses to scale items and open-ended questions indicate that the majority of participants greatly enjoyed their experiences in the courses and were satisfied with the learning opportunities provided, which shows potential for the FL2 approach. Evaluations of seven Positive Psychology-informed learning activities also piloted in this study were more nuanced. Taken together, these results suggest that designing curriculum to support student wellbeing as well as disciplinary learning can yield positive results. However, careful consideration must be given to alignment between FL2 activities and curriculum, as well as to students’ individual differences in the reception of Positive Psychology-informed activities.