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The influences of conceptions of mathematics and self‐directed learning skills on university students' achievement in mathematics

Bibliographic Data

ID21446571
AuthorsKhaled Alotaibi (Psychology Department College of Education King Saud University Riyadh Saudi Arabia), Sultan Alanazi (Psychology Department College of Education King Saud University Riyadh Saudi Arabia)
Year2021
Volume56
Issue1
Pages117-132
Publication date2021-03-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueEuropean Journal of Education (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0141-8211 • E-ISSN: 1465-3435
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/ejed.12428
OpenAlexW3110196445
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited24

This study tested the mediating role of self‐directed learning skills (SDL) between students’ conceptions of mathematics and their achievement in mathematics using a structural equation model. Data were collected using the “Conceptions of Mathematics Questionnaire” and the “Self‐Rating Scale of Self‐Directed Learning”, together with students’ achievement in mathematics. A sample of 440 first year university students at King Saud University participated in the study. The findings confirm the moderating role of students’ self‐directed learning skills between their conceptions of mathematics and their achievement in mathematics. Students who have a highly fragmented conception of mathematics tended to have low SDL skills, and in turn low mathematics achievement (partial mediation), whereas students who have a highly cohesive conception of mathematics tended to have high self‐directed learning skills, and in turn high mathematics achievement (full mediation). Mathematics educators should be aware that students’ conceptions of mathematics may be influential, but not sufficient to predict achievement in mathematics. Equipping students with appropriate conceptions of mathematics and self‐directed learning skills is key to enhancing their performance in mathematics

Connected Mathematics · Core-Plus Mathematics Project · Mathematics education · Mediation · Reform mathematics · Education and Critical Thinking Development · Innovative Teaching and Learning Methods · Parental Involvement in Education · Psychology

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Unique citing works1
Citations per year1
Citation span2025 - 2025 (1)
Citation velocityrecent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 1

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