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

Year 2017, Volume: 4 Issue: 1, 37 - 53, 12.12.2016
https://doi.org/10.21449/ijate.264026

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.

References

  • Albers, D. J., Loftsgaarden, D. O., Rung, D. C., & Watkins, A. E. (1992). Statistical abstracts of undergraduate programs in the mathematical sciences and computer science in the United States. 1990-91 CBMS Survey (MAA Notes Number 23). Washington DC: Mathematical Association of America.
  • Attewell, P., Lavin, D., Domina, T., Levey, T. (2006). New evidence on college remediation. The Journal of Higher Education, 77(5), 886-924.
  • Bandura, A. (1977). Self-efficacy: Toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psychological Review, 84, 191-215.
  • Bandura, A. (1986). Social foundations of thought and action: A social cognitive theory. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.
  • Bandura, A. (1997). Self-Efficacy: The exercise of control. New York: W.H. Freeman and Company.
  • Bassarear, T. J. (1991). An examination of the influence of attitudes and beliefs on achievement in a college developmental mathematics course. Research & Teaching in Developmental Education, 7(2), 43-56.
  • Betz, N. E., & Hackett, G. (1983). The relationship of mathematics self-efficacy expectations to the selection of science-based college majors. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 23, 329-345.
  • Betz, N. E., & Hackett, G. (1993). Mathematics self-efficacy scale. Palo Alto, CA: Mind Garden Press.
  • Hackett, G. (1985). An exploration of the mathematics self-efficacy/mathematics performance correspondence. Journal for Research in Mathematics Education, 20(3), 261-73.
  • Hackett, G., & Betz, N. E. (1989). An exploration of the mathematics self-efficacy/mathematics performance correspondence. Journal for Research in Mathematics Education, 20(3), 261-73.
  • Hall, J. M., & Ponton, M. K. (2005). Mathematics self-efficacy of college freshmen. Journal of Developmental Education, 28(3), 26-33.
  • Lent, R. W., Lopez, F. G., & Bieschke, K. J. (1991). Mathematics self-efficacy: Sources and relation to science-based career choice. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 38(4), 424-430.
  • Lent, R.W., Lopez, F.G., Brown, S. D., & Gore, P. A. (1996). Latent structure of the sources of mathematics self-efficacy. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 49, 292-308.
  • Lutzer, A. J., Maxwell, J. W., & Rodi, S. B. (2002). Statistical abstract of undergraduate programs in the mathematical sciences in the United States. Fall 2000 Conference Board of Mathematical Sciences (CBMS 2000). American
  • Margolis, H., & McCabe, P. P. (2006). Improving self-efficacy and motivation: What to do, what to say. Intervention in School and Clinic, 41(4), 218-227.
  • Mills, N., Pajares, F., Herron, C. (2007). Self-efficacy of college intermediate French students: Relation to achievement and motivation. Language Learning, 57(3), 417-442.
  • Multon, K. D., Brown, S. D., & Lent, R. W. (1991). Relation of self-efficacy beliefs to academic outcomes: A meta-analytic investigation. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 38, 30-38.
  • O’Brien, V., Martinez-Pons, M., Kopala, M., (1999). Mathematics self-efficacy, ethnic identity, gender, and career interests related to mathematics and science. Journal of Educational Research, 92(4), 231-235.
  • Pajares, F. (2002). Gender and perceived self-efficacy in self-regulated learning. Theory Into Practice, 41(2), 116-125.
  • Pajares, F. (2003). Self-efficacy beliefs, motivation, and achievement in writing: A review of the literature. Reading & Writing Quarterly, 19(2), 139.
  • Pajares, F., & Valiante, G. (2006). Self-efficacy beliefs and motivation in writing. In C. A. Macarther, S. Graham, & J. Fitzgerald (Eds.), Handbook of writing research (p. 158-170). New York: Guilford Press.
  • Quinn, R. J. (1997). Effects of mathematical methods courses on the mathematical attitudes and content knowledge of preservice teachers. The Journal of Educational Research, 91(2), 108-113.
  • Richardson, F. C., & Suinn, R. M. (1972). The Mathematics Anxiety Rating Scale: Psychometric data. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 19, 551-554.
  • Scherer, M. (2002). Love and hate for math and science. Educational Leadership, 5(61), 5.
  • Shields, D. J. (2006). Causes of math anxiety: The student perspective. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
  • Smittle, P. (2003). Principles for effective teaching in developmental education. Journal of Developmental Education,26(3), 10-16.
  • Stevens, T., Olivarez A., Jr., & Hamman, D. (2006). The role of cognition, motivation, and emotion in explaining the mathematics achievement gap between Hispanic and White students. Hispanic Journal of Behavior Sciences, 28, 161-186.
  • Stevens, T., Olivarez A., Jr., Lan, W. Y., & Tallent-Runnels, M. (2004). Role of mathematics self-efficacy and motivation in mathematics performance across ethnicity. Journal of Educational Research, 97(4), 208-221.
  • University College. Illinois State University. COMPASS math placement exam: What is the COMPASS exam? http://universitycollege.illinoisstate.edu/testing/compass/, retrieved October 6, 2016.
  • University Facts. (2009, Fall). Planning and Institutional Research Office. Illinois State University, Normal, IL.
  • Usher, E. L., & Pajares, F. (2009). Sources of self-efficacy in mathematics: A validation study. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 34(1), 89-101.
  • Waycaster, P. (2001). Factors impacting success in community college developmental mathematics courses and subsequent courses. Community College Journal of Research and Practice, 25, 403-416
  • Young, D. B., & Ley, K. (2002). Self-efficacy of developmental college students. Journal of College Reading and Learning, 33(1), 21-31.
  • Zeldin, A. L., Britner, S. L., Pajares, F. (2008). A comparative study of the self-efficacy beliefs of successful men and women in mathematics, science, and technology careers. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 45(9), 1036-1058.
  • Zeldin, A. L., & Pajares, F. (2000). Against the odds: Self-efficacy beliefs of women in mathematical, scientific, and technological careers. American Educational Research Journal, 37, 215-246.
  • Zimmerman, B. J. (2000). Self-efficacy: An essential motive to learn. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 25(1), 82-91.

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

Year 2017, Volume: 4 Issue: 1, 37 - 53, 12.12.2016
https://doi.org/10.21449/ijate.264026

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.

References

  • Albers, D. J., Loftsgaarden, D. O., Rung, D. C., & Watkins, A. E. (1992). Statistical abstracts of undergraduate programs in the mathematical sciences and computer science in the United States. 1990-91 CBMS Survey (MAA Notes Number 23). Washington DC: Mathematical Association of America.
  • Attewell, P., Lavin, D., Domina, T., Levey, T. (2006). New evidence on college remediation. The Journal of Higher Education, 77(5), 886-924.
  • Bandura, A. (1977). Self-efficacy: Toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psychological Review, 84, 191-215.
  • Bandura, A. (1986). Social foundations of thought and action: A social cognitive theory. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.
  • Bandura, A. (1997). Self-Efficacy: The exercise of control. New York: W.H. Freeman and Company.
  • Bassarear, T. J. (1991). An examination of the influence of attitudes and beliefs on achievement in a college developmental mathematics course. Research & Teaching in Developmental Education, 7(2), 43-56.
  • Betz, N. E., & Hackett, G. (1983). The relationship of mathematics self-efficacy expectations to the selection of science-based college majors. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 23, 329-345.
  • Betz, N. E., & Hackett, G. (1993). Mathematics self-efficacy scale. Palo Alto, CA: Mind Garden Press.
  • Hackett, G. (1985). An exploration of the mathematics self-efficacy/mathematics performance correspondence. Journal for Research in Mathematics Education, 20(3), 261-73.
  • Hackett, G., & Betz, N. E. (1989). An exploration of the mathematics self-efficacy/mathematics performance correspondence. Journal for Research in Mathematics Education, 20(3), 261-73.
  • Hall, J. M., & Ponton, M. K. (2005). Mathematics self-efficacy of college freshmen. Journal of Developmental Education, 28(3), 26-33.
  • Lent, R. W., Lopez, F. G., & Bieschke, K. J. (1991). Mathematics self-efficacy: Sources and relation to science-based career choice. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 38(4), 424-430.
  • Lent, R.W., Lopez, F.G., Brown, S. D., & Gore, P. A. (1996). Latent structure of the sources of mathematics self-efficacy. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 49, 292-308.
  • Lutzer, A. J., Maxwell, J. W., & Rodi, S. B. (2002). Statistical abstract of undergraduate programs in the mathematical sciences in the United States. Fall 2000 Conference Board of Mathematical Sciences (CBMS 2000). American
  • Margolis, H., & McCabe, P. P. (2006). Improving self-efficacy and motivation: What to do, what to say. Intervention in School and Clinic, 41(4), 218-227.
  • Mills, N., Pajares, F., Herron, C. (2007). Self-efficacy of college intermediate French students: Relation to achievement and motivation. Language Learning, 57(3), 417-442.
  • Multon, K. D., Brown, S. D., & Lent, R. W. (1991). Relation of self-efficacy beliefs to academic outcomes: A meta-analytic investigation. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 38, 30-38.
  • O’Brien, V., Martinez-Pons, M., Kopala, M., (1999). Mathematics self-efficacy, ethnic identity, gender, and career interests related to mathematics and science. Journal of Educational Research, 92(4), 231-235.
  • Pajares, F. (2002). Gender and perceived self-efficacy in self-regulated learning. Theory Into Practice, 41(2), 116-125.
  • Pajares, F. (2003). Self-efficacy beliefs, motivation, and achievement in writing: A review of the literature. Reading & Writing Quarterly, 19(2), 139.
  • Pajares, F., & Valiante, G. (2006). Self-efficacy beliefs and motivation in writing. In C. A. Macarther, S. Graham, & J. Fitzgerald (Eds.), Handbook of writing research (p. 158-170). New York: Guilford Press.
  • Quinn, R. J. (1997). Effects of mathematical methods courses on the mathematical attitudes and content knowledge of preservice teachers. The Journal of Educational Research, 91(2), 108-113.
  • Richardson, F. C., & Suinn, R. M. (1972). The Mathematics Anxiety Rating Scale: Psychometric data. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 19, 551-554.
  • Scherer, M. (2002). Love and hate for math and science. Educational Leadership, 5(61), 5.
  • Shields, D. J. (2006). Causes of math anxiety: The student perspective. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
  • Smittle, P. (2003). Principles for effective teaching in developmental education. Journal of Developmental Education,26(3), 10-16.
  • Stevens, T., Olivarez A., Jr., & Hamman, D. (2006). The role of cognition, motivation, and emotion in explaining the mathematics achievement gap between Hispanic and White students. Hispanic Journal of Behavior Sciences, 28, 161-186.
  • Stevens, T., Olivarez A., Jr., Lan, W. Y., & Tallent-Runnels, M. (2004). Role of mathematics self-efficacy and motivation in mathematics performance across ethnicity. Journal of Educational Research, 97(4), 208-221.
  • University College. Illinois State University. COMPASS math placement exam: What is the COMPASS exam? http://universitycollege.illinoisstate.edu/testing/compass/, retrieved October 6, 2016.
  • University Facts. (2009, Fall). Planning and Institutional Research Office. Illinois State University, Normal, IL.
  • Usher, E. L., & Pajares, F. (2009). Sources of self-efficacy in mathematics: A validation study. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 34(1), 89-101.
  • Waycaster, P. (2001). Factors impacting success in community college developmental mathematics courses and subsequent courses. Community College Journal of Research and Practice, 25, 403-416
  • Young, D. B., & Ley, K. (2002). Self-efficacy of developmental college students. Journal of College Reading and Learning, 33(1), 21-31.
  • Zeldin, A. L., Britner, S. L., Pajares, F. (2008). A comparative study of the self-efficacy beliefs of successful men and women in mathematics, science, and technology careers. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 45(9), 1036-1058.
  • Zeldin, A. L., & Pajares, F. (2000). Against the odds: Self-efficacy beliefs of women in mathematical, scientific, and technological careers. American Educational Research Journal, 37, 215-246.
  • Zimmerman, B. J. (2000). Self-efficacy: An essential motive to learn. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 25(1), 82-91.
There are 36 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Studies on Education
Journal Section Articles
Authors

Ryan Baxter This is me

Alan Bates This is me

Adel Tawfig Al-bataineh This is me

Publication Date December 12, 2016
Submission Date September 8, 2016
Published in Issue Year 2017 Volume: 4 Issue: 1

Cite

APA Baxter, R., Bates, A., & Al-bataineh, A. T. (2016). Developmental Mathematics Students: Who are They and What is Their Mathematics Self-Efficacy?. International Journal of Assessment Tools in Education, 4(1), 37-53. https://doi.org/10.21449/ijate.264026

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