Home⇛Psychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal⇛vol. 33 no. 7 (2025)

Motivated Strategies for Learning Mathematics and Academic Success among Secondary Students, Kajonkietsuksa School, Phuket, Thailand

Josel Buscano

Discipline: Education

 

Abstract:

The importance of Mathematics motivation and learning strategies cannot be overstated in the student's learning experience and success. This research aimed to investigate the students' learning motivation and their ability to use learning strategies when learning the mathematics discipline, using the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) as the primary tool for data collection. The study was conducted on 30 private secondary students under the English Programme of a school in Phuket province, Thailand, specifically Mattayom 1 (grade 7) who took Mathematics Extended as classification. After analyzing the data using multiple regression, it was observed that the respondents struggled with their motivation and use of learning strategies, as indicated by their low-level projections on the MSLQ scales. Therefore, intervention is necessary to address these issues. Although most of the respondents achieved knowledge and skills in the different learning objectives, a substantial number of them still need further assistance to enhance their mastery level in Mathematics. Additionally, while most of the respondents performed above average in Mathematics, there were still a considerable number of students who needed appropriate facilitation to improve their performance. The study also found that the respondents' sex, age, and nationality had no significant relationship with their academic success in terms of Mathematics performance, nor was there a significant degree of relationship observed between the respondents' age and sex and their motivated strategies for learning Mathematics. However, a significant degree of relationship was found between the respondents' nationality and motivated strategies for learning Mathematics. Moreover, no significant correlation was found between Motivated Strategies for Learning Mathematics and Mathematics Performance, but a significant correlation was found between the level of motivation and learning strategies. Overall, this study emphasizes the need to improve students' motivation and use of effective learning strategies by using an intervention program that the researcher had suggested to enhance their academic performance in Mathematics. MSLQ proved to be a useful tool in identifying the areas that require intervention, highlighting the importance of assessing and addressing students' motivational and learning strategy needs.



References:

  1. Ashcraft, M. H., & Krause, J. A. (2007). Working memory, math performance, and math anxiety. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 14(2), 243–248. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3ioIojy.
  2. Baker, S., Gersten, R., & Scanlon, D. (2002). Procedural facilitators and cognitive strategies: Tools for unraveling the Mysteries of comprehension and the writing process, and for providing meaningful access to the general curriculum. Learning Disabilities Research and Practice, 17(1), 65–77. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3iw7FZ5.
  3. Beltman, S., & Volet, S. (2007). Exploring the complex and dynamic nature of sustained motivation. European Psychologist, 12(4), 314–323. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3CDJdvI.
  4. Cachia, M., Butcher, R. P., Stock, R., & Lynam, S. (2021). Academic success and individual differences. New Vistas, 7(1). Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3X4rMg7.
  5. Cambridge Dictionary (2020) Satisfaction. Cambridge Dictionary. (n.d.). Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3PQkqcG.
  6. Cazan, A.-M. (2017). Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire--Romanian version. PsycTESTS Dataset. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3jU3aIc.
  7. Chakraborty, R., Haqyar, M., & Chechi, V. K. (2022). Validation of motivated strategies for Learning Questionnaire among high school students in Afghanistan: Sciencegate. Pakistan Journal of Psychological Research. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3IGj3fI.
  8. Curione, K., Uriel, F., Gründler, V., & Freiberg Hoffmann, A. (2022). Assessment of Learning Strategies in college students: A brief version ... Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3teNAZu.
  9. Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3iyCmge.
  10. Duncan, Teresa & Mckeachie, Wilbert. (2010). The Making of the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire. Educational Psychologist. 40. 117-128. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3k1OuXz.
  11. Eshel, Yohanan & Kohavi, Revital (2003). Perceived Classroom Control, Self-
  12. Regulated Learning Strategies, and Academic Achievement. Educational Psychology - EDUC PSYCHOL-UK. 23. 249-260. Retrieved from:  https://bit.ly/3X8XvwU.
  13. Filipu, N. (2019). The lack of motivation in high school students. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3GMuAHx.
  14. Filgona, Jacob, Sakiyo, John, Gwany, D & Okoronka, Augustine. (2020). Motivation in Learning. Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies. 10. 16-37. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3QtuKsa.
  15. Flavell, J. H. (1979). Metacognition and cognitive monitoring: A new area of cognitive-developmental inquiry. American Psychologist, 34(10), 906–911. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3iq6lXZ.
  16. Gordeeva, T. O., & Sychev, O. A. (2021). Self-Motivation Strategies: The quality of internal dialogue is important for well-being and academic success. Психологическая Наука и Образование, 26(5), 6–16. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3iuNZFc.
  17. Grootenboer, P. J., & Hemmings, B. C. (2007). Mathematics performance and the role played by affective and background … Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3bldQvt.
  18. Hariri, H., Hermanto, D., Yayah, E., Rini, R., & Suparman, U. (2021). Motivation and learning strategies: Student Motivation Affects Student Learning Strategies. European Journal of Educational Research, 10(1), 39–49. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3GTdmtI.
  19. Hartel, R. W., & Foegeding, E. A. (2004). Learning objectives competencies outcomes - LCCC. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3cHmbdi.
  20. Hongwisat, P., Wuthikanokkan, T., & Romayes, C. (2021). How does covid -19 affect Thai students? International Journal of Research and Review, 8(9), 126–129. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3X0sqLv.
  21. Hyde, J. S. (2016). Sex and cognition: Gender and cognitive functions. Current Opinion in Neurobiology. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3QzLKNh.
  22. Islam, N., & Saha, P. (2020). An analysis of the factors affecting the academic performance of undergraduate students. SSRN Electronic Journal. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3Quawym.
  23. Jakesova, J., & Hrbackova, K. (2014). The Czech adaptation of Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ). Asian Social Science, 10(12). Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3Xh07rS.
  24. Jangsiriwattana, D. T. (2017). Factors affecting student's motivation and strategies for learning. Academia.edu. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3MkuWWV.
  25. Khampirat, B. (2021). Validation of motivated strategies for learning questionnaire: Comparison of three competing models. International Journal of Instruction, 14(2), 609–626. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3CGapKu.
  26. Kumar, V., & Gupta, J. (2020). Validation of motivated strategies for learning questionnaire (MSLQ) in … Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3Q0lYBd.
  27. Le, T. (2018). Outcome-based college English teaching: Student satisfaction with learning outcomes. International Journal on Studies in English Language and Literature, 6(3). Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3IBC4A0.
  28. Legault, L. (2016). Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences, 1–4. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3X3odqC.
  29. Liss, E. (1937). Emotional and biological factors involved in learning processes. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 7(4), 483–488. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3GAW7Me.
  30. Mala, D. (2019, December 4). Poor grades for Thai students in Pisa tests. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3XkYLMT.
  31. Mala, D. (2021, January 2). Long-overdue end of O-net exams. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3xqxoqs.
  32. Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4), 370–396. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3vZ1uji.
  33. Mcleod, S. (2020, December 7). Jean Piaget's theory and stages of cognitive development. Jean Piaget's Theory and Stages of Cognitive Development | Simply Psychology. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3Xp1ZPl.
  34. Pavlov, I.P. (1927) conditioned reflexes an investigation of the physiological activity of the cerebral cortex. translated and edited by G. V. Anrep. Oxford University Press, London, 142. - references - scientific research publishing. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3xi4mcH.
  35. Petty, R.E., Fabrigar, L.R. & Wegener, D.T. (2003) Emotional Factors in Attitude and Persuasion. in Davidson, R.J., Scherer, K.R. and Goldsmith, H.H., eds., Handbook of Affective Sciences, Oxford University Press, Cary, 752-772. - references - scientific research publishing. (2003). Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3pboiZV.
  36. Pintrich, P & Smith, D. & Duncan, Teresa & Mckeachie, Wilbert. (1991). A Manual for the Use of the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ). Ann Arbor. Michigan. 48109. 1259. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3zeo1M6.
  37. Pintrich, P. R., Smith, D. A., Garcia, T., & Mckeachie, W. J. (1993). Reliability and predictive validity of the motivated strategies for learning questionnaire (MSLQ). Educational and Psychological Measurement, 53(3), 801–813. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3Gy4V5z.
  38. Phuketdir.com. Kajonkietsuksa School Thailand Education Ministry Accredited International School Phuket Thailand - Phuket directory. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3GV3b7H.
  39. Rehman, I., Mahabadi, N., Sanvictores, T., & Rehman, C. I. (2021). Classical conditioning. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3kavCph.
  40. Richiţeanu-Năstase, E.-R., & Stăiculescu, C. (2014). Challenges for education and counseling: Lack of motivation and ... Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3xawKfx.
  41. Robles, A.S., Guerrero, A.J., Gonzales M. E.P, & Lopez-Belmonte, J., (2021). Adaptation and validation of the motivated strategies for learning ... European Journal of Investigation in Health Psychology and Education. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3BXaPMY.
  42. Rotgans, J. I., & Schmidt, H. G. (2010). The motivated strategies for learning questionnaire: A measure for students' general motivational beliefs and learning strategies? The Asia-Pacific Education Researcher, 19(2), 357–369. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3ivuCfa.
  43. Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Intrinsic and extrinsic motivations: Classic definitions and New Directions. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 25(1), 54–67. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3VYvnLj.
  44. Sabbott. (2014). Learning objectives definition. The Glossary of Education Reform. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3AlOaYe.
  45. Samruayruen, B., Natakuatoong, O., & Samruayruen, K. (2010). Self-regulated learning strategies in online learning environments in Thailand. Self-Regulated Learning Strategies in Online Learning Environments in Thailand - Learning & Technology Library (LearnTechLib). Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3Qxbo5d.
  46. SchlOglmann, W. (1998). On the relationship between cognitive and affective components of learning mathematics. Proceedings ALM, 198, 203. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3AlLZ8e.
  47. Silk, K. R. (2000). Overview of biologic factors. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 23(1), 61–75. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3GzMv4f.
  48. Sirota, D., & Klein, D. A. (2014). The enthusiastic employee. Google Books. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3GTTvsw.
  49. Stegers-Jager, K. M., Cohen-Schotanus, J., & Themmen, A. P. (2012). Motivation, learning strategies, participation, and Medical School Performance. Medical Education, 46(7), 678–688. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3ixKaPx.
  50. Tabatabaei, S.-S., Ahadi, H., Bani-Jamali, S.-ol-sadat, Bahrami, H., & Khamesan, A. (2017). The effects of motivated strategies for learning questionnaire (MSLQ) on students’ cognitive and meta-cognitive skills. NeuroQuantology, 15(2). Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3X47Fyz.
  51. Tayebi, A., Gomez, J., & Delgado, C. (2021). Analysis on the lack of motivation and dropout in engineering students in Spain. IEEE Access, 9, 66253–66265. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3XlJL1f.
  52. Terry, R. E., Harb, J. N., Hecker, W. C., & Wilding, V. (2002). Definition of student competencies and development of an educational ... Retrieved July 31, 2022, from https://bit.ly/3QbWRe9.
  53. Thai Law Online (2020) National Education Act of B.E. 2542 (1999). Thailawonline.com. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3vSbOKf.
  54. Tolman, E. (1932). Purposive behavior in animals and men. Google Books. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3dq60Bo.
  55. Topala, I., & Tomozii, S. (2014). Learning satisfaction: Validity and reliability testing for students’ learning satisfaction questionnaire (SLSQ). Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 128, 380–386. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3CEdLOe.
  56. Torto, G. A. (2020). Investigating the type of student engagement that exists in English classrooms of Public Basic Schools in Ghana. Open Journal of Social Sciences, 08(09), 69–83. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3GWw17S.
  57. UNDP (2022) Sustainable development goals: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3GYski9.
  58. UNESCO (2021). Sustainable development goal 4 and its targets. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3Qva1nE.
  59. UNESCO (2020) Basic Education Core Curriculum: B.E. 2551 (A.D. 2008). neqmap.bangkok.unesco.org. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3vQXMZ7.
  60. UKEssays. (November 2018). Biological Basis of Learning, Memory, and Motivation. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3ICLDPk.
  61. Vanpetch, Y., & Sattayathamrongthian, M. (2020). The challenge and opportunities of Thailand education due to the COVID-19 pandemic: Case study of nakhon pathom, Thailand. E3S Web of Conferences, 210, 18058. https://bit.ly/3XfOkKw.
  62. Villarreal, Jorge & Arroyave-Giraldo, Dora. (2022). Adaptation and Validity of the Scale of Motivation of the Motivated Scale Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) in Colombian University Students. Electronic Journal of Research in Educational Psychology. 20. 119-150. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3tiSZyI.
  63. Wilkesmann, Z. N. (2021). Influence of motivation on academic performance of students in Germany. Journal of Education, 4(6).  Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3GPDuWj.
  64. Xu, H., & Gao, Y. (2014). The development of English learning motivation and learners' identities: A structural equation modeling analysis of longitudinal data from Chinese universities. System, 47, 102–115. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3GtZcOi.
  65. Yarnall, L., Freed, M., & Malone, N. (2019). (PDF) self-regulated learning - ResearchGate. Retrieved from: from https://bit.ly/3Mp8nQQ.
  66. York, T. T., Gibson, C., & Rankin, S. (2015). Defining and measuring academic success. Practical Assessment, Research & Evaluation, 20(5), 2. (2015). Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3pnEfw0.
  67. Zhi, E., Liu, F., & Lin, C. (2010). The Survey Study of Mathematics Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MMSLQ) for grade 10-12 Taiwanese students - TOJET. Retrieved from: from https://bit.ly/3Czg84w.

Tools


Copyright © 2026  KITE Digital Educational Solutions |  Exclusively distributed by CE-Logic