Engagement In Mathematics Research Articles

THE MEDIATING EFFECT OF STUDY HABITS ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LEARNING STRATEGIES AND STUDENT ENGAGEMENT IN MATHEMATICS

This study aims to determine whether or not their study habits significantly mediate the relationship between learning strategies and student engagement in mathematics among grade 10 junior high school students in Governor Generoso South District, Division of Davao Oriental. This study employed a quantitative research design, utilizing both correlational and descriptive methodologies. This study selected 241 respondents using a stratified sample method to ensure an equitable distribution of respondents across all schools. Moreover, this research employed three adapted research instruments that were validated and assessed utilizing statistical measures such as mean, standard deviation, Pearson-r, Baron and Kenny Mediation method, and MedGraph with Sobel z-test among grade 10 students. Additionally, the findings demonstrated a noteworthy correlation between learning strategies and student engagement. There exists a significant relationship between study habits and learning strategies, as well as between study habits and student engagement in mathematics. This correlation indicates a significant relationship between these variables. Additionally, the results indicate that study habits partially mediate the relationship between learning strategies and student engagement in mathematics. The findings offer significant implications for educators and policymakers who aim to enhance the educational process. Furthermore, the provision of continuous professional development opportunities for educators helps guarantee their up-to-date knowledge of contemporary research findings and optimal strategies for fostering student learning and academic success. KEYWORDS: Study habits, learning strategies, student engagement in mathematics, correlational and descriptive approaches, Baron and Kenny Mediation approach, MedGraph using Sobel z-test, Davao Oriental, Philippines

Designing a video-stimulated questionnaire about teachers’ adaptive expertise in interdisciplinary mathematics and science teaching

Research investigating teachers’ knowledge and practices aimed to improve student participation, engagement and achievement in mathematics and science has often used qualitative methods involving observation and analysis of lesson videos. Some researchers have used excerpts of videos in various ways to gather data about their participants’ anticipated actions in the moment. In the current study, we aimed to track primary teachers’ developing adaptive expertise when teaching interdisciplinary mathematics and science lessons over a two-year period. In this paper, we describe the processes followed to design a questionnaire that used episodes from videos of interdisciplinary mathematics and science lessons to construct multiple choice items. The adaptive expertise scoring for the items was reliable but this improved when including an open-ended question for participants to explain their selection of an action for the classroom moment captured in the video episode.

Understanding boys' underrepresentation in private and enriched programmes during the transition to secondary school.

In the past decades, there has been a growing concern to understand why boys struggle in school. One of the turning points in students' educational trajectories likely to exacerbate boys' academic difficulties is students' enrolment in private or enriched school programmes, as boys are underrepresented in such programmes. To better understand this gender imbalance, our research draws on a longitudinal design to examine whether grade 6 students' externalizing behaviours, school engagement and school grades in mathematics and language arts relate to secondary school programme attendance, among a sample size of 577 students (277 boys). Path analysis showed that only language arts grades predicted enrolment in private or selective public programmes and contributed to boys' underrepresentation in these programmes. Such findings have important implications for understanding boys' underachievement and low persistence in school as well as to guide interventions to promote gender and overall educational equity in school.

Not everyone is the same: How Demographic, Contextual, and Instructional Factors Contribute to Mathematics Identity in Various Student Populations

Research suggests a positive mathematics identity is associated with increased achievement and engagement in mathematics. However, previous large scale research on mathematics identity has examined students as a homogeneous group, ignoring differences that may exist due gender, race, or ability level. Additionally, research examining conceptual instruction has focused on the effect it has on achievement, but not on the way it improves identity. This study addresses these two gaps by examining the contribution conceptual instruction makes to the mathematics identity of students and how that contribution differs when considering race, gender, and achievement. This secondary analysis of survey data from the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 uses multiple regression to investigate the relationship between conceptual instruction and mathematics identity in a sample of over 23,000 ninth graders. I divided the sample by achievement level to look for different relationships between samples of low and high achieving students across the United States. Findings show that conceptual instruction positively contributes to student mathematics identity and reveals race to be a significant moderator in this relationship

Cross-curriculum Teaching and Learning in the Secondary School: Geography, History, Religious Education and Mathematics in Kenya’s Competency Based Curriculum

Inadequate learners’ engagement in Geography, History, Religious Education, and Mathematics (GHREM) can lead to a lack of knowledge and appreciation for the importance of these learning areas in various careers. This has the potential to have far-reaching implications for a country’s need for well-educated graduates in Geography, History, Religious Education, and Mathematics to ensure socioeconomic, cultural, and political development. The implication is that there will be a lack of personnel to take up a career in these learning areas in the future. This study looked into the importance of GHREM in the National Curriculum as well as their relationship. The study relied on library research and a qualitative research design to examine published articles related to the research objectives from 1945 to 2023. From the over 100 articles accessed, this investigation purposefully sampled 25 published articles. Content analysis was used to validate the articles. Data was collected through documentation and analyzed through content analysis. The analysis of 25 related articles revealed that the GHREM learning areas are interconnected and interdependent. Geography teaches learners about their surroundings and helps them understand them. History helps learners understand the evolution of various human endeavors. Religious education helps learners understand various religions and their practices while also promoting tolerance and respect for diversity, as well as ethical and moral behavior. Mathematics introduces learners to concepts such as numbers, algebra, geometry, and statistics, while also encouraging abstract thinking and problem-solving abilities. These learning areas are related because they are all required for learners to understand and interpret their surroundings, as well as to succeed in a variety of careers. Overall, each learning area helps to develop a well-rounded education that prepares learners for careers and beyond. According to the study’s findings, these learning areas should be integrated across the curriculum.

THE MEDIATING EFFECT OF MATH RESILIENCE ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MATH SELF-EFFICACY AND STUDENT ENGAGEMENT IN MATHEMATICS

This study aims to determine whether math resilience significantly mediates the relationship between math self-efficacy and student engagement in mathematics among grade 8 junior high school students in Laak District, Division of Davao de Oro. This quantitative research utilized descriptive and correlational designs. There were 293 respondents identified through stratified random sampling. Moreover, this study employed three adapted research instruments validated and treated using mean, standard deviation, Pearson-r, regression analysis, and bootstrapping. The findings revealed high levels of math self-efficacy, student engagement, and math resilience among the grade 8 respondents. The results also showed a significant relationship between math self-efficacy and student engagement in math. Math resilience also positively correlates with student engagement in math. The results also revealed a significant relationship between math self-efficacy and math resilience. Moreover, the findings indicate that math resilience partially mediates the relationship between math self-efficacy and student engagement in math. These results encourage educators and administrators to develop and broaden programs and interventions to improve math self-efficacy, math resilience, and student engagement in math. Furthermore, it is essential to replicate the study in various contexts and locales to validate the findings of this research and provide a more profound knowledge of these variables on a broader scale. KEYWORDS: Math resilience, math self-efficacy, student engagement in math, descriptive and correlational designs, regression analysis, bootstrapping, Davao de Oro, Philippines.

Optimising Students’ Enjoyment and Engagement in Learning via Scaffolding-fused Digital Game-based Learning

Objective: To determine how a scaffolding-fused digital game impacted primary school students' enjoyment and engagement in Mathematics. Method: This experimental study was carried out with two groups of primary students. The experimental group was taught using the scaffolding fused digital game-based learning, whereas the control group was taught with the conventional method. The instruments used in this study were pre and post-interviews, and, pre and post-observations. The data were analysed using independent t-tests, matched pair t-tests and a One-way Analysis of Covariance. Findings: The results revealed statistically significant differences concerning enjoyment (F = 34.373, P < .05) and engagement (F = 6.498, P < .05) in mathematics learning at 0.01. The enjoyment and engagement of students in the experimental group were much higher than that of the control group. Novelty: As a result of technological advancement, games play an essential role in mathematics education today. Affective factors, precisely emotions, have been widely recognised as influential elements contributing to enjoyment engagement and achievement in the learning process. Engaged learners are motivated, inspired, and eager to put effort into their learning. Keywords: Scaffolding, Enjoyment, Engagemen, Digital game based learning

Learners Engagement in Learning Process in Mathematics 5: Basis for Crafting an Intervention

The main objective of this study was to determine the relationship between learners’ level of engagement and teachers’ frequency of use of the activities and strategies, and an intervention was crafted based on the findings. The study used a mixed method and employed a descriptive-correlational design, while a survey questionnaire, a researcher-based survey questionnaire, and interview guide questions were adopted as research tools. It involved respondents composed of thirty-six (36) Grade 5 teachers from all elementary schools in the Jose Panganiban East and West District. The study's findings revealed that emotional engagement was the highest level among learners in Mathematics 5, with a weighted mean of 3.11. Further, the strategies and activities that were always used were brainstorming, with a weighted mean of 3.48, and inquiry-based learning, with a weighted mean of 3.38. There was no significant relationship between the level of engagement in behavioral and emotional with the teachers’ strategies and activities; however, cognitive engagement has significant correlations with inquiry-based learning (r =-34*, p< 0.05). The most challenging experiences for teachers were non-mastery of the four fundamental operations and difficulty solving problems. To enhance learners’ engagement in Mathematics 5, the researcher developed a resource package comprising modified, detailed lesson plans, interactive activities, a pamphlet with educational videos, and outdoor math games. Based on the findings, it was concluded that teachers may do a lot to encourage learners to engage in behavioral, cognitive, and emotional engagement.

Gender equality eliminates gender gaps in engagement with female-stereotypic domains.

Although prior work reveals that gender bias against women produces gender gaps favoring men in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics engagement, research has yet to explore whether gender bias against men produces gender gaps favoring women in health care, early education, and domestic (HEED) engagement. Supporting preregistered predictions, results from an online study with MTurkers (N = 296) and a laboratory study with college students (N = 275) revealed that men expressed less sense of belonging, positivity toward, and aspirations to participate in HEED (and anticipated more discrimination) than did women when exposed to the reality of antimale gender biases in these domains. However, when told that HEED displays gender equality, men's engagement matched women's. Moderated mediation analyses revealed the importance of sense of belonging (and to a lesser extent, anticipated discrimination) in explaining why gender bias leads men to express less HEED positivity and aspirations than women. The current research thus provided novel evidence suggesting that gender bias contributes to men's underrepresentation in HEED, with important implications for broader occupational gender segregation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The role of self-regulation in the relationship between adaptability and engagement: A case of online mathematics learning for elementary school students

The dynamics of students' engagement in online mathematics learning during the pandemic have been completely distinctive from face-to-face learning. To further the investigation, the current study aims to examine the relationship between student adaptability and engagement and the mediating role of self-regulation and grade level, parental education level, student age, and student gender. A total of 339 students, with an average age of 11.16 years, from three public elementary schools in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, participated in this study. The findings demonstrated that: 1) adaptability has a positive and significant effect on student self-regulation, 2) self-regulation has a positive and significant effect on student engagement in online mathematics learning, and 3) adaptability has a significant positive influence on student engagement in both directly and through the mediation of student self-regulation. The study has a significant implication for the student learning environment, especially parental involvement. Recommendations to encourage parental involvement for online learning engagement are made.

Developmental Trajectories of Adolescents' Math Motivation: The Role of Mindset and Perceptions of Informal STEM Learning Site Inclusivity.

Motivation is a key factor in engagement, achievement, and career choices in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). While existing research has focused on student motivation toward math in formal school programs, new work is needed that focuses on motivation for those involved in informal STEM programs. Specifically, the role of math mindset and perceived inclusivity of informal STEM sites (to those of varying gender and ethnic backgrounds) on longitudinal trajectories of adolescents' math motivation has not been explored. This study investigates longitudinal changes in math expectancy, interest, and utility values and the effects of math fixed mindset, math growth mindset, and perceptions of the inclusivity of informal STEM learning sites on these changes for adolescents participating in STEM programs at these informal sites in the United Kingdom and the United States (n = 249, MT1age = 15.2, SD = 1.59). Three latent growth curve models were tested. The data suggest that math expectancy, interest, and utility values declined over three years. Growth mindset positively predicted changes in utility, while fixed mindset negatively predicted changes in utility. Inclusivity positively influenced the initial levels of utility. Girls reported lower initial expectancy than boys. Age influenced both the initial levels and rate of change for expectancy. Older adolescents had lower levels of expectancy compared to their younger counterparts; however, they had a less steep decline in expectancy over three years. These findings suggest that designing inclusive learning environments and promoting growth mindset may encourage math motivation.

The Mediating Effect of Problem-based Learning on the Relationship between Technology Integration and Student Engagement in Mathematics

This research aimed to determine whether problem-based learning significantly mediates the relationship between technology integration and the engagement of first-year college students. A quantitative approach with descriptive and correlational designs was employed. The respondents of the study were 133 first-year college students in three state colleges in the Division of Davao del Norte. They were chosen through stratified random sampling. Mean, Pearson-r, regression, and mediation analysis were used to analyze the data, which were obtained through the use of three adapted questionnaires. The findings revealed that technology integration is manifested in the students’ learning. In mathematics, student engagement is observed, and problem- based learning is evident among the students. It is also found out that there is a significant relationship among technology integration, problem-based learning, and student engagement. Additionally, problem-based learning partially mediated the relationship between technology integration and student engagement. The findings suggested that CHED officials should encourage and support the integration of technology into the mathematics curriculum to foster increased student engagement. School administrators can work to maximize student engagement by focusing on the integration of technology and employing problem-based learning methods. Teachers may integrate technology into their lessons and incorporate problem-based learning, and college students may consider integrating technology into their learning environment. Future researchers should explore the effects of technology integration and problem-based learning on student engagement in mathematics.

Exploring Factors Contributing to Indifference Towards Learning Mathematics Among Secondary School Students in Nepal

Abstract 
 
 Mathematics is a compulsory subject at the school level in Nepal, deemed essential for everyday life and higher studies, particularly in the fields of science and technology. However, there is a noticeable apathy among students when it comes to learning mathematics. This qualitative research aims to identify the factors that contribute to this indifference towards learning mathematics. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with four participants from both public and private schools, all enrolled in the tenth grade. Analysis and interpretation of the data revealed several factors that lead to this indifference. These factors can be classified as student-related, school-related, and home and society-related. Student-related factors include mathematics anxiety, negative perceptions, insufficient effort, poor academic achievements, limited real-world applications, low self-efficacy, and perpetuation of misconceptions about mathematics. School-related factors encompass teaching practices, teacher qualifications, traditional methods focused on rote learning, impractical curriculum and courses, inadequate school administration, and subpar physical facilities. Home and society-related factors have a negative effect on mathematics engagement, such as unfavorable home environments, low socioeconomic status, and parental education. Together, these factors contribute to the observed indifference towards learning mathematics.
 Keywords: Indifference, Qualitative, Mathematics, Factors, Home, Students, School

Attitude in Learning as a Mediator for Engagement and Academic Performance in Mathematics

This study specifically focuses on mathematics, as it plays a crucial role in educational settings and is a fundamental subject for academic success. By examining the mediating effect of attitude on learning and its relationship with engagement, the research aims to understand how these variables contribute to academic performance in mathematics. The researcher used adapted survey questionnaires to collect information from 148 randomly selected respondents using the "Fishbowl Draw Method." Descriptive statistics, the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient, and regression analysis were employed as statistical tools to analyze the data. These analyses indicated that students exhibited a high level of engagement, academic performance, and attitude toward learning mathematics. A significant relationship was found between student engagement and academic performance in mathematics, as well as between student engagement and attitude toward learning. However, the relationship between attitude toward learning and academic performance was not significant. Moreover, the impact of student engagement on academic performance was observed solely through its direct influence and not via an indirect effect stemming from attitudes toward learning. Accordingly, considering that attitude toward learning does not mediate the relationship between engagement and academic performance, students should focus on strengthening their classroom engagement to improve their academic performance. Future researchers are recommended to investigate other variables such as teaching methods and students' learning styles as mediators.

The Use of Timetable Learning Media to Enhance Student Engagement in Mathematics for Grade II A at Baiturrohman GMI Jember Elementary School

This research is a qualitative study that explores the use of a timetable board as a learning tool to enhance student engagement in Mathematics, specifically the topic of time units, for Grade II A students at Baiturrohman GMI Jember Elementary School. The objectives of this study are to determine 1) The process of using the timetable board in teaching Mathematics, focusing on time units, for Grade II A students at this school, and 2) The improvement of student engagement in Mathematics, particularly in the topic of time units, through the use of the timetable board in Grade II A at this school. The data collection techniques include lectures (material delivery), observation, discussion, tests, and documentation. The subjects of this study are 18 students in Grade II A. The implementation of the learning activities using the timetable board as a teaching aid is deemed successful due to the students' significant curiosity during the learning process. This curiosity has led to increased student activity during the learning process, with a majority of students showing a 50% improvement in understanding the material related to time units in Mathematics. In conclusion, this research suggests that using the timetable board as a learning tool effectively enhances student engagement in Mathematics, particularly in the topic of time units, for Grade II a students at this Elementary School.

Beliefs in mathematics learning and utility value as predictors of mathematics engagement among primary education students: the mediating role of self-efficacy

ABSTRACT Students’ performance in mathematics learning is closely associated with their engagement. Then, how can students’ engagement in mathematics learning be promoted? Social cognitive theory argues that those who engage emotionally and behaviourally hold strong beliefs about their ability. This study investigated the role of beliefs about mathematics learning and utility value in emotional and behavioural engagement through the mediating role of self-efficacy. This study revealed that beliefs about mathematics learning and utility value directly predicted emotional and behavioural engagement in mathematics learning. Self-efficacy positively mediated the relationship between beliefs about mathematics learning and students’ engagement.

Math anxiety and math motivation in online learning during stress: The role of fearful and avoidance temperament and implications for STEM education

Students’ math motivation can predict engagement, achievement, and career interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). However, it is not well understood how personality traits and math anxiety may be linked to different types or qualities of math motivation, particularly during high-stress times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we examined how fearful or avoidant temperaments contribute to math anxiety and math motivations for college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ninety-six undergraduate students from a large public university were assessed on temperamental fear, math anxiety, and math motivation in an online math course. Results showed that higher levels of temperamental fear are directly linked to higher levels of math anxiety. In addition, temperamental fear is indirectly linked to higher levels of autonomous motivation (i.e., intrinsic motivation and identified regulation) and lower levels of controlled motivation (i.e., external regulation) through math anxiety. Results have implications for helping students at high risk for both high math anxiety and for low motivation to engage in math learning.

Improving mathematical communication and critical thinking in middle school students: Study of anchored instruction learning assisted by edpuzzle

Background: Mathematics learning often appears unattractive to students due to its monotonous, intimidating, and boring nature. Active engagement in learning mathematics requires students to effectively utilize their communication and critical thinking skills.Aim: This study aims to 1) analyze the critical thinking abilities of students in a learning context, 2) assess their written and oral mathematical communication abilities, 3) evaluate their critical thinking skills in problem-solving, and 4) explore the impact of the Anchored Instruction learning setting assisted by Edpuzzle on these competencies.Method: Employing a descriptive qualitative research design, this study involved 24 VII-H grade students from SMPN 8 Malang. Data were collected using observation sheets, worksheets, and test questions.Results: The study indicates significant improvements in students’ critical thinking and mathematical communication skills. Critical thinking, observed through increased and more sophisticated student participation, was categorized as high in 5 students, medium in 16, and low in 3. Similarly, in mathematical communication, 5 students excelled, 13 were above average, and 6 were below average. This progression exhibited the effectiveness of the Anchored Instruction learning setting assisted by Edpuzzle in enhancing these skills.Conclusion: The study concludes that the Anchored Instruction learning setting, supported by Edpuzzle, significantly enhances students' critical thinking and mathematical communication abilities. This approach has proven effective in engaging students more actively in the learning process and improving their problem-solving skills.

Early numeracy opportunities through number stories with marginalised families

We explore the potential of merging numeracy and literacy, through using number stories to stimulate mathematical engagement with young, marginalized learners in their communities. Our data emerges from the Family Maths Storytime Programme (FMSP) run in partnership with teachers in two South African schools. The FMSP conducted sessions with caregivers of pre-Grade 1 learners that focused on supporting mathematical talk in the home centred around four number storybooks with linked activities and games. Drawing on Bourdieu’s notion of habitus and other socio-cultural theories emphasising opportunities for talk and reasoning for learning we explore: Did the FMSP enable the integration of home and school numeracy and literacy practices? If so, what evidence is there of such integrated practices? What is the nature of the described practices? Our analysis focuses on 20 caregiver interviews following their participation in the FMSP that was initially run after school in two English medium pre-Grade 1 classrooms. NVivo coding highlighted key themes across interviews. The findings show how modelling engagement with merged literacy and numeracy practices in the programme enabled changing practices, dispositions, and forms of capital in relation to engaging with these in the home. We highlight how supporting home-based and story inspired engagement with marginalised learners supports equity goals in contexts where learners from indigenous backgrounds often begin and remain mathematically behind grade expectations in school.

Load reduction instruction: multilevel effects for motivation, engagement, and achievement in mathematics

This study aimed to understand the role of load reduction instruction (LRI), a framework of instructional strategies designed to reduce cognitive load, and its association with motivation, engagement, and learning outcomes in mathematics. We examined data from 221 students from 39 classrooms and tested a hypothesised longitudinal multilevel model. The results indicated positive associations of LRI with gains in motivation, engagement, and achievement. These effects were evident at both student- and classroom-levels, after accounting for prior variance, and after accounting for age, gender, and socioeconomic status at the student level. The findings are discussed in light of the importance of considering motivation and engagement as vital educational outcomes alongside achievement, as well as the role of cognitive load reduction strategies—including those associated with explicit instruction and independent enquiry—in optimising these outcomes.