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A study orientation questionnaire in mathematics for use in a tertiary environment
Jacobus G Maree1, Tobia M Steyn
1Department of Educational Psychology, Faculty of Education, University of Pretoria, 1 Pretoria, South Africa.
Psychological Reports
|January 26, 2005
Summary
This study developed the Study Orientation Questionnaire in Mathematics Tertiary for South African students. Key factors like information processing, problem-solving, and mathematics confidence significantly predict calculus achievement.
Area of Science:
- Educational Psychology
- Mathematics Education
Background:
- The Study Orientation Questionnaire in Mathematics Tertiary (SOQMT) is under development.
- Aims to assist South African lecturers and counselors in guiding students' mathematics study orientation.
- Pilot study focused on freshman engineering students at the University of Pretoria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To pilot the SOQMT as a diagnostic tool for mathematics tertiary education.
- To identify factors influencing student achievement in mathematics.
- To assess the reliability and predictive validity of the SOQMT.
Main Methods:
- The SOQMT was administered to freshman engineering students in 2000, 2001, and 2002.
- Sample sizes were 33, 40, and 51 students, respectively.
- Statistical analyses included reliability coefficients, item-field correlations, and step-wise linear regression.
Main Results:
- Satisfactory reliability coefficients and item-field correlations were found.
- In 2001, Information Processing and Problem-solving Behaviour significantly predicted calculus achievement (R2=46.9%).
- In 2002, Mathematics Confidence significantly predicted calculus achievement (R2=25.2%).
Conclusions:
- The SOQMT shows promise as a diagnostic measure for mathematics tertiary students.
- Specific cognitive and affective factors are significant predictors of calculus success.
- Further research is warranted to refine the SOQMT and its application.