Abstract:
In two longitudinal studies we examined if mathematics self-perception (self-concept
and self-efficacy) predicted subsequent achievement over and above the prediction that
could be made by prior achievement. We also tested if the impact of self-perception on
subsequent achievement could be explained by students’ goal orientation, interest, or
self-esteem. The participants in study 1 were 246 middle school students whereas the
participants in study 2 were 484 high school students. Achievements were indicated by
final grades in mathematics in two successive school years, whereas self-concept, selfefficacy,
self-esteem, interest and goal orientation were measured at the beginning of the
second school year. Data were analyzed by means of structural equation modelling using
the AMOS 5 program. The analyses showed that students’ self-perceptions strongly
predicted subsequent achievement over and above the prediction that could be made from
prior achievement. Thus, both studies indicated that self-concept and self-efficacy are
important mediators of academic achievement. However, there was no evidence that the
effect of self-perception on subsequent achievement was mediated through students’
interest in mathematics or through students’ goal orientation or their self-esteem.