Examining the effect of student cognitive awareness and mathematics interest on mathematics achievement
Clement K. Asiedu Menlah 1 2 * , Francis Ohene Boateng 2
More Detail
1 Wisconsin International University College, Ghana-Kumasi Campus, Ghana
2 Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skill Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), Kuamsi, Ghana
* Corresponding Author

Abstract

The research aimed to examine the effect of student cognitive awareness and mathematics interest on mathematics achievement. Using a descriptive-correlation design, the study targeted 6 second and third-year students studying Basic Statistics at Wisconsin International University College, with a total population of 1050 students. Utilizing a simple random sampling method, 290 questionnaires were distributed to these students. Data analysis employed a structural equation modeling (SEM). Results indicated that student cognitive awareness significantly positively influenced their mathematics achievement. Moreover, research revealed that students' passion for mathematics significantly impacted their mathematical success, demonstrating a notable and statistically significant effect. Additionally, a significant positive correlation emerged between mathematical achievement and curiosity. These findings underscore the importance of adopting a longitudinal approach in future studies to track changes in students' mathematical abilities, interest in mathematics, and cognitive awareness over time. Such an approach can provide valuable insights into the evolution of these factors and their influence on student outcomes.

Keywords

References

  • Akendita, P. A., Arthur, Y. D., & Asare, B. (2025). Moderating effect of teacher efficacy on the relationship between students perception of mathematics and students mathematics achievement. International Journal of Didactical Studies, 6(1), Article 28932. https://doi.org/10.33902/ijods.202528932
  • Amalia, L., Makmuri, M., & Hakim, L. El. (2024). Learning design: to improve mathematical problem-solving skills using a contextual approach.Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Pendidikan, 7(3), 2353–2366. https://doi.org/10.54371/jiip.v7i3.3455
  • Amjad, A. I., Habib, M., Tabassum, U., Alvi, G. F., Taseer, N. A., & Noreen, I. (2023). The impact of brain-based learning on students’ intrinsic motivation to learn and perform in mathematics: a neuroscientific study in school psychology. International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education, 16(1), 111–122. https://doi.org/10.26822/iejee.2023.318
  • Annala, J. (2022). Disciplinary knowledge practices and powerful knowledge: a study on knowledge and curriculum structures in regions. Teaching in Higher Education, 27(8), 1084–1102. https://doi.org/10.1080/13562517.2022.2114340
  • Arthur, Y. D. (2019). Students mathematics interest in senior high schools: empirical evidence from ashanti region of Ghana. Asian Research Journal of Mathematics, 15(3), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.9734/arjom/2019/v15i330147
  • Arthur, Y. D. (2022). Modeling student ’ s interest in mathematics : Role of history of mathematics , peer- assisted learning , and student ’ s perception. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 18(10), Article em2168.
  • Arthur, Y. D., Vittori, T. De, Welcome, N. B., Dogbe, C. S. K., & Asare, B. (2025). Enhancing TVET students ’ interest in mathematics through the history of mathematics and self-efficacy. Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1108/JARHE‑05‑2024‑0238
  • Asare, B. (2024). Moderating effect of teacher–student relationship and mediating role of self-efficacy on the relationship between peer-assisted learning and mathematics performance. Frontiers in Education, 9, 1450499. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1450499
  • Asare, B., Arthur, Y. D., & Adu, O. B. (2024). Mathematics interest and self-efficacy : exploring the relationship between the history of mathematics and mathematics performance. American Journal of STEM Education: Issues and Perspectives, 7, 51–80. https://doi.org/10.56855/ajste/v7n2024-51-80
  • Asare, B., Arthur, Y. D., & Al-hassan, A.-M. (2025a). Mediating role of student self- efficacy on the nexus between cognitive awareness and student math performance. Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1108/JARHE‑07‑2024‑0365
  • Asare, B., Arthur, Y. D., & Boateng, F. O. (2023). Exploring the impact of ChatGPT on mathematics performance: The influential role of student interest. Education Science and Management, 1(3), 158–168. https://doi.org/10.56578/esm010304
  • Asare, B., Arthur, Y. D., & Obeng, B. A. (2025b). Modeling motivation : The effect of peer teaching on mathematics achievement. International Journal of Didactical Studies, 6(2), 30243. https://doi.org/10.33902/ijods.202530243
  • Asare, B., & Boateng, F. O. (2025). Self-awareness and self-regulatory learning as mediators between ChatGPT usage and pre-service mathematics teacher ’ s self-efficacy. Journal of Pedagogical Research, 9(2), 38–54. https://doi.org/10.33902/JPR.202530637
  • Bahrami, D., & Bahrami, M. A. (2015). The relationship of self-esteem and achievement goals with academic performance. African Journal of Basic & Applied Sciences, 7(1), 65–72.
  • Bayat, S., & Meamar, A. (2016). Predicting algebra achievement: cognitive and meta-cognitive aspects. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 217, 169–176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2016.02.054
  • Bright, A., Welcome, N. B., & Arthur, Y. D. (2024). The effect of using technology in teaching and learning mathematics on student’s mathematics performance: The mediation effect of students’ mathematics interest. Journal of Mathematics and Science Teacher, 4(2), em059. https://doi.org/10.29333/mathsciteacher/14309
  • Chand, S., Chaudhary, K., Prasad, A., & Chand, V. (2021). Perceived causes of students’ poor performance in mathematics: a case study at Ba and Tavua secondary schools. Frontiers in Applied Mathematics and Statistics, 7, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fams.2021.614408
  • DiNapoli, J. (2023). Distinguishing between grit, persistence, and perseverance for learning mathematics with understanding. Education Sciences, 13(4), 402. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13040402
  • dos Santos, P. M., & Cirillo, M. Â. (2023). Construction of the average variance extracted index for construct validation in structural equation models with adaptive regressions. Communications in Statistics: Simulation and Computation, 52(4), 1639–1650. https://doi.org/10.1080/03610918.2021.1888122
  • Drakatos, N., & Drigas, A. (2024). The impact of STEAM education using robotics on the executive function of typical and ADHD students along with developmental exploration. Brazilian Journal of Science, 3(2), 113–122. https://doi.org/10.14295/bjs.v3i2.467
  • Edo, H., Vivian, M., Asare, B., & Arthur, Y.D. (2024). Pre-service teachers’ mathematics achievement, attitude, and anxiety: The moderative role of pre-service teachers’ interest in the learning process. Pedagogical Research, 9(2), Article em0192. https://doi.org/10.29333/pr/14192
  • Edwards, K. A., McCollester, M., Phillips, B., Acheson-Field, H., Leamon, I., Johnson, N., & Lytell, M. C. (2021). Compensation and benefits for science, technology, engeneering and mathematics (STEM) workers. RAND Corporation. https://doi.org/10.7249/RR4267
  • Fornell, C., & Larcker, D. F. (2014). SEM with unobservable variables and measurement error. Algebra and Statistics, 47(3), 138-145.
  • Geiger, V., Gal, I., & Graven, M. (2023). The connections between citizenship education and mathematics education. ZDM - Mathematics Education, 55(5), 923–940. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11858-023-01521-3
  • Guàrdia, L., Clougher, D., Anderson, T., & Maina, M. (2021). IDEAS for transforming higher education: an overview of ongoing trends and challenges. International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 22(2), 167–184. https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v22i2.5206
  • Guo, S., & Liao, S. (2022). The role of opportunity to learn on student mathematics anxiety, problem-solving performance, and mathematics performance. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 829032. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.829032
  • Hashim, S., Masek, A., Mahthir, B. N. S. M., Rashid, A. H. A., & Nincarean, D. (2021). Association of interest, attitude and learning habit in mathematics learning towards enhancing students’ achievement. Indonesian Journal of Science and Technology, 6(1), 113–122. https://doi.org/10.17509/ijost.v6i1.31526
  • Khormi, S. A. (2022). Integrating GeoGebra into a primary mathematics teaching intervention: impact on students’ learning processes and outcomes [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. Newcastle University, England.
  • Kurniawan, H., Purwoko, R. Y., & Setiana, D. S. (2024). Integrating cultural artifacts and tradition from remote regions in developing mathematics lesson plans to enhance mathematical literacy. Journal of Pedagogical Research, 8(1), 61–74. https://doi.org/10.33902/JPR.202423016
  • Lai, J. W., Qiu, W., Thway, M., Zhang, L., Jamil, N. B., Su, C. L., Ng, S. S. H., & Lim, F. S. (2025). Leveraging process-action epistemic network analysis to illuminate student self-regulated learning with a socratic chatbot. Journal of Learning Analytics, 12(1), 32–49. https://doi.org/10.18608/jla.2025.8549
  • Leong, F. (2014). Social cognitive career theory. In W. B. Walsh & P. J. Hartung (Eds.), Encyclopedia of counseling (Vol. 3, pp. 1627–1630). Sage. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781412963978.n585
  • Luo, Z., Yang, Y., Sun, J., Yuan, W., Liu, S., & Wang, L. (2024). Motivational profiles in mathematics among Chinese secondary school students and their relations with perceived parent/teacher goals and academic achievement. Educational Psychology, 44(4), 395–414. https://doi.org/10.1080/01443410.2024.2369232
  • Major, L., Francis, G. A., & Tsapali, M. (2021). The effectiveness of technology- ­ supported personalised learning in low- ­ and income countries : A meta- ­ analysis. British Journal of Educational Technology, 52(5), 1935–1964. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.13116
  • Michael, B., Arthur, Y. D., & Asare, B. (2025). Influence of peer learning , self-regulatory learning, and mathematics interest on mathematics performance. International Journal of Didactic Mathematics in Distance Education, 2(1), 105–116.
  • Nilimaa, J. (2023). New examination approach for real-world creativity and problem-solving skills in mathematics. Trends in Higher Education, 2(3), 477–495. https://doi.org/10.3390/higheredu2030028
  • Roemer, E., Schuberth, F., & Henseler, J. (2021). HTMT2–an improved criterion for assessing discriminant validity in structural equation modeling. Industrial Management and Data Systems, 121(12), 2637–2650. https://doi.org/10.1108/IMDS-02-2021-0082
  • Scheibling-Sève, C., Gvozdic, K., Pasquinelli, E., & Sander, E. (2022). Enhancing cognitive flexibility through a training based on multiple categorization: developing proportional reasoning in primary school. Journal of Numerical Cognition, 8(3), 443–472. https://doi.org/10.5964/jnc.7661
  • Schöpfer, C., & Hernandez, J. (2024). The critical time for critical thinking: intellectual virtues as intrinsic motivations for critical thinking. Philosophical Psychology. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/09515089.2024.2430509
  • Semeraro, C., Giofrè, D., Coppola, G., Lucangeli, D., & Cassibba, R. (2020). The role of cognitive and non-cognitive factors in mathematics achievement: The importance of the quality of the student-teacher relationship in middle school. PLoS ONE, 15(4), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0231381
  • Shekh-Abed, A. (2024). Metacognitive self-knowledge and cognitive skills in project-based learning of high school electronics students. European Journal of Engineering Education, 50(1), 214–229. https://doi.org/10.1080/03043797.2024.2374479
  • Shrestha, N. (2021). Factor Analysis as a Tool for Survey Analysis. American Journal of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, 9(1), 4–11. https://doi.org/10.12691/ajams-9-1-2
  • Starr, C. R., & Simpkins, S. D. (2021). High school students’ math and science gender stereotypes: relations with their STEM outcomes and and socializers’ stereotypes. Social Psychology of Education, 24(1), 273–298. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1007/s11218-021-09611-4
  • Thomas, A. K., Wulff, A. N., Landinez, D., & Bulevich, J. B. (2022). Thinking about thinking about thinking … & feeling: A model for metacognitive and meta-affective processes in task engagement. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Cognitive Science, 13(6), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1002/wcs.1618
  • Tian, H. yun, Dogbe, C. S. K., Bamfo, B. A., Pomegbe, W. W. K., & Borah, P. S. (2021). Assessing the intermediary role of relationship ending capability and dark side between network embeddedness and SMEs’ innovation performance. Journal of Competitiveness, 13(1), 146–163. https://doi.org/10.7441/joc.2021.01.09
  • Varveris, D., Saltas, V., & Tsiantos, V. (2023). Exploring the role of metacognition in measuring students’ critical thinking and knowledge in mathematics: a comparative study of regression and neural networks. Knowledge, 3(3), 333–348. https://doi.org/10.3390/knowledge3030023
  • Vattøy, K. D., & Gamlem, S. M. (2024). Students’ experiences of peer feedback practices as related to awareness raising of learning goals, self-monitoring, self-efficacy, anxiety, and enjoyment in teaching EFL and mathematics. Scandinavian Journal of Educational Research, 68(5), 904–918. https://doi.org/10.1080/00313831.2023.2192772
  • Vicente, R. S., Reomero, J. I., Flores, L. C., Amora, M. S., & Almagro, R. E. (2024). Comparative analysis of two educational systems in both basic and higher education between japan and Singapore. Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies, 50(1), 114–135. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajess/2024/v50i11243
  • Wang, Q., & Abdullah, A. H. (2024). Enhancing students’ critical thinking through mathematics in higher education: a systemic review. SAGE Open, 14(3), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440241275651
  • Yu, X., Li, J., Luan, X., Wang, H., & Zhou, X. (2024). The correlation between problematic Internet use and mathematical performance becomes weaker as students grow older. Current Psychology, 43(26), 22626–22636. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-024-05983-w
  • Zhang, D., & Wang, C. (2020). The relationship between mathematics interest and mathematics achievement: mediating roles of self-efficacy and mathematics anxiety. International Journal of Educational Research, 104, 101648. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2020.101648
  • Zhu, Y., & Kaiser, G. (2022). Impacts of classroom teaching practices on students’ mathematics learning interest, mathematics self-efficacy and mathematics test achievements: a secondary analysis of Shanghai data from the international video study Global Teaching InSights. ZDM - Mathematics Education, 54(3), 581–593. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11858-022-01343-9

License

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.