Grit, Metacognitive Awareness, and Mathematics Achievement Among Junior and Senior High School Students
Marry Ann Anore | Roullette P. Cordevilla | Ethel Nabor | Apolinario Lumbay Jr | Ace Uy
Discipline: Education
Abstract:
This study aimed to evaluate and determine the relationship between grit, metacognitive awareness, and mathematical achievement among junior and senior high school students at Estaca Integrated School, Estaca, Pilar, Bohol, during the 2024-2025 school year. This study further sought to determine the relationships between selected profile and grit, selected profile and metacognitive awareness, and selected profile and mathematics achievement. It also examined the predictive power of grit and metacognitive awareness on mathematics achievement. This study employed a descriptive quantitative research design, combining a survey and correlational approach. A total of 166 junior and senior high school students were confirmed as the respondents of this study through stratified random sampling. It utilized descriptive survey questionnaires to determine the students' profiles, grit, metacognitive awareness, and mathematics achievement. Results revealed that students were moderately gritty, had high metacognitive awareness, and demonstrated very satisfactory mathematics achievement. Moreover, it has also been found that there is no significant relationship between grit and metacognitive awareness, or between grit and mathematics achievement. On the other hand, a significant positive correlation was found between metacognitive awareness and mathematics achievement. It was also found that students' sex has significantly influenced their metacognitive awareness and mathematics achievement. The multiple regression analysis revealed that, although the overall model was statistically significant, metacognitive awareness was the only predictor of mathematics achievement. In contrast, grit was not a significant predictor of mathematics achievement. Based on the findings, a teacher training design was proposed to enhance mathematics instruction by integrating metacognitive strategies. Additionally, a gender-sensitive academic support initiative was proposed to address the observed performance gap among male students, aiming to enhance their metacognitive awareness and mathematical achievement through targeted interventions.
References:
- Abdelrahman, R. M. (2020). Metacognitive awareness and academic motivation and their impact on academic achievement of Ajman University students. Heliyon, 6(9), e04192. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04192
- Alexander, P. A., Carr, M., & Schwanenflugel, P. J. (2015). Development of metacognition in childhood. Educational Psychologist, 50(4), 215-231.
- Archide, R. (2023). Grit, mathematical disposition, and mathematics performance of senior high school students. Philippine E-Journals.
- Armah, S. E., Akayuure, P., & Armah, R. B. (2021). A comparative study of male and female distance learners' mathematics achievement. Contemporary Mathematics and Science Education, 2(1), ep21001. https://doi.org/10.30935/conmaths/9288
- Baguin, R. & Janiola, F. (2024). Students' Level of Metacognitive Awareness as correlates of their Mathematics Achievement. 16. 639-645. 10.5281/zenodo.10523794.
- Bernardo, A. B. I., Cordel II, M. O., Lapinid, M. R. C., Teves, J. M. M., Yap, S. A., & Chua, U. C. (2022). Contrasting Profiles of Low-Performing Mathematics Students in Public and Private Schools in the Philippines: Insights from Machine Learning. Journal of Intelligence, 10(3), Article 61. https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence10030061
- Binalagay, L. G., Clutario, S. C., Eduarte, A. M. D., & Ponce, A. M. R. (2024, February). The relationship between grit and subjective happiness among special education teachers in selected cities in Metro Manila (Unpublished master's thesis). Rizal Technological University. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378342170_THE_RELATIONSHIP_BETWEEN_GRIT_AND_SUBJECTIVE_HAPPINESS_AMONG_SPECIAL_EDUCATION_TEACHERS_IN_SELECTED_CITIES_IN_METRO_MANILA
- Christopoulou, M., Lakioti, A., Pezirkianidis, C., Karakasidou, E., & Stalikas, A. (2018). The role of grit in education: A systematic review. Psychology in the Schools, 55(10), 1128-1140.
- Cleary, T. J., & Kitsantas, A. (2017). Motivation and self-regulated learning influences on middle school mathematics achievement. School Psychology Review, 46(1), 88–107. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/345987313_Motivation_and_Self-Regulated_Learning_Influences_on_Middle_School_Mathematics_Achievement
- Crede, M. (2018). What shall we do about grit? A critical review of what we know and what we don't know. *Educational Researcher, 47*(9), 606–611. Manuscript available from https://dr.lib.iastate.edu/psychology_pubs/52/
- Criticos, M., Layne, T., Simonton, K., & Irwin, C. (2020). Gender differences with anxiety, perceived competence, and grit in collegiate track and field throwers. Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 20(5), 2751–2759. https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2020.05374
- Datu, J. A. D., Buenconsejo, J. U., & Shek, C. Y. C. (2023). Grit, academic engagement in math and science, and well‑being outcomes in children during the COVID‑19 pandemic: A study in Hong Kong and Macau. Journal of Experimental Education, 91(1), 45–62.
- Datu, J. A. D., Yang, L., & Mateo, N. J. (2021). Are gritty students academically engaged in math and science? School Psychology, 36(3), 190–195. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/351754378_Are_gritty_students_academically_engaged_in_math_and_science
- Datu, J. A. D., Yuen, M., & Chen, G. (2021). Grit and academic achievement: A meta-analytic review of studies from 2012 to 2019. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 31(1), 196–209. https://doi.org/10.1111/jora.12536
- Dennison, J. (2020). A study to determine the relationships among grit, engagement, and student achievement. Lindenwood University Dissertations. https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/dissertations/31
- Department of Education. (2019). Policy guidelines on the K to 12 Basic Education Program (DepEd Order No. 021, s. 2019). https://www.deped.gov.ph/2019/08/22/august-22-2019-do-021-s-2019-policy-guidelines-on-the-k-to-12-basic-education-program/
- Duckworth, A. L., & Gross, J. J. (2014). Self-control and grit: Related but separable determinants of success. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 23(5), 319–325. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280771582_Self-Control_and_Grit_Related_but_Separable_Determinants_of_Success
- Duckworth, A. L., Peterson, C., Matthews, M. D., & Kelly, D. R. (2007). Grit: Perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 92(6), 1087–1101. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/6290064_Grit_Perseverance_and_Passion_for_Long-Term_Goals
- Eriyani, E. (2020). Metacognition awareness and its correlation with academic achievement of educational students. Indonesian Research Journal in Education, 4(1), 78–90. https://doi.org/10.22437/irje.v4i1.8573
- Estaca Integrated School. (2025). Quarterly report on assessment in mathematics (Q4, SY 2024–2025) [Unpublished internal document]. Pilar District, Division of Bohol.
- Flavell, J. H. (1979). Metacognition and cognitive monitoring: A new area of cognitive-developmental inquiry. American Psychologist, 34(10), 906–911. Retrieved August 5, 2025, from
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/232599909_Metacognition_and_Cognitive_Monitoring_A_New_Area_of_Cognitive-Developmental_Inquiry
- Gábor, P., Szabó, M., & Tóth, Á. (2024). Examining mathematics learning abilities as a function of socioeconomic status, achievement, and anxiety. Education Sciences, 14(6), 668. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14060668
- Hagger, M. S., & Hamilton, K. (2019). Grit and self-discipline as predictors of effort and academic attainment [Author manuscript]. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326584788_Grit_and_self-discipline_as_predictors_of_effort_and_academic_attainment
- Lai, E. R. (2011). Metacognition: A literature review. Pearson Research Reports.
- Lao, D. B. C., & Divinagracia, L. S. (2022). Gauging metacognitive awareness and performance of Grade 8 mathematics learners using a theory-based alternative assessment [Author manuscript]. Journal of Mathematics and Science Teacher. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/362815709_Gauging_metacognitive_awareness_and_performance_of_grade_8_mathematics_learners_using_a_theory-based_alternative_assessment
- Morton, D. A., & Deane, S. A. (2021). Association between grit and academic performance in chiropractic students. Journal of Chiropractic Education, 35(1), 53–59. https://doi.org/10.7899/JCE-19-23
- Muenks, K., Wigfield, A., Yang, J. S., & O'Neal, C. R. (2017). How true is grit? Assessing its relations to high school and college students' personality characteristics, self-regulation, engagement, and achievement. Journal of Educational Psychology, 109(5), 599–620. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/311448105
- Nietfeld, J. L., Cao, L., & Osborne, J. W. (2005). Metacognitive monitoring accuracy and student performance in the postsecondary classroom. Journal of Experimental Education, 74(1), 7–? Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/284066045_Metacognitive_monitoring_accuracy_and_student_performance_in_the_postsecondary_classroom
- Ocampo, E. N., Mobo, F. D., & Cutillas, A. L. (2023). Exploring the Relationship Between Mathematics Performance and Learning Style Among Grade 8 Students. International Journal of Multidisciplinary: Applied Business and Education Research, 4(4), 1165–1172. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370409552_Exploring_the_Relationship_Between_Mathematics_Performance_and_Learn-ing_Style_Among_Grade_8_Students
- OECD (2023), PISA 2022 Results (Volume I): The State of Learning and Equity in Education, PISA, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/53f23881-en.
- Özsoy, G. (2020). Investigation of Metacognitive Awareness of Undergraduate Students According to Gender and Grade Level. International Journal of Progressive Education, 16(2), 148–157. https://doi.org/10.29329/ijpe.2020.241.10
- Panaoura, A., & Philippou, G. (2003). The measurement of young pupils' metacognitive abilities in mathematics: The case of self-representation and self-evaluation. International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, 3(1), 437-444.
- Park, D., Yu, A., & Cohen, G. L. (2020). Persistence pays off: The longitudinal benefits of grit in mathematics achievement. Educational Psychology, 40(7), 895-910.
- Park, D., Yu, A., Baelen, R. N., Tsukayama, E., & Duckworth, A. L. (2020). Fostering grit: Perceived school mindset culture predicts perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 149(9), 1624–1639.
- Pintrich, P. R. (2000). The role of goal orientation in self-regulated learning. Handbook of Self-Regulation, 451–502. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-012109890-2/50043-3
- Pintrich, P. R. (2002). The role of metacognitive knowledge in learning, teaching, and assessment. Theory Into Practice, 41(4), 219-225.
- Republic Act No. 10533, Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013. (2013). Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph
- Salud, R. S. (2022). Grit and academic performance amid covid-19 pandemic: the case of the humanities and social sciences (HUMSS) students. International Journal of Arts, Sciences and Education, 3 (July Special Issue), 240–254. Retrieved from https://ijase.org/index.php/ijase/article/view/173/139
- Santoso, F. E., Napitupulu, E. E., & Amry, Z. (2019). Metacognitive level analysis of high school students in mathematical problem-solving skill. American Journal of Educational Research, 7(12), 919–924. https://doi.org/10.12691/education-7-12-4
- Schraw, G., & Dennison, R. S. (1994). Assessing metacognitive awareness. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 19(4), 460–475. Retrieved from https://2024.sci-hub.st/2344/c886ab48676010ae16918a549d83609f/schraw1994.pdf
- Schraw, G., & Dennison, R. S. (n.d.). Metacognitive awareness inventory. Lafayette College Academic Advising. https://advising.lafayette.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/247/2021/10/metacognitive_awareness_inventory.pdf
- Schraw, G., & Moshman, D. (1995). Metacognitive theories. Educational Psychology Review, 7(4), 351–371. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/227297989_Metacognitive_Theories
- Sercenia, J. C., Ibañez, E. D., & Pentang, J. T. (2023). Thinking beyond thinking: Junior high school students' metacognitive awareness and conceptual understanding of integers. Mathematics Teaching-Research Journal, 15(1), 4–24. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370443203_Thinking_Beyond_Thinking_Junior_High_School_Students'_Metacognitive_Awareness_and_Conceptual_Understanding_of_Integers
- Sigmundsson, H., & Leversen, J. S. R. (2024). Exploring gender differences in the relations between passion, grit and flow. Acta Psychologica, 251, Article 104551. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104551
- Sigmundsson, H., Guðnason, S., & Jóhannsdóttir, S. (2021). Passion, grit and mindset: Exploring gender differences. New Ideas in Psychology, 63, Article 100878. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352106668_Passion_grit_and_mindset_Exploring_gender_differences
- Sigmundsson, H., Haga, M., Elnes, M., Dybendal, B., & Hermundsdottir, F. (2022). Motivational factors are varying across age groups and gender. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(9), 2–12. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095207 Giusti, L., Provenzano, S., Grassi, R., & Mammarella, I. C. (2022). Motivational factors are varying across age groups and gender: A cross-sectional study from adolescence to older adulthood. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(9), 5207.
- Veenman, M. V. J., & Spaans, M. A. (2005). Relation between intellectual and metacognitive skills: Age and task differences. [PDF]. Academia.edu. Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu/20217046/Relation_between_intellectual_and_metacognitive_skills_Age_and_task_differences
- Veenman, M. V. J., Van Hout-Wolters, B. H. A. M., & Afflerbach, P. (2006). Metacognition and learning: Conceptual and methodological considerations [PDF]. Metacognition and Learning, 1(1), 3–14. Open access via ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/225550825_Metacognition_and_learning_Conceptual_and_methodological_considerations
- Wang, M., Zhang, L. J., & Hamilton, R. (2023). Developing the Metacognitive Awareness of Grit Scale for a better understanding of learners of English as a foreign language. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1141214. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1141214
- Wu, J., Qi, S., & Zhong, Y. (2022). Intrinsic motivation, need for cognition, grit, growth mindset and academic achievement in high school students: Latent profiles and its predictive effects [Preprint]. arXiv.
- Ye, X., Hua, L., Feng, Y., Wang, W., Yu, Z., Zi, L., Zhao, X., & Li, Y. (2021). True grit in learning math: The math anxiety–achievement link is mediated by math‑specific grit. Journal of Educational Psychology, 113(4), 678–693.
- Zimmerman, B. J., & Schunk, D. H. (2011). Self-regulated learning and academic achievement: Theoretical perspectives. Routledge.