ACADEMIC SELF-EFFICACY AND LOCUS OF CONTROL AS CORRELATES OF PUPILS’ MATHEMATICS PERFORMANCE IN PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN NYANDARUA COUNTY, KENYA
Keywords:
Mathematics Performance, Academic Self-Efficacy, Locus of Control
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to establish if academic self-efficacy and locus of control correlates with pupils’ mathematics performance in public primary schools in Nyandarua County, Kenya. The study was guided by socio cognitive theory developed by Bandura in 1986 and Rotters’ locus of control theory developed in 1954. Correlational research design was utilized in this study. Data were collected from 8 public primary schools out of 67 schools in Kipipiri Sub-County. The study sample comprised of 320 pupils from the 8 public primary schools. The study used purposive sampling, simple random sampling and stratified sampling. The simple random sampling was used to select the class seven pupils who participated in the study. Self-efficacy for learning and performance subscale (MSLQ) and academic locus of control scale were used for data collection. Mathematics performances data were obtained from pupils’ mid and end of term two 2022 examination scores. A pilot study was conducted in two public primary schools in Kipipiri Sub-County involving 35 pupils to establish the validity and reliability of the research instruments. Demographic data were analysed using appropriate descriptive statistics. Academic self-efficacy, locus of control and mathematics performance was analysed using inferential statistics. The study findings revealed a positive and significant relationship between academic self-efficacy and pupils’ mathematics performance, r (314) =.61, p =.00. Further, there was a positive and significant relationship between external locus of control and pupils’ mathematics performance, r (209) = .49, p = .00. The study also found a positive and significant relationship between internal locus of control and mathematics performance, r (101) = .646, p = .00. The results of one-way ANOVA test indicated that locus of control and academic self-efficacy can be used to significantly predict mathematics performance among pupils. The study recommended that parents, teachers, and other education stakeholders should work together and come up with guidance programs that will guide students in developing greater academic self-efficacy and locus of control for improved mathematics performance.
References
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Atibuni, Z., Ssenyonga, J., & Kemeza, I. (2017). Locus of control as a predictor of academic attitude among university students. International Journal of Educational Policy Research, 4(6), 125-137.https://doi.org/10.15739/JEPRR/
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Curtis, A. N., & Trice, D., A. (2013). A revision of the academic locus of control scale for college students. Physical Development and Measurement, 116(3), 817-829.https://doi/org10.2466/08
Hayat, A. A., Shateri, K., Amini, M., & Shokrpour, N. (2020). Relationships between academic self-efficacy, learning-related emotions, and metacognitive learning strategies with academic performance in medical students: BMC Medical Education,20 (1)
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https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909--01995-9
KICD, (2020). Upper primary level curriculum design(ed), Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development. https://kicd.ac.Info KNEC.ac.ke
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Kumaravelu, G. (2018). Locus of control in school students and its relation with academic achievement. Journal on School Educational Technology, 13(4), 63-66.https:doi.org /10222663
Lipnevich, A., Preckel, F., & Robert, R. (2016). Psychosocial skills and school system in the 21st century: Theory, research, and practice (eds), Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/
Mabena, N., Namayammu, M., & Ramapela, S., S. (2021). Factors contributing to poor learner performance in mathematics: A case selected schools in Mpulanga province, South Africa. Creative Common Attribution, 79(3), 451. https://doi.org/10.33225/pec/21.79.459
Merkine, B., Zekarias, Z., & Woldeyesus, E. (2019). The relationship between locus of control and student’s university academic achievement. Global Journal of Human Social Science, 19 (12). http://creativecommons,org/licence/
Mwaura, M. N., Kimani, M., & Manyasi., B. (2019). The relationship between academic self-efficacy as a detrminant of career aspiration and academic performance of students in public secondary schools in Nairobi County, Kenya. International Journal of Academic Research and Development, 4(4), 17-21.www.academicjournal.in
Mugenda, O. M. & Mugenda, A. G. (2003). Research methods: Quantitative and qualitative Approaches. Nairobi: African Centre for Technology Studies.
Muiga, J., W. (2020). Emotional intelligence and academic self-efficacy beliefs as predictor of academic achievement among form four students in Kiambu Count (Master’s thesis). https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/bitstream/handle/12345678
Mukolwe, A., N. (2015). Selected correlate of examination anxiety and academic performance of student in public secondary in Khwisero sub-county (Master Thesis).https://ir-library.ku- /123456789/14239
Mutweleli, M., S. & Muthui, P. (2020). Academic self-efficacy as a predictor of academic locus of control among secondary school students in Kenya. .International Journal of Innovative Research and Advanced Studies, 7(2), 33-42. www.ijiras.com
Naz S., & Majoka I., (2016). A Study of Students’ Self-Efficacy and Academic Achievement in Mathematics at University Level Journal of Arts and Social Sciences 3(1), 5- 251
NCES. (2022). Mathematics performance. Condition for education report. https:nces.ed.gov/
Njenga, W., Njoka, J., Ndungu, C. W. (2019). Assessment of self-efficacy on students’ academic performance in secondary schools. A comparative study of male and female students. Journal of Art and Humanities, 8(10), 17-43. https://doi.org/10.18533
Nongtdu, S., & Bhutia, Y. (2017). Locus of control in relation to academic achievement of college students in Meghalaya. https://www.semanticscholar.org/
Odiri, O. (2020). Relationship between students’ self-efficacy and their achievement in senior secondary school mathematics, Delta Central Senatorial District, Nigeria. International Journal of Education and Research, 8(5), 35-42.www.ijern.com
Özcan, B., & Kültür, Y. Z. (2021). The Relationship Between Sources of Mathematics Self-Efficacy and Mathematics Test and Course Achievement in High School Seniors. SAGE Open, 11(3), 215824402110401. https://doi.org/10.1177/215
Ozkal, N. (2019). Relationships between self-efficacy beliefs, engagement and academic performance in math lessons. Cypriot Journal of Educational Sciences, 14(2), 190–200. https://doi.org/10.18844/cjes.v14i2.3766
Pintrich, R., Smith, A. F., Garcia, T., & Mckeachie, J. (1990). A Manual for the use of the motivated strategies for learning questionnaire (MSLQ), Michigan: http://files.eric.ed.gov
Putri, W. K., & Prabawanto, S. (2018). The analyses of students’ self-efficacy in learning mathematics. Journal of International Conference on Mathematics and Science Education 118(3), 100-107. https//.doi:10.1088/1742-6596/1157/3/032113
Rotter. (1954). Theory of Social Learning. Psychological Reports. 44, 625-626. https:// doi.org/ 10.1037/10788-000.
Sinan, G. H., & Jongur I., U. (2016). Determining the relationship between students’ academic self-efficacy and performance. International Journal of Social Science and Information Technology. 2(2), 2412-0294. http://www.ijssit.com
Ugwuanyi, C. S., Okeke, C.I.O. & Asomugha, C.G., (2020). Prediction of learners’ mathematics performance by their emotional intelligence, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. Cypriot Journal of Educational Science. 15(3), 492-501. DOI: 10.18844/cjes.v%vi%i.4916
Villa, E. A., & Sebastian, M. A. (2021). Achievement motivation, locus of control and study habits as predictors of mathematics achievement of New college students. International Electronic Journal of Mathematics Education.16 (3), 16(3), em0661.https://doi.org/10.29333/iej
Vituli, W. L. (2016). The effect of academic self-efficacy and locus of control have in the successful completion of high School cyber courses. (Doctoral thesis). https://www. semantic.org/
Wachira, C. N. (2016). Causes of poor performance in mathematics in secondary schools: A case of Nyandarua North sub-county [Degree of executive masters, Karatina University]. https://karuspace.karu.ac.ke/
Zakariya, F. (2021). Self-efficacy between previous and current mathematics performance of undergraduate students: An instrumental variable approach to exposing a causal relationship. Journal frontiers in Psychology, 11, http:// doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg/
Abbas, S. (2018).Writing apprehension and performance of Iraq EFL students according to their locus of control orientation. Al-Ustath, 224(1), 15-20.https.www.researchgate.net/1325
Abid, M.A., Kanwal, S., Nasir, M., Iqbal, S., & Noor-ul-Huda (2016). The effect of locus of control on academic performance of the students at tertiary level. International Review of Management and Business Research Journal, 86(5). https://doi.org/10.1177/213
Abukari, Z., Mashoud, M., & Andani, A., B. (2020). Academic outcome of high school students in Northern Ghana. The mediator role of locus of control. Journal of Educational and Social Research, 10 (1), 117. https://doi.org/10.36941/jesr-2020.
Atibuni, Z., Ssenyonga, J., & Kemeza, I. (2017). Locus of control as a predictor of academic attitude among university students. International Journal of Educational Policy Research, 4(6), 125-137.https://doi.org/10.15739/JEPRR/
Atwete, A. T., Aloka, J. P., & Gudo, C. (2018). Influence of internal locus of Control on mathematics achievement among students in secondary schools in Kenya. International Journal of Education and Research, 6 (8), 2411-5681. http://ir.jooust.ac.ke:8080
Bandura, A. (1986). Social foundation of thought and action: A social cognitive theory. Asian Journal of Social Psychology, 2(1), 21-41.http://en.m.wikipedia.org/
Bishara, S., & Kaplan, S. (2018). The relationship of locus of control and metacognitive knowledge of math with math achievements. International Journal of Disability, Development and Education, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/1034912x.2018.1432033
Bofah, E. A., Hannula, M.S. (2015). TIMSS data in an African comparative perspective: Investigating the factors influencing achievement in mathematics and their psychometric properties. Large-scale Assess Education, 3 (4)335-381. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40536/
Chinedu, O. R., & Nwizuzu, C. B. (2021). Relationship between locus of control and academic achievement of secondary school students in Abia State. Journal of Analytical Sciences, Methods and Instrumentation, 11(02), 15–22. https://doi.org/10.4236/jasmi.2021.112002
Ciftci, S. K. (2019). The effect of mathematics teacher candidates’ locus of control on math anxiety: structural equation modeling. European Journal of Education Studies, 5(0). https://doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v0i0.2266
Creswell, J.W. (2012). Educational research; Planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative and Qualitative Research,(4 th ed.)Pearson. https://www.researchgate.net
Curtis, A. N., & Trice, D., A. (2013). A revision of the academic locus of control scale for college students. Physical Development and Measurement, 116(3), 817-829.https://doi/org10.2466/08
Hayat, A. A., Shateri, K., Amini, M., & Shokrpour, N. (2020). Relationships between academic self-efficacy, learning-related emotions, and metacognitive learning strategies with academic performance in medical students: BMC Medical Education,20 (1)
Issah, A. R., & Olatunji, A. A., (2018). Predictive value of locus of control on academic performance of senior secondary school students in Sokoto Metropolis, Sokoto, Nigeria. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention, 7(1), 16-20. www.ijhssi.org
Jeniffer, T., Gitau, S. W., & Githae, J. N. (2022). Relationship between locus of control as a determinant of teacher-pupil relationship and pupils’ academic achievement in public primary schools in Kesses Sub county, Uasin Gishu county, Kenya. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarbss/v12-i1/12007
Kaburi, M. (2019). The relationship between self –efficacy and academic performance in mathematics and English language. African Journal of Technical & Vocation Education & Training, 4(1), 221-223. https://www.afritvetjournal/
Kamau, F., Kiprono, G., & Kibet, N. (2020). Factors contributing to poor performance in mathematics by student. A case study of Ndemi secondary school in, Nyandarua County [Master’s thesis, Gretsa University]. https://ir.gretsauniversity.acke/xmlui/handle/2
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909--01995-9
KICD, (2020). Upper primary level curriculum design(ed), Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development. https://kicd.ac.Info KNEC.ac.ke
Krejcie, R.V., & Morgan, D. (1970). Determining sample size for research activities. Education and Psychological Measurement, 30, 607-610. www.kenpro.org/
Kumaravelu, G. (2018). Locus of control in school students and its relation with academic achievement. Journal on School Educational Technology, 13(4), 63-66.https:doi.org /10222663
Lipnevich, A., Preckel, F., & Robert, R. (2016). Psychosocial skills and school system in the 21st century: Theory, research, and practice (eds), Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/
Mabena, N., Namayammu, M., & Ramapela, S., S. (2021). Factors contributing to poor learner performance in mathematics: A case selected schools in Mpulanga province, South Africa. Creative Common Attribution, 79(3), 451. https://doi.org/10.33225/pec/21.79.459
Merkine, B., Zekarias, Z., & Woldeyesus, E. (2019). The relationship between locus of control and student’s university academic achievement. Global Journal of Human Social Science, 19 (12). http://creativecommons,org/licence/
Mwaura, M. N., Kimani, M., & Manyasi., B. (2019). The relationship between academic self-efficacy as a detrminant of career aspiration and academic performance of students in public secondary schools in Nairobi County, Kenya. International Journal of Academic Research and Development, 4(4), 17-21.www.academicjournal.in
Mugenda, O. M. & Mugenda, A. G. (2003). Research methods: Quantitative and qualitative Approaches. Nairobi: African Centre for Technology Studies.
Muiga, J., W. (2020). Emotional intelligence and academic self-efficacy beliefs as predictor of academic achievement among form four students in Kiambu Count (Master’s thesis). https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/bitstream/handle/12345678
Mukolwe, A., N. (2015). Selected correlate of examination anxiety and academic performance of student in public secondary in Khwisero sub-county (Master Thesis).https://ir-library.ku- /123456789/14239
Mutweleli, M., S. & Muthui, P. (2020). Academic self-efficacy as a predictor of academic locus of control among secondary school students in Kenya. .International Journal of Innovative Research and Advanced Studies, 7(2), 33-42. www.ijiras.com
Naz S., & Majoka I., (2016). A Study of Students’ Self-Efficacy and Academic Achievement in Mathematics at University Level Journal of Arts and Social Sciences 3(1), 5- 251
NCES. (2022). Mathematics performance. Condition for education report. https:nces.ed.gov/
Njenga, W., Njoka, J., Ndungu, C. W. (2019). Assessment of self-efficacy on students’ academic performance in secondary schools. A comparative study of male and female students. Journal of Art and Humanities, 8(10), 17-43. https://doi.org/10.18533
Nongtdu, S., & Bhutia, Y. (2017). Locus of control in relation to academic achievement of college students in Meghalaya. https://www.semanticscholar.org/
Odiri, O. (2020). Relationship between students’ self-efficacy and their achievement in senior secondary school mathematics, Delta Central Senatorial District, Nigeria. International Journal of Education and Research, 8(5), 35-42.www.ijern.com
Özcan, B., & Kültür, Y. Z. (2021). The Relationship Between Sources of Mathematics Self-Efficacy and Mathematics Test and Course Achievement in High School Seniors. SAGE Open, 11(3), 215824402110401. https://doi.org/10.1177/215
Ozkal, N. (2019). Relationships between self-efficacy beliefs, engagement and academic performance in math lessons. Cypriot Journal of Educational Sciences, 14(2), 190–200. https://doi.org/10.18844/cjes.v14i2.3766
Pintrich, R., Smith, A. F., Garcia, T., & Mckeachie, J. (1990). A Manual for the use of the motivated strategies for learning questionnaire (MSLQ), Michigan: http://files.eric.ed.gov
Putri, W. K., & Prabawanto, S. (2018). The analyses of students’ self-efficacy in learning mathematics. Journal of International Conference on Mathematics and Science Education 118(3), 100-107. https//.doi:10.1088/1742-6596/1157/3/032113
Rotter. (1954). Theory of Social Learning. Psychological Reports. 44, 625-626. https:// doi.org/ 10.1037/10788-000.
Sinan, G. H., & Jongur I., U. (2016). Determining the relationship between students’ academic self-efficacy and performance. International Journal of Social Science and Information Technology. 2(2), 2412-0294. http://www.ijssit.com
Ugwuanyi, C. S., Okeke, C.I.O. & Asomugha, C.G., (2020). Prediction of learners’ mathematics performance by their emotional intelligence, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. Cypriot Journal of Educational Science. 15(3), 492-501. DOI: 10.18844/cjes.v%vi%i.4916
Villa, E. A., & Sebastian, M. A. (2021). Achievement motivation, locus of control and study habits as predictors of mathematics achievement of New college students. International Electronic Journal of Mathematics Education.16 (3), 16(3), em0661.https://doi.org/10.29333/iej
Vituli, W. L. (2016). The effect of academic self-efficacy and locus of control have in the successful completion of high School cyber courses. (Doctoral thesis). https://www. semantic.org/
Wachira, C. N. (2016). Causes of poor performance in mathematics in secondary schools: A case of Nyandarua North sub-county [Degree of executive masters, Karatina University]. https://karuspace.karu.ac.ke/
Zakariya, F. (2021). Self-efficacy between previous and current mathematics performance of undergraduate students: An instrumental variable approach to exposing a causal relationship. Journal frontiers in Psychology, 11, http:// doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg/
