Motivation and Behavioral Engagement: The Mediating Role of Mathematics Self-Efficacy in Primary Education

Authors

  • Achmad Hidayatullah Universitas Muhammadiyah Surabaya
  • Ratno Abidin Universitas Muhammadiyah Surabaya, Jl. Sutorejo, 59. Surabaya
  • Abdul Muqit State Polytechnic of Malang, Jl. Soekarno Hatta No.9. Malang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7160/eriesj.2024.170306

Keywords:

self-efficacy beliefs, motivation, behavioral engagement, mathematics learning

Abstract

The primary objective of this study is to explore the interrelation between motivation, self-efficacy, and behavioral engagement in primary school mathematics learning. This study also examines the mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between motivation and behavioral engagement. The research involved 660 fifth and sixth grade students in four schools in Surabaya, Indonesia. The data collected was analyzed using structural equation modeling. The study revealed that motivation is key to enhancing students’ self-efficacy and behavioral engagement during mathematics learning. Additionally, self-efficacy was found to be linked with students’ behavioral engagement. Furthermore, self-efficacy was identified as a mediator in the relationship between motivation toward mathematics and behavioral engagement during mathematics learning. The study provides valuable insights into these variables in the Indonesian context, particularly in elementary schools for mathematics learning. The research also discusses the implications of the study for teaching practices.

References

Archambault, I., Janosz, M. and Chouinard, R. (2012) ‘Teacher beliefs as predictors of adolescents’ cognitive engagement and achievement in mathematics’, Journal of Educational Research, Vol. 105, No. 5, pp. 319–328. https://doi.org/10.1080/00220671.2011.629694

Bandura, A. (1997) Self-Efficacy: The exercise of control, New York:W. H. Freeman and Company.

Bandura, A. (2001) ‘Social cognitive theory: An agentic perspective’, Annual Reviews Psychology, Vol. 52, pp. 1–26. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.psych.52.1.1

Chang, C.-S., Liu, E. Z.-F., Sung, H.-Y., Lin, C.-H., Chen, N.-S. and Cheng, S.-S. (2014) ‘Effects of online college student’s Internet self-efficacy on learning motivation and performance’, Innovations in Education and Teaching International, Vol. 51, No. 4, pp. 366–377. https://doi.org/10.1080/14703297.2013.771429

Chao, C. N. G., McInerney, D. M. and Bai, B. (2019) ‘Self-efficacy and self-concept as predictors of language learning achievements in an Asian bilingual context’, Asia-Pacific Education Researcher, Vol. 28, No. 2, pp. 139–147. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40299-018-0420-3

Chen, L.-K., Dorn, E., Krawitz, M., SH Lim, Ch. and Mourshed, M. (2018) Drivers of Student Performance: Insights from Asia. McKinsey & Company. Available: https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/McKinsey/Industries/Social Sector/Our Insights/What drives student performance in latin america/Drivers-of-Student-Performance.ashx

Chiu, T. K. F. (2022) ‘Applying the self-determination theory (SDT) to explain student engagement in online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic’, Journal of Research on Technology in Education, Vol. 54 No.1, pp. 14–30. https://doi.org/10.1080/15391523.2021.1891998

Cho, Y. J. and Perry, J. L. (2012) ‘Intrinsic motivation and employee attitudes: Role of managerial trustworthiness, goal-directedness, and extrinsic reward expectancy’, Review of Public Personnel Administration, Vol. 32, No. 4, pp. 382–406. https://doi.org/10.1177/0734371X 11421495

Chong, W. H., Liem, G. A. D., Huan, V. S., Kit, P. L. and Ang, R. P. (2018) ‘Student perceptions of self-efficacy and teacher support for learning in fostering youth competencies: Roles of affective and cognitive engagement’, Journal of Adolescence, Vol. 68, No. 1, pp. 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2018.07.002

Damrongpanit, S. (2019) ‘From modern teaching to mathematics achievement: The mediating role of mathematics attitude, achievement motivation, and self-efficacy’, European Journal of Educational Research, Vol. 8, No. 3, pp. 713–727. https://doi.org/10.12973/eu-jer.8.3.713

Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2008). Self-determination theory: A macrotheory of human motivation, development, and health. Canadian Psychology, 49(3), pp. 182–185. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0012801

Dorman, J. and Adams, J. (2004) ‘Associations between students’ perceptions of classroom environment and academic efficacy in Australian and British secondary schools’, Westminster Studies in Education, Vol. 27, No. 1, pp. 69–85. https://doi.org/10.1080/0140672040270106

Durksen, T. L., Chu, M.-W., Ahmad, Z. F., Radil, A. I. and Daniels, L. M. (2016) ‘Motivation in a MOOC: a probabilistic analysis of online learners’ basic psychological needs’, Social Psychology of Education, Vol. 19, No. 2, pp. 241–260. https://doi.org/ 10.1007/s11218-015-9331-9

Durksen, T. L., Way, J., Bobis, J., Anderson, J., Skilling, K. and Martin, A. J. (2017) ‘Motivation and engagement in mathematics: a qualitative framework for teacher-student interactions’, Mathematics Education Research Journal, Vol. 29, No. 2, pp. 163–181. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13394-017-0199-1

Flunger, B., Hollmann, L., Hornstra, L. and Murayama, K. (2022) ‘It’s more about a lesson than a domain: Lesson-specific autonomy support, motivation, and engagement in math and a second language’, Learning and Instruction, Vol. 77, No. 1, p. 101500. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.learninstruc.2021.101500

Fornell, C. and Larcker, D. F. (1981) ‘Evaluating structural equation models with unobservable variables and measurement error’, Journal of Marketing Research, Vol. 18, No. 1, p. 39. https://doi.org/10.2307/3151312

Fredricks, J. A., Blumenfeld, P. C. and Paris, A. H. (2004) ‘School engagement: Potential of the concept, state of the evidence’, Review of Educational Research, Vol. 74. No. 1. pp. 59–109. https://doi.org/10.3102/00346543074001059

Gao, J. (2020) ‘Sources of mathematics self-efficacy in Chinese students: A mixed-method study with Q-Sorting procedure’, International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, Vol. 18, No. 4, pp. 713–732. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-019-09984-1

Guay, F., Ratelle, C. F., Roy, A. and Litalien, D. (2010) ‘Academic self-concept, autonomous academic motivation, and academic achievement: Mediating and additive effects’, Learning and Individual Differences, Vol. 20, No. 6, pp. 644–653. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2010.08.001

Habók, A., Magyar, A., Németh, M. B. and Csapó, B. (2020) ‘Motivation and self-related beliefs as predictors of academic achievement in reading and mathematics: Structural equation models of longitudinal data’, International Journal of Educational Research, Vol. 103, No. 2, pp. 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2020.101634

Hair, J. F., Babin B., Anderson, R. E. and Black W. (2019a) Multivariate data analysis, multivariate data analysis. Cheriton House: UK: Cengage Learning, EMEA.

Hair, J. F., Risher, J. J., Sarstedt M. and Ringle C. M. (2019b) ‘When to use and how to report the results of PLS-SEM abstract’, European Business Review, Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 3–24. https://doi.org/10.1108/EBR-11-2018-0203

Hidayatullah, A. and Csíkos, C. (2023a) ‘Exploring students ’ mathematical beliefs : gender, grade, and culture differences’, Journal on Efficiency and Responsibility in Education and Science, Vol. 16, No. 3, pp. 186–195. https://doi.org/10.7160/eriesj.2023.160303

Hidayatullah, A. and Csíkos, C. (2023b) ‘Students’ responses to the realistic word problems and their mathematics-related beliefs in primary education’, Pedagogika, Vol. 150, No. 2, pp. 21–37. https://doi.org/10.15823/p.2023.150.2

Hidayatullah, A. and Csíkos, C. (2023c) ‘The role of students’ beliefs, parents’ educational level, and the mediating role of attitude and motivation in students’ mathematics achievement’, The Asia-Pacific Education Researcher. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40299-023-00724-2

Ho, R. (2006) Handbook of univariate and multivariate data analysis and interpretation with SPSS, Abingdon: Taylor & Francis.

Hooper, D., Coughlan, J. and Mullen, M. R. (2008) ‘Structural equation modelling: Guidelines for determining model fit’, Electronic Journal of Business Research Methods, Vol. 6, No. 1, pp. 53–60.

Hu, L. T. and Bentler, P. M. (1999) ‘Cutoff criteria for fit indexes in covariance structure analysis: Conventional criteria versus new alternatives’, Structural Equation Modeling, Vol. 6, No. 1, pp. 1–55. https://doi.org/10.1080/10705519909540118

Jiang, H., Turnbull, D., Wang, X., Chugh, R., Dou, Y. and Chen, S. (2022) ‘How do mathematics interest and self-efficacy influence coding interest and self-efficacy? A structural equation modeling analysis’, International Journal of Educational Research, Vol. 115, No. 5, pp. 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2022.102058

Jiang, Y., Song, J., Lee, M. and Bong, M. (2014) ‘Self-efficacy and achievement goals as motivational links between perceived contexts and achievement’, Educational Psychology, Vol. 34, No. 1, pp. 92–117. https://doi.org/10.1080/01443410.2013.863831

Jiang, Y. and Zhang, L. (2023) ‘High school students’ expectancy, value, and cost profiles and their relations with engagement and achievement in Math and English’, Learning and Individual Differences, Vol. 101, No. 1, pp. 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2022.102252

Józsa, G., Oo, T. Z., Amukune, S. and Józsa, K. (2022) ‘Predictors of the intention of learning in higher education: Motivation, self-handicapping, executive function, parents’ education, and school achievement’, Education Sciences, Vol. 12, No. 12, p. 906. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci12120906

Kareem, J., Thomas, R. S. and Nandini, V. S. (2022) ‘A conceptual model of teaching efficacy and beliefs, teaching outcome expectancy, student technology use, student engagement, and 21st-century learning attitudes: A STEM education study’, Interdisciplinary Journal of Environmental and Science Education, Vol. 18, No. 4, pp. 1–11. https://doi.org/10.21601/ijese/ 12025

Kline, R. B. (2005) Principles and practice of structural equation modeling. New York and London: The Guilford Press : New York and London.

Kong, Q. P., Wong, N. Y. and Lam, C. C. (2003) ‘Student engagement in mathematics: Development of instrument and validation of construct’, Mathematics Education Research Journal, Vol. 15, No. 1, pp. 4–21. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03217366

Kwong-Kay Wong, K. (2013) ‘Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) techniques using SmartPLS’, Marketing Bulletin, Vol. 24, No. 1, pp. 1–32.

Latorre-Cosculluela, C., Sierra-Sánchez, V., Rivera-Torres, P. and Liesa-Orús, M. (2022) ‘Emotional well-being and social reinforcement as predictors of motivation and academic expectations’, International Journal of Educational Research, Vol. 115, No. 5, pp. 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2022.102043

Li, K. (2019) ‘MOOC learners’ demographics, self-regulated learning strategy, perceived learning and satisfaction: A structural equation modeling approach’, Computers and Education, Vol. 132, No. 5, pp. 16–30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2019.01.003

MacCallum, R. C., Browne, M. W. and Sugawara, H. M. (1996) ‘Power analysis and determination of sample size for covariance structure modeling’, Psychological Methods, Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 130–149. https://doi.org/10.1037/1082-989X.1.2.130

Metallidou, P. and Vlachou, A. (2007) ‘Motivational beliefs, cognitive engagement, and achievement in language and mathematics in elementary school children’, International Journal of Psychology, Vol. 42, No. 1, pp. 2–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207590500411179

Oppermann, E., Brunner, M. and Anders, Y. (2019) ‘The interplay between preschool teachers’ science self-efficacy beliefs, their teaching practices, and girls’ and boys’ early science motivation’, Learning and Individual Differences, Vol. 70, No.1, pp. 86–99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2019.01.006

Orji, C. T. and Ogbuanya, T. C. (2022) ‘Mediating roles of ability beliefs and intrinsic motivation in PBL and engagement in practical skills relations among electrical/electronic education undergraduate’, Innovations in Education and Teaching International, Vol. 59, No. 3, pp. 326–336. https://doi.org/10.1080/14703297.2020.1813188

Pajares, F. (2003) ‘Self-efficacy, motivation, and achievement in writing: A review of the literature’, Reading and Writing Quarterly, Vol. 19, No. 2, pp. 139–158. https://doi.org/ 10.1080/10573560308222

Rubach, C. and Bonanati, S. (2021) ‘The impact of parents’ home- and school-based involvement on adolescents’ intrinsic motivation and anxiety in math’, Psychology in the Schools, Vol. 5, No. 6, pp. 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.22577

Ryan, R. M. and Deci, E. L. (2000) ‘Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being’, American Psychologist, Vol. 55, No. 1, pp. 68–78. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.68

Skaalvik, E. M., Federici, R. A. and Klassen, R. M. (2015) ‘Mathematics achievement and self-efficacy: Relations with motivation for mathematics’, International Journal of Educational Research, Vol. 72, No. 4, pp. 129–136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2015.06.008

Skaalvik, E. M. and Skaalvik, S. (2013) ‘School goal structure: Associations with students’ perceptions of their teachers as emotionally supportive, academic self-concept, intrinsic motivation, effort, and help seeking behavioral’, International Journal of Educational Research, Vol. 61, No, 5, pp. 5–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2013.03.007

Skilling, K., Bobis, J. and Martin, A. J. (2021) ‘The “ins and outs” of student engagement in mathematics: shifts in engagement factors among high and low achievers’, Mathematics Education Research Journal, Vol. 33, No. 3, pp. 469–493. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13394-020-00313-2

Skinner, E. A., Kindermann, T. A. and Furrer, C. J. (2009) ‘A motivational perspective on engagement and disaffection’, Educational and Psychological Measurement, Vol. 69, No. 3, pp. 493–525. https://doi.org/10.1177/0013164408323233

Suherman, S. and Vidákovich, T. (2024) ‘Mathematical Creative Thinking-Ethnomathematics based Test: Role of Attitude toward Mathematics, Creative Style, Ethnic Identity, and Parents’ Educational Level’, Revista de Educación a Distancia, Vol. 24, No.77, pp. 1–22. https://doi.org/10.6018/red.581221

Trautner, M. and Schwinger, M. (2020) ‘Integrating the concepts self-efficacy and motivation regulation: How do self-efficacy for motivation regulation influence self-regulatory success?’, Learning and Individual Differences, Vol. 80, No. 4. https://doi.org/ 10.1016/j.lindif.2020.101890

Usher, E. L. and Pajares, F. (2009) ‘Sources of self-efficacy in mathematics: A validation study’, Contemporary Educational Psychology, Vol. 34, No. 1, pp. 89–101. https://doi.org/ 10.1016/j.cedpsych.2008.09.002

Voica, C., Singer, F. M. and Stan, E. (2020) ‘How are motivation and self-efficacy interacting in problem-solving and problem-posing?’, Educational Studies in Mathematics, Vol. 105, No. 3, pp. 487–517. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10649-020-10005-0

Walker, C. O., Greene, B. A. and Mansell, R. A. (2006) ‘Identification with academics, intrinsic/extrinsic motivation, and self-efficacy as predictors of cognitive engagement’, Learning and Individual Differences, Vol. 16, No. 1, pp. 1–12. https://doi.org/ 10.1016/j.lindif.2005.06.004

Welesilassie, M. W. and Nikolov, M. (2022) ‘Relationships between motivation and anxiety in adult EFL learners at an Ethiopian university’, Ampersand, Vol. 9. No. 1, pp. 1–10. https://doi.org/ 10.1016/j.amper.2022.100089

Xia, Q., Yin, H., Hu, R., Li, X. and Shang, J. (2022) ‘Motivation, engagement, and mathematics achievement: An exploratory study among Chinese primary students’, SAGE Open, Vol. 12, No. 4, pp. 1–13. https://doi.org/ 10.1177/21582440221134609

Xie, F., Yang, Y. and Xiao, C. (2022) ‘Gender-math stereotypes and mathematical performance: the role of attitude toward mathematics and math self-concept’, European Journal of Psychology of Education, Vol. 39, pp. 695–708. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10212-022-00631-y

Additional Files

Published

2024-09-30

How to Cite

Hidayatullah, A., Abidin, R. and Muqit, A. (2024) ’Motivation and Behavioral Engagement: The Mediating Role of Mathematics Self-Efficacy in Primary Education’, Journal on Efficiency and Responsibility in Education and Science, vol. 17, no. 3, pp. 237–246. https://doi.org/10.7160/eriesj.2024.170306

Issue

Section

Research Paper