Abstract:

The research study was an attempt to investigate the influence of trait emotional intelligence and the effect of instructing critical thinking and autonomy on the speaking ability of EFL learners. To fulfill the purpose of the study, 90 learners of an English School were chosen through convenient sampling. Their speaking ability and its accuracy and complexity was checked prior to the treatment in addition to their trait emotional intelligence. These learners were then randomly divided into experimental groups of 30, with each going through a different kind of intervention, namely, critical thinking instruction, autonomy instruction and a combination of both. After the treatment, the participants were assessed again on their speaking complexity and accuracy. The groups’ mean scores on both tests were compared through ANCOVA and correlational analyses. The findings showed that a combination of teaching critical thinking and autonomy skills had the highest effect on learners speaking followed by teaching autonomy which was more effective than instruction of critical thinking. Also, it was maintained that trait emotional intelligence was significant in EFL learners accuracy and complexity of speaking.The results of the study have implications for pedagogical circles including learners, teachers, and materials developers.

Keywords:

Autonomy, Critical Thinking, Speaking Accuracy, Speaking Complexity, Trait Emotional Intelligence