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

Authors

  • Iman Albakkosh Lecturer at the university of Tripoli Author
  • Mark Lloyd Kaplan International City of Bath UK Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E3/2026-06

Keywords:

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

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.

Author Biographies

  • Iman Albakkosh, Lecturer at the university of Tripoli

    Lecturer in English Language Teaching (ELT) with over a decade of teaching and administrative experience. Expertise in curriculum development, quality assurance, research supervision, and program accreditation. Efficient knowledge and experience in quantitative and qualitative research, with a focus on AI-assisted writing assessment, gender roles in education, student learning strategies, and critical thinking. 

    Lecturer within the English Language Departement 

    Faculty of Education GBG/Tripoli, University of Tripoli

    Quality Assurance Coordinator within the English Language Department (2022 - 2024).

  • Mark Lloyd, Kaplan International City of Bath UK

    English Language School Director (Kaplan International City of Bath, City of Torquay)| Published materials writer and course designer | Teacher and teacher trainer | Conference presenter/ Currently doing a Level 5 Coaching Professional Apprenticeship. 

    Highly-experienced English language professional with a proven track record as a language school principal, academic manager, f2f and online teacher and teacher trainer, widely-published author of teaching materials and journal articles, international conference presenter, national and international educational project manager, and designer of both f2f and online courses.

    TEFLQ Regional DELTA Tutor

     Specialist Safeguarding SJA

     First Aid and Fire Warden Training

    Mental Health First Aid

     BA Hons in Economics (University of Cambridge)

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Published

2026-03-16

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 03 (2026): Volume 02 Issue 03 March 2026

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Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Iman Albakkosh, Mark Lloyd (Author)

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Albakkosh, I., & Lloyd, M. (2026). The Impact of Learner Autonomy on Critical Thinking Performance in an EFL Context. Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, 2(03), 218-231. https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E3/2026-06