From classroom environment to mathematics achievement: The mediating role of self-perceived ability and subject interest

• Published in: Learning and individual differences Vol. 50; pp. 260 - 269
• Main Authors: Tosto, Maria G., Asbury, Kathryn, Mazzocco, Michèle M.M., Petrill, Stephen A., Kovas, Yulia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.08.2016; JAI Press
• Subjects: Classroom environment; Interest; Mathematics; School achievement; Self-perceived abilities; Classroom environment; Interest; School achievement; Mathematics; Self-perceived abilities
• ISSN: 1041-6080; 1873-3425
• DOI: 10.1016/j.lindif.2016.07.009

Drawing on Bandura's triadic reciprocal causation model, perceived classroom environment and three intrapersonal factors (mathematics self-efficacy, maths interest and academic self-concept) were considered as predictors of test performance in two correlated mathematics assessments: a public examination (GCSE) and an on-line test, both taken by UK pupils at age 16 (n=6689). Intrapersonal factors were significantly associated with both test scores, even when the alternative score was taken into account. Classroom environment did not correlate with mathematics achievement once intrapersonal factors and alternative test performance were included in the model, but was associated with subject interest and academic self-concept. Perceptions of classroom environment may exercise an indirect influence on achievement by boosting interest and self-concept. In turn, these intrapersonal factors have direct relationships with achievement and were found to mediate the relationship between perceived classroom environment and maths performance. Findings and their implications for mathematics education are discussed. •Can learning environment (classroom) and intrapersonal factors (self-perceived ability and interest) predict maths at age 16?•Intrapersonal factors are associated with maths performance at 16.•Learning environments are associated with intrapersonal factors at this age.•In particular, perceived maths classroom environment predicts interest in maths.•Intrapersonal factors mediate the relationship between perceived classroom environment and maths performance.