Dergiler / International Journal of Assessment Tools in Education / 2017 / Cilt: 4 - Sayı: 1

Developmental Mathematics Students: Who are They and What is Their Mathematics Self-Efficacy?

Developmental Mathematics Students: Who are They and What is Their Mathematics Self-Efficacy?

Sayfa
37–53
DOI
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Özet

The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine differences in developmental mathematics students’ self-efficacy within the demographic data from the survey. Data from a sample of 240 Intermediate Algebra students at a single four-year university using the Mathematics Self-Efficacy Results indicate that males possess higher levels of mathematics self-efficacy and confidence with their mathematical abilities than females. Students who completed a lower developmental mathematics course prior to Intermediate Algebra possess lower levels of mathematics self-efficacy. The results of this study suggest developmental mathematics instructors should refine their teaching methodologies by incorporating strategies to increase their student’s self-efficacy.

Abstract

The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine differences in developmental mathematics students’ self-efficacy within the demographic data from the survey. Data from a sample of 240 Intermediate Algebra students at a single four-year university using the Mathematics Self-Efficacy Results indicate that males possess higher levels of mathematics self-efficacy and confidence with their mathematical abilities than females. Students who completed a lower developmental mathematics course prior to Intermediate Algebra possess lower levels of mathematics self-efficacy. The results of this study suggest developmental mathematics instructors should refine their teaching methodologies by incorporating strategies to increase their student’s self-efficacy.

Anahtar kelimeler: Developmental mathematics, Higher education, Self-Efficacy, Traditional and non-traditional students, Gender, Ethnicity