Learning to Learn Competencies at Omani Cycle Two Schools: Students' Perceptions and EFL Teachers' Beliefs

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate Omani Cycle Two students’ perceptions and Omani English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers’ beliefs regarding students learning autonomy. Three main areas of learning to learn competencies were explored to investigate learning autonomy: learning skills, the ability to take control of learning, and reflecting and evaluating learning. The study uses a mixed-method research design to investigate the perceptions of 383 grade nine students in Oman using a questionnaire. Also, four female English teachers who were teaching grade nine in the academic year 2021/2022 were interviewed in a focus group. The quantitative data analysis of the learning autonomy questionnaire indicated that grade nine students held moderated beliefs in their learning skills, ability to take control of their learning, and the ability to reflect and evaluate their learning. However, the teachers believed that students need to be trained and directed to acquire learning to learn competencies.