THE ACHIEVEMENT GOALS ORIENTATION OF SOUTH AFRICAN FIRST YEAR UNIVERSITY PHYSICS STUDENTS

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This study investigated the achievement goals orientation of first year physics students at a South African university. The mixed methods design involved a quantitative survey of 291 students using an achievement goals questionnaire and individual interviews of selected participants. Results showed that the students perceived they have a stronger mastery goals orientation than performance goals and performance avoidance goals orientations. Multiple regression analysis in testing the mastery goals model indicated that the participants’ perceptions of teacher and peer goal emphases made the largest unique contribution to their orientation. It is suggested that at the tertiary level such an orientation should be promoted through learning experiences such as inquiry-based learning, which has been associated with this orientation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)81-105
Number of pages25
JournalInternational Journal of Science and Mathematics Education
Volume14
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2016

Keywords

  • achievement goals orientation
  • mastery goals orientation
  • motivation
  • performance goals orientation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education
  • General Mathematics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'THE ACHIEVEMENT GOALS ORIENTATION OF SOUTH AFRICAN FIRST YEAR UNIVERSITY PHYSICS STUDENTS'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this