Autonomous Learning among ESL Students at Al-Buraimi University College in the Sultanate of Oman: A Case Study

This Study explores the outcome of an investigation to evaluate the importance of autonomous learning (AL, hereafter) as a means of motivation. However, the aim of this study is to ascertain the perspective towards AL. The result of this study presents the effect of AL on students´ performance. The procedure of this study is based on a combination of qualitative and quantitative: (1) sixty students are selected randomly, (2) pre and posttest projects are assigned to both groups, and (3) questionnaires are administered to both students and ESL teachers (25 males and 25 females) to collect accurate data, (4) an interview with students and teachers is conducted to find out their attitude towards AL. Analyses of participants´ responses indicate that AL motivates students to learn English independently and increase their intrinsic rather than extrinsic motivation to improve their English language skills. The findings of this study show that AL is the best remedy to empower students´ language skills. Moreover, they show that teachers can fully rely on this learning approach that encourages language learners to monitor their progress, increase learners´ motivation and ameliorate students´ behavior in the classroom protocols.