Conceptual and Methodological Issues in L2 Engagement Research

The chapter aims to discuss conceptual and methodological issues related to the construct of learner engagement in general or synchronous online learner engagement (SOLE) in particular. The chapter first presents the issue of diverse conceptualization of learner engagement with regard to its limitations and contributions to the current understanding of SOLE and its role in L2 learning. The chapter also reviews differential analytical frameworks that have been adopted to investigate learner engagement by showcasing units of analysis for learner engagement and presenting examples of these measures of learner engagement. The chapter also presents the consensus and differences among researchers when investigating the construct of learner engagement and provides some conceptual and methodological suggestions addressing issues in researching online L2 learner engagement at the task and/or lesson level.