Content area
Full text
ABSTRACT:
The purpose of this study is to determine differences in mathematics self-efficacy between students enrolled in a developmental mathematics course and those enrolled in a calculus course. Data from a sample of 185 freshmen students at a single 4-year institution using the Mathematics Self-Efficacy Scale are analyzed. Results indicate that calculus students possess not only better mathematical skills but also a more powerful sense of self-belief in their ability to succeed in a college mathematics course. The results of this study suggest that future teaching methodologies should be designed specifically for students enrolled in developmental courses that not only develop mathematics capability but also a self-awareness of increased capability. Efficacy-enhancing instructional strategies should be tested for effectiveness, thereby improving the teaching and learning process for all learners.
Students lack the ability to identify factors that limit their success [in mathematics].
Students' ability to learn and succeed in mathematics has been a concern of educators for many years, especially since mathematics seems to be a determinate of not only choice of a college major but also serves as a determinant in the acquisition of a college degree. Trusty and Niles (2003) assert that high school students earning high school credit in rigorous math courses have a much greater likelihood of success in acquiring a bachelor's degree than students not completing such a course. Related research has been conducted in an attempt to establish a relationship between success in mathematics courses and success in college. For example, several studies (Campbell & Hackett, 1986; Hackett, Betz, O'Halloran, & Romac, 1990) have determined that previous mathematics performance and perceived ability are both key elements for success in mathematics. Furthermore, research (Dorner & Hutton, 2002; Moreno & Muller, 1999; Hagedorn, Siadet, Fogel, Nora, & Pascarella, 1999) indicates that, although many courses aide students in the completion of a college degree, mathematics is the subject most essential to students' choices in determining college majors and ultimately to success in attaining a college degree.
The number of students enrolling in colleges and universities, and consequently in developmental courses such as developmental mathematics, has continued to increase over the past 30 years to a level where 3 out of 10 first-time freshman students are enrolled in such a course (Breneman &...