Exploring Home Environment and Self-Efficacy Factors in Mathematics Achievement in South Korea, Turkey, and the United States

• In Event: Hilton Roundtable 22
  In Roundtable Session: International Research on Maths and STEM

Abstract

Equitable educational opportunities for all students is an important component of public education for children, families, and communities. In this study, the researchers sought to identify home-level and mathematics self-efficacy factors that significantly predict fourth grade students’ mathematics achievement in three countries: South Korea, Turkey, and the U.S. The data for this study were collected from the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2015 report. Results indicated that home resources and mathematics self-efficacy both positively and significantly predicted fourth graders’ mathematics achievement. Moreover, an interesting pattern emerged as Turkish students’ mathematics self-efficacy was higher and mathematics achievement was lower than scores in South Korean and U.S. Future research may include longitudinal studies of mathematics achievement among the three countries.

Authors

• Rachel Louise Geesa, Ball State University

• Burcu Izci, Florida State University

• Hyuksoon S. Song, Georgian Court University

• Shiyi Chen, Florida State University