Online language education courses: a Chinese case from an ecological perspective

Abstract In this study, we examined the usefulness of and students’ perceptions a one-to-one online oral EFL course. Based on van Lier’s learning theory ecology, studied positive aspects that encouraged negative required improvement. A total 18 young-adult English learners from different parts China were invited to attend three (teacher–learner) lessons designed by researchers. quasi-experimental one-group design was used examine effectiveness addition, an survey semi-structured individual interviews conducted reveal learners’ views perspectives The results indicated participants made good progress in terms complexity skills perceived course be highly useful, especially regarding opportunities express personal views, timely scaffolding, efficient feedback teacher. findings, number implications for improving are provided, addition suggestions better model.