MOTIVATION AND MATHEMATICS ACHIEVEMENT: A VIETNAMESE CASE STUDY

Abstract

Motivation plays a critical role in engaging students to study mathematics and in improving their mathematics performance. The relationship between motivation and mathematics achievement has been discussed in the literature; however, research gaps exist in terms of empirical testing of the key aspects in the context of mathematics education in Vietnam. Therefore, the aim of this study is to address the research gaps by empirically examining the relationship between mathematics motivation and mathematics achievement among high school graduate students in Vietnam. This study adopted the academic motivation toward mathematics scale (AMTMS) for its questionnaire survey and data collection. Six hundred and eighty responses were received from high school graduate students. The data were subjected to structural equation modelling analysis. The current study generated several key findings. Amotivation has been proven to negatively affect mathematics achievement. However, introjected regulation, identified regulation and intrinsic motivation positively affect mathematics achievement. The findings emerging from the current study provide a strong theoretical foundation for improving mathematics achievement by encouraging teachers to improve motivational conditions in mathematics classes in Vietnam. The study discusses some strategies, such as how to foster mastery orientation and the application of effective technology, to improve mathematics achievement.