Mathematics Self-Efficacy and Motivation as Predictors of Problem-Solving Skills of Students

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study is to determine whether mathematics self-efficacy and motivation predict students' problem-solving skills. This study employed a descriptive and correlational research design. Using stratified random sampling, 100 tertiary education students specializing in mathematics were selected as respondents from four public higher institutions in Davao de Oro during the school year 2022-2023. Furthermore, this study employed two adapted survey questionnaires and one researcher-designed questionnaire; all validated to collect data and treated using mean, Pearson-r, and regression analysis. The findings showed that mathematics self-efficacy and motivation among the students are high, while their problem-solving skills are very low. The results also revealed that mathematics self-efficacy and motivation negatively correlated with problem-solving skills. Moreover, only motivation can predict the problem-solving skills of the students. These results encourage educators and administrators to enhance students' problem-solving skills. Furthermore, to improve the applicability of the results, it is imperative to carry out replication studies in various locales. This will validate the durability of these relationships beyond the present research setting and contribute to a more comprehensive comprehension of these issues.