A survey on mathematics achievement goals orientation among Malaysian students: Application of rasch measurement

Abstract

Motivation is a fundamental learning construct that could trigger and boost one's achievement behaviour. Achievement goals orientation is one of the motivational variables focusing on learning aims in specific learning situation. In the context of mathematics learning, the learning orientation of the students is very important to be identified especially for the teacher as many students perceived mathematics is a very tough subject. Moreover, the assessment pressure experience by the students is also the significant determinant of adopting specific achievement goals orientation in learning mathematics. Align with that, this study aims to explore the type(s) of achievement goals orientation adopt by the students in the Malaysian settings. This survey study was conducted to 976 secondary schools students which selected from three state in Malaysia. Achievement Goal Questionnaire was adapt as the instrument tool. All the collected data were analysed descriptively to identify the frequency and mean value for each types of achievement goals orientation. Findings of result showed that the goal orientation with the highest mean was mastery goal orientation and followed by performance-approach goal orientation and performanceavoidance goal orientation. This study implied that the adoption of mastery goals orientation should be retain and not let external factors such as social and exam pressure affects it.