Two empirical studies were conducted in order to come up with how to enhance flow experience in learning. The purpose of Study I was to examine the structural relationship among main variables related to flow experience in learning. Prior to verificat...
Two empirical studies were conducted in order to come up with how to enhance flow experience in learning. The purpose of Study I was to examine the structural relationship among main variables related to flow experience in learning. Prior to verification of the structural relationship, relevant scales (i.e. Learning-Flow Scale, Autotelic Personality Scale, Family Support and Challenge Questionnaire, Undivided Interest Scale, Well-Being Scale for Children) were developed and validated. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to test my hypothetical structural model (an initial model). As a result, the model exhibited a good fit. However, one path (complex family → flow experience in learning) was not significant, so the initial structural model was modified after the corresponding route was fixed. As a result of X2 difference test between the initial model and the modified model, the modified structural model which is simpler than the initial was chosen. To summarize hypothetical testing results of the structural model, first, autotelic personality (β=.817) turned out be the most influential factor in flow experience. Second, complex family is an important factor that influences students flow experience, but doesn't affect directly. It rather influences formation of autotelic personality (β=.615) and affects flow experience in learning indirectly (β=.503). Third, both flow conditions (β=.415) and undivided interest (β=.526) are important preceding conditions in flow experience in learning, and fourth, flow experience in learning affects psychological well-being (β=.397) more than emotional well-being (β=.146). The verified model of this study shows how the complex family, autotelic personality, undivided interest and flow conditions affect flow experience in learning, and it is an important empirical data on understanding a process of flow experience comprehensively.
In Study Ⅱ, students were divided into 4-channels (flow channel, relaxation channel, anxiety channel, apathy channel) by their perceived challenge and skill level, and examined how flow experience and emotional condition in learning differ by each channel using one-way ANOVA, in order to explore ‘flow channel in learning’. As a result, ‘the relaxation channel’ turned out to be the channel that experiences flow in learning the most. The reason why students experience flow the most in the relaxation channel in learning situation, not in the flow channel seems that learning activities are typically not intrinsically-motivated. The result of this study that clarified that the relaxation channel promotes the most flow experience in a learning situation suggested domain-specificity of the flow channel (optimal challenge level) and can be used as theoretical foundation to prepare educational methods in inducing flow experience in learning.
The promoting methods for children's flow experience in learning based on the results of Study I and Study Ⅱ are as follows. Firstly, fostering ‘autotelic personality’ is essential. In order to do this, ‘complex family’ that provides both support and challenge for children has to be created, and various educational methods that can improve sub-factors of autotelic personality has to be applied. Secondly, we have to allow them to learn ‘flow conditions’ (setting clear goals, getting immediate feedback, and balancing between challenges and skills), which is the preceding condition of flow experience, by educating metacognition. Thirdly, we have to make learning process a fun activity, and at the same time, help students recognize the value of education, so they can have undivided interest in learning. Fourthly, providing tasks to students with rather lower level of difficulty can be an effective way for students to feel less intimidated and start with relaxed emotional states. As students begin to experience flow in learning, we have to provide them with opportunities of complex and challenging activities gradually, by considering individual differences (e.g., autotelic personality). The promoting ways that I came up with on the basis of the results of two empirical studies, can be applied to development of educational program, and they can be used universally on various aspects in their lives, beyond educational aspect.