Academic Self-Efficacy and Locus of Control as Correlates of Pupils’ Mathematics Performance in Public Primary Schools in Nyandarua County, Kenya
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Date
2023-10
Authors
Kamau, Dorcas Njeri
Mawang, Lucy
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
RJSSH
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to establish if academic self-efficacy and locus of control correlates with pupils’
mathematics performance in public primary schools in Nyandarua County, Kenya. The study was guided by
socio cognitive theory developed by Bandura in 1986 and Rotters’ locus of control theory developed in 1954.
Correlational research design was utilized in this study. Data were collected from 8 public primary schools out
of 67 schools in Kipipiri Sub-County. The study sample comprised of 320 pupils from the 8 public primary
schools. The study used purposive sampling, simple random sampling and stratified sampling. The simple
random sampling was used to select the class seven pupils who participated in the study. Self-efficacy for
learning and performance subscale (MSLQ) and academic locus of control scale were used for data collection.
Mathematics performances data were obtained from pupils’ mid and end of term two 2022 examination scores.
A pilot study was conducted in two public primary schools in Kipipiri Sub-County involving 35 pupils to
establish the validity and reliability of the research instruments. Demographic data were analysed using
appropriate descriptive statistics. Academic self-efficacy, locus of control and mathematics performance was
analysed using inferential statistics. The study findings revealed a positive and significant relationship between
academic self-efficacy and pupils’ mathematics performance, r (314) =.61, p =.00. Further, there was a positive
and significant relationship between external locus of control and pupils’ mathematics performance, r (209) =
.49, p = .00. The study also found a positive and significant relationship between internal locus of control and
mathematics performance, r (101) = .646, p = .00. The results of one-way ANOVA test indicated that locus of
control and academic self-efficacy can be used to significantly predict mathematics performance among pupils.
The study recommended that parents, teachers, and other education stakeholders should work together and
come up with guidance programs that will guide students in developing greater academic self-efficacy and locus
of control for improved mathematics performance.
Description
Article
Keywords
Mathematics Performance, Academic Self-Efficacy, Locus of Control
Citation
KAMAU, D. N., & MAWANG, L. (2023). ACADEMIC SELF-EFFICACY AND LOCUS OF CONTROL AS CORRELATES OF PUPILS’MATHEMATICS PERFORMANCE IN PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN NYANDARUA COUNTY, KENYA. Reviewed Journal of Social Science & Humanities, 4(1), 594-610.