Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies (JSSHRS)

The Impact of Learner Autonomy on Critical Thinking Performance in an EFL Context

Albakkosh, Iman, Lloyd, Mark

16 March 2026 · Vol. 2, Issue 3, pp. 218-231

DOI: 10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E3/2026-06

Abstract

The present quantitative study explores the influence of certain elements of autonomous learning (goal setting, reflective learning, self-efficacy, decision making) on critical thinking skills in an EFL context. The sampled learners were 76 Libyan university EFL students, and the data was collected through a structured Likert scale questionnaire that was distributed online. The results of the study show that critical thinking skills have a strong correlation with reflective thinking and decision-making. On the other hand, self-efficacy and goal setting have the weakest correlation with critical thinking skills.

Keywords: Autonomous learning, EFL learning, Libyan EFL learners, critical thinking skills, self-efficacy, decision making, goal setting, reflective thinking

Read the full text on Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies →The full peer-reviewed article and PDF are hosted on the journal's site (the version of record).

Albakkosh, Iman, Lloyd, & Mark (2026). The Impact of Learner Autonomy on Critical Thinking Performance in an EFL Context. Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, 2(3), 218-231. https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E3/2026-06

@article{Albakkosh2026,
  title   = {The Impact of Learner Autonomy on Critical Thinking Performance in an EFL Context},
  author  = {Albakkosh and Iman and Lloyd and Mark},
  journal = {Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies},
  year    = {2026},
  volume  = {2},
  number  = {3},
  pages   = {218-231},
  doi     = {10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E3/2026-06},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E3/2026-06}
}

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