Students’ Motivation to Succeed in First-Year University Mathematics: The Role of Mathematics Self-Concept, Self-Efficacy, and Demographic Factors

Abstract

Mathematics is an indispensable, core academic discipline. Mathematics, English, and Science are the core subjects required for first-year university admission. An important educational research is the motivation to succeed in first-year college mathematics. This proposal uses an econometric model to test the hypothesis that student motivation to succeed in college mathematics is predicted by their mathematical self-concept, mathematical self-efficacy, and demographic factors such as age, gender, and mathematics experience. The model was estimated using survey data completed by mathematics students. The results are discussed in relation to current theory and practical implications for learning mathematics at the University