The Role of Learner Autonomy in Enhancing English Language Proficiency among University Students
Abstract
This mixed-methods study investigated the role of learner autonomy in enhancing English language proficiency among 320 undergraduate students from two public universities in Islamabad, Pakistan. Grounded in Holec’s foundational definition, Benson’s multidimensional framework, and Self-Determination Theory, the research examined current autonomy levels, their relationship with proficiency across four language skills, effective autonomous strategies, and contextual barriers. Quantitative data from the Learner Autonomy Questionnaire and a comprehensive proficiency test revealed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.55, p < 0.001) between autonomy and overall proficiency, with autonomy dimensions explaining 30.7% of variance. Behavioral and motivational dimensions emerged as the strongest predictors. Qualitative thematic analysis of interviews and learning logs highlighted proactive self-regulation, technology-mediated out-of-class learning, and significant institutional-cultural barriers such as exam-driven dependence. The findings confirm and extend existing literature by demonstrating autonomy’s effectiveness in a collectivist, resource-constrained Asian higher education context while revealing sociocultural frictions that moderate its impact. This study addresses critical gaps in non-Western university settings and offers practical recommendations for curriculum integration, teacher training, and digital scaffolding to foster autonomy. By empowering students to take ownership of their learning, universities can significantly improve English proficiency outcomes, academic success, and graduate employability in a globalized world. The research underscores learner autonomy as a transformative pedagogical approach capable of bridging persistent proficiency gaps in higher education.
Keywords: Learner Autonomy, English Language Proficiency, University Students, Self-Regulated Learning, Mixed-Methods Research, Higher Education Pakistan
