Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies (JSSHRS) · Research article · Open access
The Impact of Learner Autonomy on Critical Thinking Performance in an EFL Context
Iman Albakkosh, Mark Lloyd
16 March 2026 · Vol. 2, Issue 3, pp. 218-231
DOI: 10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E3/2026-06
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What is this article about?
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.
Article at a glance
- Published
- 16 March 2026
- Volume / issue / pages
- Vol. 2, Issue 3, pp. 218-231
- ISSN
- 3051-3561 (online) · 3051-3553 (print)
- Licence
- CC BY 4.0 — free to read and reuse with attribution
- Peer review
- Double-blind, at least two independent reviewers
- Publisher
- EP Journals Group
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
Cite this article
Iman Albakkosh, & Mark Lloyd (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{Iman2026,
title = {The Impact of Learner Autonomy on Critical Thinking Performance in an EFL Context},
author = {Iman Albakkosh and Mark Lloyd},
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}
}Questions about this article
Who wrote this article?
Iman Albakkosh, Mark Lloyd.
Where and when was it published?
In Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, Volume 2, Issue 3, pages 218-231, published by EP Journals Group on 16 March 2026.
Is this article free to read?
Yes. It is open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) licence, so anyone can read, share and reuse it with attribution.
What is the DOI of this article?
10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E3/2026-06 (https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E3/2026-06).
How do I cite this article?
APA: Iman Albakkosh, & Mark Lloyd (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
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