Reflective thinking and self-evaluation in language learning: mirroring the impacts on Saudi Arabian EFL students’ growth mindfulness, resilience, and academic well-being

Abstract

Based on the related literature, both self-evaluation (SE) and reflective thinking (RT) play an important role in English language learning among EFL learners. Therefore, in this study, the effects of SE and RT on growth mindfulness, resilience, and academic well-being of Saudi Arabian EFL students were compared. Ninety-six intermediate EFL students were selected based on the convenience sampling method in order to accomplish this goal, and they were divided into three groups: two experimental groups (EGs) and one control group (CG). Three questionnaires were then distributed to assess the participants’ academic well-being, progress in mindfulness, and resilience prior to the instruction. After that, the CG was instructed conventionally, while one EG was treated using RT and the other EG was treated utilizing SE activities. The aforementioned surveys were re-administered as study post-tests following a 21-session treatment, and the results were analyzed using One-way ANOVA and Tukey testing. The study’s findings showed that the two EGs conducted better than the CG on three post-tests. Additionally, the outcomes supported the equivalent benefits of RT and SE for the development of Saudi Arabian EFL students’ academic wellbeing, resilience, and mindfulness. The implications were eventually prepared for scholars, English instructors, students, and other stakeholders.