Abstract
Although scientific and technological developments are mathematics-based, many students continue to perform poorly
in mathematics. This study investigated how students’ mathematics self-concept (MSC) is related to their motivation
to learn mathematics (SMOT) and gender differences in the two constructs. Out of 165 900 students in 256 secondary
schools, 649 students in 32 randomly selected schools completed a validated, group-administered questionnaire whose
a-reliability was 0.88 and 0.89 for MSC and SMOT, respectively. Results, at 0.05a-level, show a statistically significant
relationship between students’ MSC and SMOT. MSC explained 63% of the variance in SMOT. Gender differences,
favoring boys, in students’ MSC and SMOT were significant with girls in co-educational schools being the most
disadvantaged. The study concludes that students’ MSC is related to SMOT and is differentiated by gender, grade level
and school’s social set up, and that boys perceive their success in mathematics more positively than girls. It recommends
that educators enhance students’ MSC and SMOT through regular feedback, using a variety of instructional approaches
and media, creating students’ interest in mathematics, making it relevant and increasing students’ probability of success
and satisfaction. Educators should introduce positive interventions in form 1 and should conduct further research to
determine why girls, more than boys, detest learning mathematics.
2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.