The role of computational skills and mathematical ability in predicting students' academic motivation and understanding of chemistry concepts

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original research

Authors

1 Department of Mathematics Education, Farhangian University, P.O. Box 14665-889, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Psychology and Counselling, Farhangian University,, P.O. Box 14665-889, Tehran, Iran

3 Department of Chemistry Education, Farhangian University, P.O. Box 14665-889, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Numerous studies indicate that mathematical concepts play a significant role in enhancing the understanding of scientific concepts and increasing students' academic motivation. This study aimed to study the role of computational skills and mathematical ability in predicting academic motivation and understanding of chemistry concepts among students. Methods: In this study, a descriptive-correlational research method was employed. The statistical population consisted of 10th and 11th-grade Male students of experimental sciences in Tabriz. The statistical sample included 169 Male students of experimental sciences (87 students in the 10th grade and 82 students in the 11th grade), selected by multistage cluster sampling. Participants completed two standardized questionnaires: the "Harter Academic Motivation Scale" and the "Renzulli Computation Skills Scale". Additionally, teacher-made Mathematical ability and chemistry skills tests were administered to them. The data were analyzed using correlation and regression analysis to assess the relationship between computational skills and mathematical ability with academic motivation and chemistry ability. Findings: The results showed that computational skills and mathematical ability have a significant positive correlation with students' academic motivation and can predict 38% of the changes in it. Furthermore, computational skills and mathematical ability have a significant positive correlation with students' chemistry skills and can predict 30% of the changes in chemistry skills. Conclusion: Computational skills and mathematical ability play an important role in improving the understanding of chemical concepts and increasing learning motivation. As the results indicate, strengthening computational skills and mathematical ability in educational programs can be employed as an effective method to increase academic motivation and enhance the understanding of chemical concepts among science students.

Keywords

Research in Chemistry Education

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 25 September 2025

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