Proceedings of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education · Volume 1
Martin Mayerhofer, Michael Eichmair, Marko Lüftenegger
University of Vienna
⬇ Download PDFLearning strategies are central for self-regulated learning and linked to achievement and motivation in learning mathematics. Since learners typically use multiple strategies simultaneously, this study used a person-centered approach, identifying four distinct combinations of learning strategies used by incoming STEM students during their first semester. The resulting profiles ranged from a maladaptive profile to highly adaptive profiles. Although exam performance did not differ significantly between profiles, the descriptive differences suggested lower achievement in the least favorable profile. Self-efficacy was higher in the adaptive profiles. These findings offer first evidence that learning-strategy profiles may help explain variations in motivation and performance and may act as a starting point for further person-centered research.
latent profile analysislearning strategiesmotivationundergraduate mathematics