Academic Achievement In Mathematics Research Articles

Teachers’ Perceptions towards Practical Instruction Approach in Teaching Mathematics: A case of Selected Teachers in Ugandan Secondary Schools

Globally, there is a need to address learners' academic achievement, which has historically been poor, particularly in underdeveloped countries. Practical instruction (PI) approach has been perceived by many teachers as a better teaching strategy. Students in Ugandan secondary schools have consistently performed poorly in their O'Level national mathematics examinations. This has been attributed to teachers' failure to teach these students with practical approach in some examinable topics, making the subject very abstract to candidates. This qualitative case study analyzed teachers' perceptions of the practical instruction approach to teaching mathematics and its impact on students' academic achievement in mathematics. Sixteen teachers from chosen secondary schools in Kigezi and Ankole regions were interviewed for the study in order to understand more about their opinions on the value and use of practical instruction in the teaching and learning of mathematics. The data gathered were analyzed using thematic analysis. The study showed that teachers regard PI as one of the best teaching methodologies since it incorporates components that help improve students' creativity and critical thinking. The study also indicated that teachers' perceptions of practical instruction approaches for teaching mathematics are diverse and influenced by a variety of circumstances. Creating supportive settings, offering professional development opportunities, and providing access to resources can assist teachers in effectively incorporating practical instruction methodologies into their teaching practice, resulting in improved student learning outcomes in mathematics. It is recommended that teachers should be well prepared before commencing the teaching and learning process, including all PI components.

Influence of Teachers’ Experience in Information Communication Technology and Students’ Academic Performance in Mathematics in Public Secondary Schools of Rwanda: A Case of Kayonza District

The study evaluated the impact of teachers' ICT experience on students' math performance in public secondary schools in Kayonza District, Rwanda. Involving 259 participants (223 teachers and 36 head teachers), data were gathered through questionnaires, interviews, and observations, and analyzed using SPSS Version 20.0. Findings revealed that 83.5% of respondents strongly agreed that teachers skilled in MS Excel, 85.9% in PowerPoint, and 83.9% in preparing teaching materials with ICT tools positively influenced students' performance. Additionally, 82.3% noted that teachers trained in exam preparation with ICT tools demonstrated their ICT experience. Improved student outcomes were reported, with 79.4% noting better numeracy, 80.2% improved grades, and 78.3% enhanced skills in experimenting with MS Excel. A significant positive correlation was found between teachers' ICT expertise and students' math performance. The study suggests that proficiency in ICT tools enhances students' academic performance. The Ministry of Education should support ICT integration to boost academic achievement, with superintendents and head teachers optimizing ICT training and lab usage. Teachers should share ICT skills to improve instruction and student outcomes. Future research should investigate the broader effects of ICT in education on academic achievement in mathematics.

Secondary school learners’ academic achievement in mathematics through a practical instruction teaching approach in the Kigezi and Ankole regions of Uganda

Addressing the challenge of subpar mathematics achievement levels in secondary education has gained global attention. Due to teachers’ inability to teach mathematics without real objects to explain it in real life, learners take the subject as very abstract, hence the poor academic achievement in national examinations. This qualitative case study investigates the impact of practical instruction on the mathematics achievement of secondary school students in Uganda. The research involved interviews with sixteen teachers from selected secondary schools in the Kigezi and Ankole regions to gain insights into their perspectives on the utilization and advantages of practical instruction in mathematics. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data. Regarding assessment strategies, the study found that there is a need to incorporate alternative assessment methods that can effectively assess the range of learners’ mathematics abilities. The study’s findings highlight that teachers view practical instruction as a valuable approach that enhances students' mathematics achievement by involving them in hands-on experience with real objects and learner-centered activities. Based on these results, the study recommends the widespread adoption of practical instruction as a means to elevate the quality of mathematics education in Uganda, ultimately addressing the prevalent challenges in mathematics achievement at the secondary school level.

Interest and Academic Achievement of Students in Senior Secondary School Mathematics as Determined by Teachers' Self-Efficacy

This study examined the degree to which Teacher’s Self-efficacy determined students’ interest and academic achievement in Mathematics. The study adopted correlational research design. The study was guided by two (2) research question and two (2) hypotheses. The population of the study consist of 8 Mathematics Teachers and 5125 Senior Secondary II (SS2) students. A sample of 29 mathematics teachers and 400 students was used for the study. Four instruments were employed for data collection in this study. They are Teachers’ Self-efficacy scale (TSS), Students Mathematics Interest Scale (SMIS) which was developed by researcher and students’ Mathematics Achievement Pro-forma (SMAP). Face validity as well as construct validity were used to the instruments. The reliability indices of the Students Mathematics Interest Scale (SMIS) and Teachers Self-efficacy scale (TSS) were computed using Cronbach's Alpha (α). Regression analysis was performed to analyse the data, and regression ANOVA was utilised to test the hypotheses at the significance level of 0.05. The study's results, among other things, demonstrated that students’ interest in mathematics is determined by teachers self-efficacy (11.1%), found significant (p> 0. 05) determinant of students Interest in Mathematics, it also showed that students’ achievement in Mathematics is determined by teachers self-efficacy (11.2%), found to be significant determinants of students achievement in mathematics. Conclusion were drawn and implications of the findings of the study was highlighted. It was recommended that Teachers should strive to develop high self-efficacy, positive aversion and low anxiety towards the teaching of Mathematics in schools as to boost students’ interest and achievement in mathematics; Government agencies and school administrators should train in-service and pre- service teachers for self-efficacy to enhance students’ interest and academic achievement.

ICT and academic achievement in secondary education: A hierarchical linear modelling

AbstractBackgroundThe unprecedented access to information in the 21st century entails a deep understanding of information and communication technology (ICT)‐related factors in education and their impacts on learning and teaching. The role of attitudes towards ICT is a proven factor in student achievement. However, there is no consensus about the direction of this impact.ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore the relationship between student attitudes towards ICT including interest in ICT (INTICT), perceived ICT competence (COMPICT), perceived autonomy related to ICT use (AUTICT) and ICT in social interaction (SOIAICT), and their achievement scores for mathematics, reading, and science by analysing student‐, school‐, and country‐level factors hierarchically in the quartiles of performance.MethodsThe study group was determined as 300,279 15‐year‐old students from 21,903 schools in 53 countries. Descriptive and correlational analyses were carried out in addition to the hierarchical linear modelling (HLM) employed to reveal the relationship between attitudes towards ICT and academic achievement in mathematics, reading, and science through the investigation of student‐, school‐, and country‐level factors hierarchically in the quartiles of performance.Results and ConclusionsThe results detected moderate to weak relationships among the constructs of INTICT, COMPICT, AUTICT and SOIAICT. Based on the HLM findings, complex interactions between ICT attitudes and academic performance were identified with a tendency towards positive associations between specific attitude components and high achievement levels, particularly in mathematics and science. The research identified the significance of considering student‐, school‐, and country‐level factors for high, above‐average, below‐average, and low achievers to comprehensively understand the role of ICT attitudes in shaping educational outcomes.TakeawaysPolicymakers should design educational policies, subject‐specific strategies and ICT‐related interventions by considering the multifaceted factors influencing student performance across different subjects and achievement quartiles. Particularly at the school and country levels, contextual factors should be evaluated when designing interventions to support low achievers.

Influence of different types of interclass ability grouping on students’ academic achievement in mathematics: evidence from the Confucian Asian cluster

ABSTRACT Ability grouping has attracted worldwide attention in relation to various subjects among different countries and regions. However, few studies have focused on the relationship between ability grouping and students’ mathematical academic achievement in the Confucian Asian countries. Thus, in this study, we aimed to determine how different types of interclass ability grouping impact students’ academic achievement in mathematics. We analysed PISA2022 data for 34,968 students from 923 schools in six countries and regions, including Hong Kong, Macau, Taipei, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, using a hierarchical linear model and propensity score matching. We found that overall, multi-level ability grouping reduced students’ mathematics achievement, and this negative effect was particularly significant among high-ability students, while it promoted the mathematics achievement of low-ability students to some extent.

Students’ Academic Self-Concept and Their Academic Achievement in Mathematics in Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State

The study looked into the relationship between senior secondary two (SS2) students' academic self-concept and their mathematics achievement in Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State. This study was directed by three research questions and three matching null hypotheses. A sample of 318 senior secondary two (SS2) students offering Mathematics which comprised two hundred (200) female and one hundred and eighteen (118) male SS 2 students drawn from six (6) secondary schools from a population of 1544 SS2 students offering Mathematics in Bekwarra Local Government Area, Cross River State using Taro Yamane's sample size formula and A simple random selection method was employed, namely by balloting. Two instruments were used for data collection titled; Academic Self-Concept Scale (ASCS) and Mathematics Achievement Test (MAT) used for data collection. Cronbach Alpha (∝) method was used to determine the internal consistency of the Academic Self-Concept Scale (ASCS). The reliability coefficient of the Academic Self-Concept Scale (ASCS) was 0.81. Kuder-Richardson 20 formula method was used to determine the reliability coefficients for the Mathematics Achievement Test (MAT). The reliability coefficients obtained was 0.91 for BAT. The research questions and all null hypotheses were answered and tested using simple linear regression at 0.05 level of significant. Results of the study revealed that: % variation in academic achievement of male students in mathematics was due to their self-concept, and that the academic achievement of male students in mathematics is not significantly correlated with their self-concept. On the other hand, 17% variation in the academic achievement of female students in mathematics was due to their self-concept, and the academic achievement of female students in mathematics is significantly correlated with their self-concept. Finally, students’ self-concept accounted for 23% variation in their academic achievement in Mathematics, and that students’ self-concept significantly relate with their academic Achievement in Mathematics in Bekwarra Local Government Area. The researcher recommended among other things, that parents should help their children have a positive self-concept in mathematics from an early age.

The Effect of Quantum Learning Model on Attitude, Anxiety, and Achievement of Middle School Students Towards Mathematics

We conducted this research to investigate the impact of the Quantum Learning Model (QLM) on the academic achievement, attitudes toward mathematics, and anxiety levels of seventh-grade middle school students. A total of fifty-six 7th-grade students participated in the research. The research used a quasi-experimental model with a pretest-posttest control group. The experimental group used QLM during the research process, while the control group used the current learning approach. We conducted the research for 28 lesson hours. We collected data using attitude, anxiety scale, and academic achievement tests. We applied tests to both groups before and after the experimental procedure. We used independent-samples-T-tests and paired-samples-T tests in the analyses. We also evaluated the journals of students and the researcher. Accordingly, QLM had a positive effect on middle school students' academic achievement in mathematics. The posttest mean scores of attitudes decreased significantly in the control group. The experimental group experienced a decrease in post-test mean scores of anxiety, which was not statistically significant, whereas the control group experienced a statistically significant increase in post-test scores. Students and teachers have expressed positive opinions about the use of note-taking and mind maps, which enhance the durability of learning, the establishment of a classroom environment and atmosphere conducive to QLM, and the implementation of celebration activities.

The Correlation Between Homesickness and Academic Achievement in Mathematics: Implications for Psychological Well-Being of Secondary School Students

This study examined the correlation between homesickness and academic achievement in mathematics among secondary school students, focusing on its implications for psychological well-being. A correlational research design was employed, involving a sample of 50 secondary school students from Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State. Data were collected using Scale for Psychological Impact of Homesickness (SPIH) and the Mathematics Achievement Scale (MAS). Validity was ensured through expert consultations and Principal Component Analysis. Reliability was established with Kuder-Richardson formula 21 (K-R21) and Cronbach’s Alpha, yielding α = 0.89 for SPIH and α = 0.86 for MAS. Data were analyzed using SPSS, including non-parametric tests and normality assessments. The Spearman's rho correlation analysis revealed a significant, albeit weak, negative relationship between homesickness and academic achievement, indicating that higher levels of homesickness are associated with lower mathematics performance. Further analysis using the Mann-Whitney U test highlighted significant differences in homesickness levels and academic achievement between boarder and non-boarder students. These findings underscore the importance of addressing emotional challenges in educational settings. The study advocates for the implementation of comprehensive support systems, including counseling and resilience-building programs, to mitigate the impact of homesickness on academic performance. The results emphasize the need for schools to foster supportive environments that enhance students' psychological well-being and academic success. Future research should explore additional factors influencing this relationship to develop targeted interventions..

Effect of Kinesthetic Learning on Students’ Interest and Achievement in Mathematics

One of the pertinent reasons for poor academic achievement in Mathematics is fundamentally linked to the application of ineffective teaching methods by teachers to impact knowledge to learners. This study adopts a quasi-experimental pre-test post-test research design to examine the efficacy of kinesthetic learning on interest and achievement in Mathematics. Four research questions were raised to guide the study and four hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The sample comprises 101 Junior Secondary School students drawn from two secondary schools in Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. Two intact classes were randomly selected from each school and assigned to experimental and control group. Data for the study were sourced using a modified Mathematics Interest Inventory (MII) and mathematics achievement test designed by the researchers tagged Students’ Mathematics Achievement Test (SMAT). Data collected were analyzed using mean, standard deviation and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The findings revealed a high post-test interest cluster mean of 3.10 (above the decision benchmark of 2.50) and also a higher post-test mean achievement score with (Mean = 20.82; Standard Deviation = 3.63) for students in the experimental group compared to the control group. The result also indicated that both male and female students taught mathematics using kinesthetic learning in the experimental group had positive interest and achievement after exposure to the treatment. The test of the hypotheses indicated that there is significant difference in interest and achievement between students taught mathematics using kinesthetic learning and conventional method, whereas there is no significant difference on the interest and achievement of male and female students taught mathematics using kinesthetic learning. The study concluded that kinesthetic learning has a positive effect on interest and achievement in mathematics; and that gender is not a sole determinant of good academic performance or interest in mathematics but teaching method. The study recommended that mathematics teachers should adopt kinesthetic learning or play way method in teaching because of its relevance in improving learners’ interest and achievement.

The moderating role of positive education to the relationship of level of anxiety and academic achievement in mathematics

Positive education emphasizes the study of happiness and well-being to encourage and support students, teachers, schools, and communities in their growth and development. The primary goals are to lower anxiety levels, boost life satisfaction, and improve students' academic performance. This study employed an experimental research design aimed at analyzing the post-test results of positive education in the level of anxiety and academic achievement in mathematics through moderated hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Findings showed that students' anxiety level negatively affected their mathematics academic achievement. Positive education, on the other hand, demonstrated a significant effect on the mathematical achievement of the experimental group. Positive education significantly moderated the relationship between anxiety level and mathematics academic achievement. A test of simple slopes for post-test results revealed that the relationship between anxiety level and academic achievement was significant in the experimental group, but it was not significant in the control group. These results imply that positive education intervention serves as an effective strategy for enhancing mathematics teaching.

The relationship between parental autonomy support and adolescents’ academic achievement in mathematics—the mediating role of the need for cognition and mathematics metacognition

The relationship between parental autonomy support and adolescents’ academic achievement in mathematics—the mediating role of the need for cognition and mathematics metacognition

The Influence of Learning Styles on Mathematical Performance among Junior High School Students

Learning styles are different approaches individuals prefer for acquiring knowledge and information. This study examines the influence and relationship between learning styles and mathematical performance among junior high school students at Tolotolo National High School. By identifying and recognizing students’ preferred learning styles, educators can better understand and meet students’ learning needs. The research aims to identify the dominant learning style among students and its correlation with mathematical performance. Results show that students at Tolotolo National High School predominantly prefer auditory learning. However, the study found no significant correlation between auditory learning and mathematical performance. Interestingly, a significant relationship was found between kinesthetic learning styles and higher academic achievement in Mathematics with a significance score of 0.001. These findings suggest that while auditory learning is prevalent, kinesthetic learning plays a role in academic success. These insights contribute to developing effective teaching strategies and styles that encourage students to become more successful academically.

Systematic Review in Solving Mathematical Problems

The ongoing challenges faced by mathematics students are highlighted through an analysis of the effectiveness of different teaching styles used worldwide. A systematic review of the literature selected nine articles from a total of 598 relevant articles using rigorous inclusion criteria and quantitative techniques. The results suggest that incorporating problem-solving skills into educational programs can significantly improve students' critical thinking and academic performance. Constructivist and sociocultural approaches, which promote collaboration, introspective practice, and participation, have been shown to be highly effective. The conclusion is that to foster a fruitful and meaningful learning environment and to enhance students' critical thinking and academic achievement in mathematics, a balanced teaching approach that combines direct instruction and independent learning is essential. This can be achieved through the use of technology and collaborative resources.

STUDENT'S SELF-ESTEEM AND SELF-CONTROL AS PREDICTORS OF ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF STUDENTS IN MATHEMATICS

This study aimed to determine whether self-esteem and self-control significantly influence the student's academic achievement in mathematics. A descriptive-correlational research design was used. The respondents of this study were 310 Grade 10 students in five public secondary high schools in the Division of Davao del Norte and were chosen through stratified random sampling. This study used three adopted questionnaires. Mean, Standard Deviation, Pearson r, and Regression Analysis were used as statistical tools. The findings showed that student’s self-esteem was fairly manifested while student’s self-control was fairly observed. The academic achievement of grade 10 students in mathematics did not meet expectations. The findings also revealed that both self-esteem and self-control have a significant relationship on students’ academic achievement in mathematics. The findings also demonstrated that self-control is a significant predictor of academic achievement in mathematics but not self-esteem. The results emphasized that educators and school administrators should focus on enhancing social and physical acceptance, addressing procrastination, attention control, and impulse control, and boosting mathematics achievement. These interventions may include teamwork activities, body positivity programs, and creating a safe space for discussing social anxieties. Strategies may include time management workshops, mindfulness exercises, and role-playing scenarios. Future research could explore the link between self-control and mathematics achievement, suggesting that incorporating self-control strategies into classrooms, effective study time planning and focused teaching techniques could improve test scores. KEYWORDS: Math education, self-esteem, self-control, mathematics achievement, descriptive and correlational design, regression analysis, Davao del Norte, Philippines

Social Networking And Students’ Academic Achievements In Mathematics In Senior Secondary Schools, Ikom Education Zone, Cross River State, Nigeria

Social Networking And Students’ Academic Achievements In Mathematics In Senior Secondary Schools, Ikom Education Zone, Cross River State, Nigeria

Rehabilitation of Executive Function in Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury (REPeaT): Outcomes of a pilot randomized controlled trial.

To evaluate the effectiveness of Cogmed Working Memory Training (Cogmed) in improving working memory (WM) and decision making (DM) in childhood traumatic brain injury (TBI), and any associated increases in functional outcomes such as academic achievement in mathematics, behavior, social skills, and quality of life. A randomized controlled trial of the Cogmed (RM version) intervention for children with TBI. A total of 69 children post-TBI were screened for WM impairments, of which 31 eligible participants (Mage: 10.6 years; male n = 21) were recruited and randomized to either the treatment group (Cogmed, n = 16) or the active-control group (Lexia Reading Core5, n = 15). Both groups completed computerized training for 5 weeks with clinician support via an online video platform. Immediately posttraining and at 6 months follow-up, primary (WM and DM) and secondary functional outcomes were assessed. Immediately postintervention, significant improvement was found in one primary outcome (WM verbal component) for the Cogmed group, but this was not maintained at the 6 months follow-up. No immediate improvements or maintenance gains (small effect sizes) in other primary outcomes of visuospatial WM or DM were reported in the Cogmed group. No other significant group differences were detected for other functional outcomes. Despite the limited benefits observed in this small randomized controlled trial, it will be beneficial to investigate Cogmed's efficacy in a case-series methodology, to further determine its effectiveness in a pediatric TBI population. Furthermore, a cautious approach in clinical implementation of Cogmed is advised. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Thinking Styles, Metacognitive Strategies and their Relation to Academic Achievement in Mathematics of 5th Grade Secondary School Students in a National School of La Molina, Lima, Peru

Thinking Styles, Metacognitive Strategies and their Relation to Academic Achievement in Mathematics of 5th Grade Secondary School Students in a National School of La Molina, Lima, Peru

Exploring The Relationship Between Private Tutoring And Mathematics Achievement Among Qatari Primary School Students

This study aims to shed light on the association between private tutoring and academic achievement in mathematics among primary school students in Qatar. Utilizing data from the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2019, we employ a propensity score technique to elucidate the disparities in mathematics achievement levels between two distinct groups: students who receive private tutoring and those who do not. Our findings indicate that students who engage in private tutoring have lower odds of attaining higher achievement scores in mathematics. .

Students’ Attitudes in Mathematics: When the Context Highlights the Importance of Emotions – A Secondary Publication

This article aims to gain a better understanding of how students’ attitudes toward mathematical problem-solving operate. More specifically, it examines the extent to which these attitudes may play a different role depending on the context. To this end, we submitted two very similar golden rule math problems to 94 students in grade 10, once in the mathematics class and once in the French class. Our results are presented in three parts. First, in line with much other research, we highlight the significant gender differences in attitudes, with girls developing more negative and potentially deleterious attitudes to their learning. Second, we find significant links between various dimensions of attitudes (cognitive, affective, and behavioral) and students’ academic achievement in mathematics. Finally, our analyses underline that in the context of the mathematics course, it is mainly anxiety that disturbs the success of the exercise, whereas the resolution of a very similar exercise is favored by positive emotions when it is inserted into a French worksheet. This suggests that students activate certain attitudes depending on the context – and in particular certain affects – which will have an impact on their performance. Such a result thus underlines the importance of emotions in learning and the way in which the context can induce them.