Chinese Miao and Han Students' Goal Orientations, Learning Strategies, and Mathematics Achievement

• In Event: Motivating Mathematics and Science Learners

Abstract

This study examined the relation among goal orientation, learning strategy and mathematics achievement, and compared the relationship between Chinese Miao and Han. A total of 532 fifth and sixth grade students in Qiandongnan participated in this study, including 211 Han and 321 Miao students. The results indicate, for both samples, master goal orientation directly and indirectly (via deep strategy) predicted mathematics achievement positively; and surface strategy was positively related to master and performance-approach goal orientation. Only Han students’ performance-approach goal had positive effects on deep strategy. The findings provide new evidence for the prediction of learning strategy and mathematics achievement by goal orientation in Chinese context and reveal cultural differences in this relation between Chinese Miao and Han.

Authors

• Meng Guo, The University of Hong Kong

• Koon Shing Frederick Leung, Southwest University, China

• Donglin Chen