Assessing the Motivation in Learning Mathematics among Senior High School Students at Sulu National High School in Patikul, Sulu

Authors

  • Nuriati U. Mohammad School of Graduate Studies, Sulu State Colllege, Jolo, Sulu, 4700, Philippines Author
  • Mailen A. Antao School of Graduate Studies, Sulu State Colllege, Jolo, Sulu, 4700, Philippines Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62596/70zj3n02

Keywords:

mathematics motivation, intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, self-efficacy, senior high school

Abstract

This study assessed the level of motivation in learning mathematics among senior high school students at Sulu National High School. Specifically, it examined students’ motivation in terms of intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, and self-efficacy with goal orientation, and determined the relationships among these motivational components. A quantitative descriptive–correlational research design was employed. The study involved 100 senior high school students selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from a validated instrument and analyzed using weighted mean, standard deviation, and Pearson product-moment correlation. The findings revealed that students demonstrate a positive level of motivation in learning mathematics across all dimensions. Intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, and self-efficacy with goal orientation were all rated as “Agree,” indicating that students are both internally and externally motivated and possess confidence in their ability to succeed. Furthermore, significant relationships were found among the motivational components, showing that these variables are interconnected and collectively influence students’ learning behavior. The study concludes that motivation in mathematics is multidimensional, where internal interest, external influences, and self-belief work together to support students’ engagement and performance. Strengthening these components through appropriate instructional strategies and supportive learning environments can further enhance students’ motivation and academic outcomes in mathematics.

References

Bakır, N. Ş., & Gülşen Turgut, İ. (2023). A research on mathematical epistemological beliefs and mathematics motivation of high school students. Acta Didactica Napocensia, 16(1), 196–214.

Balolong, E. R., Gerzon, M. R., Manilag, S. J., Peteros, E. D., & Etcuban, J. O. (2025). Students’ motivation, learning strategies, and math performance in modular distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. REDIMAT – Journal of Research in Mathematics Education, 14(1), 76–94.

Baucas, R. C. (2024). The mathematics performance and the track preference of Grade 10 students. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Analysis, 7(5), 2338–2349.

Bayocot, F. A. E., Magarang, E. H., & Samonteza, N. T. (2023). Academic motivation and stress of senior high school students in a rural post-quarantine face-to-face learning context. Panagdait Journal of Learning, Culture, and Educational Trends.

Bendol, R. M., & Dalayap, F. M., Jr. (2025). Self-efficacy as a mediator between motivation and confidence in mathematics. Asian Journal of Science Education, 7(2), 45–59.

Bernardo, A. B. I., Cordel, M. O., II, 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), 61. https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence1003006

Beswick, K., Watt, H. M. G., Granziera, H., Geiger, V., & Fraser, S. (2023). Boys’ motivation profiles in mathematics: Relations with contextual factors, wellbeing, and engagement in a boys-only school. ZDM Mathematics Education, 55(2), 315–329.

Bond, M., Buntins, K., Bedenlier, S., Zawacki-Richter, O., & Kerres, M. (2020). Mapping research in student engagement and educational technology in higher education: A systematic evidence map. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 17(1), 1–30.

Bravo, G. A. B., & Nobles, B. G. (2024). Students’ growth mindset, motivation, and mathematics performance: A correlational study. Asia Pacific Higher Education Research Journal, 10(1), 1–15.

Cabilan, J. B., & Peteros, E. D. (2024). Predictive analysis of independent learning bearing on students’ mathematics performance in Davao de Oro, Philippines. Journal on Mathematics Education, 15(4), 1409–1432.

Campanilla, N. S. (2024). Exploratory analysis of learners’ motivation on learning mathematics in the Philippines. Journal of Social, Humanity, and Education, 5(1), 37–59.

Dayupay, J., Santos, R., & Lim, K. (2022). College students’ motivational strategies, study skills, and mathematics performance: A structural model. Journal of Positive School Psychology, 6(5), 1162–1177.

De la Cruz Serrano, M. (2025). Impacto del enfoque “Matemáticas en Tres Actos” en la educación matemática. Revista Iberoamericana de Educación Matemática, 35(1), 50–68.

Diseth, Å. (2025). Motivation and learning strategies among students in upper secondary education: Grade level differences and academic outcomes. Frontiers in Education, 10, Article 1679954.

Eccles, J. S., & Wigfield, A. (2020). From expectancy-value theory to situated expectancy-value theory: A developmental, social cognitive, and sociocultural perspective on motivation. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 61, 101859.

Eminita, V., Saefuddin, A., Sadik, K., & Syafitri, U. D. (2024). Analyzing multilevel model of educational data: Teachers’ ability effect on students’ mathematical learning motivation. Journal on Mathematics Education, 15(2), 431–450.

Espera, J. R., & Sanchez, R. (2025). Mediating roles of mathematics motivation and mathematics anxiety on the relationship between mathematics self-efficacy and numeracy of students. Psychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 47(5), 675–688.

Falebita, O., Asanre, A., & Chibisa, A. (2025). A structural equation modeling of predictive factors of mathematics undergraduates’ academic achievement. Frontiers in Education, 10, 1572840.

Felipe, K. M. (2024). Epekto ng papuri sa performance at motibasyon ng mga mag-aaral sa kanilang pag-aaral. E-DAWA: An International Multidisciplinary Research Journal, 4(2).

Ferrer, J., Ringer, A., Saville, K., Parris, M. A., & Kashi, K. (2022). Students’ motivation and engagement in higher education: The importance of attitude to online learning. Higher Education, 83(2), 317–338.

Fiorella, L., Yoon, S. Y., Atit, K., Power, J. R., Panther, G., Sorby, S., Uttal, D. H., & Veurink, N. (2021). Validation of the Mathematics Motivation Questionnaire (MMQ) for secondary school students. International Journal of STEM Education, 8, Article 52.

Franco, C. M. (2025). The influence of interest, motivation, and learning style on Grade 6 pupils’ mathematics performance. Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, 18(4).

Fuentes Riffo, K., Salcedo Lagos, P., Sanhueza Campos, C., Pinacho Davidson, P., Friz Carrillo, M., Kotz Grabole, G., & Espejo Burkart, F. (2023). The influence of gamification on high school students’ motivation in geometry lessons. Sustainability, 15(21), 15615.

Gadingan, M. M. A. (2024). Acceptability of self-learning modules, motivation, and mathematics achievement of learners. Dinkum Journal of Social Innovations, 3(12), 664–681.

Gao, H., Evans, T., & Brown, G. T. L. (2026). The relations between motivation and mathematics achievement: A cross-cultural study of Asia-Pacific jurisdictions using TIMSS 2023 data. ZDM Mathematics Education.

García, T., Núñez, J. C., Abín, A., Van der Ven, S. H. G., Cueli, M., Rodríguez, C., & Valle, A. (2026). Motivational profiles and mathematical performance in students from 7th to 10th grade: A person-centered perspective. Current Psychology, 45, Article 742.

González Olivares, Á. L., Navarro, Ó., Sánchez Verdejo, F. J., & Muelas, Á. (2020). Psychological well-being and intrinsic motivation in university students. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 2054.

Granello, F., Cuder, A., Doz, E., Pellizzoni, S., & Passolunghi, M. C. (2025). Improving math self-efficacy and self-concept in middle school: A narrative systematic review. European Journal of Psychology of Education, 40(1), Article 42.

Hettinger, K., Lazarides, R., & Schiefele, U. (2023). Motivational climate in mathematics classrooms: Teacher self-efficacy, emotional support, and student interest. ZDM Mathematics Education, 55(2), 413–426.

Hidayatullah, A., Abidin, R., & Muqit, A. (2024). Motivation and behavioral engagement: The mediating role of mathematics self-efficacy in primary education. Journal on Efficiency and Responsibility in Education and Science, 17(3), 237–246.

Hidayatullah, A., & Csíkos, C. (2024). Students’ beliefs, parental education, and motivation in mathematics achievement. Asia-Pacific Education Research, 33, 253–262.

Hossein-Mohand, H. (2023). Influence of motivation on the perception of mathematics by secondary school students. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, Article 1111600.

Howard, J. L., Bureau, J., Guay, F., Chong, J. X. Y., & Ryan, R. M. (2021). Student motivation and associated outcomes: A meta-analysis from self-determination theory. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 16(6), 1300–1323.

Huang, L., & Lee, M. H. (2023). Blended learning socialization and motivation regulation under sustainable development. SAGE Open, 13(4), Article 21582440231201374.

Hussain, Z., Dahar, M. A., & Imran, M. (2024). Impact of teachers’ behavior on students’ motivation and learning. Al-Qamar, 7(1), 69–90.

Ishida, T., & Sekiyama, K. (2024). Variables influencing students’ learning motivation: A critical review. Frontiers in Education, 9, 1445011.

Jansen, T., Meyer, J., Wigfield, A., & Möller, J. (2022). Academic motivation in K–12 education: A systematic review. Psychological Bulletin, 148(1–2), 1–26.

Karabıyık, Ü. (2024). Gamified learning and motivation in mathematics. Journal of Education and Practice, 8(1), 32–52.

Kassiani, N. (2023). What is purposive sampling? Retrieved from https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/purposive-sampling/

Kho, R., Solihati, T., & Lumbantobing, H. (2024). Problem-based learning and mathematics outcomes. Journal of Honai Math, 7(3), 363–378.

Lamadrid Vela, C. A., Aguirre Reyes, E. M., Garavito Criollo, R. A., & Lamadrid Aguirre, C. E. (2025). Influence of motivation on job satisfaction: Evidence from educational management. Minerva, 6(18), 70–77.

Lindermayer, C., Kosiol, T., & Ufer, S. (2026). How much motivation is in student ratings of mathematics instructional quality? Disentangling the role of individual characteristics, class averages, and class heterogeneity. ZDM Mathematics Education, 58.

Liou, P.-Y., Jang, J., & Myoung, E. (2024). Synergistic effects of students’ mathematics and science motivational beliefs on achievement. International Journal of STEM Education, 11, Article 50.

Liu, Y., Ma, S., & Chen, Y. (2024). The impacts of learning motivation, emotional engagement, and psychological capital on academic performance. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1357936.

Mamolo, L. A. (2022). Online learning and students’ mathematics motivation, self-efficacy, and anxiety in the new normal. International Journal of Research in Education and Science, 8(2), 456–469.

Marticion, J. A. (2021). Mathematical anxiety as predictor of learning motivation strategies among STEM senior high students. Southeast Asian Mathematics Education Journal, 11(1), 13–24.

Marzuki, M., Syamsuddin, A., & Sukmawati, S. (2025). The impact of game-based learning on motivation and achievement in mathematics education: A systematic review (2020–2025). PPSDP International Journal of Education, 4(2), 1063–1080.

Mengyao, H., Ismail, Z., Ismail, N., & Xueting, H. (2024). Motivation in learning mathematics among high school students in Ningbo, China. Journal on Mathematics Education, 15(3), 961–978.

Meti, H., Rodiana, I., Laelasari, L., & Subroto, T. (2024). Mathematical literacy skills in relation to mathematics learning motivation: A systematic review. International Journal of Chemistry Education Research, 8(2), Article 3.

Mula, M., Naka, L., & Sylhasi, F. (2025). Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation of primary school students for mathematics and English as a foreign language. International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education, 17(1), 191–202.

Murayama, K., & von Keyserlingk, L. (2025). A critical analysis of current motivation theories in educational psychology. Educational Psychologist, 61(1), 19–34.

Nurkarim, A. W., Qonita, W., & Monterroza, D. (2023). The students’ mathematics motivation scale. International Journal on Teaching and Learning Mathematics, 6(1), 42–51.

Ordeniza, J., & Ramber, M. A. E. (2024). Science motivation and achievement of senior high school learners. Sprin Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, 3(4), 62–71.

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2024). PISA 2022 results (Volume V): Learning strategies and attitudes for life. OECD Publishing.

Ortiz Rojas, M., Chiluiza, K., Valcke, M., et al. (2025). How gamification boosts learning in STEM higher education: A mixed-methods study. International Journal of STEM Education, 12, Article 1.

Paat, F. M. G. (2023). School motivation, learning strategies, and college readiness of senior high school graduates in the Philippines. Journal for Educators, Teachers and Trainers, 14(3), Article 001.

Patierez, J. G. (2024). Effects of learning motivation and engagement on academic performance and satisfaction of senior high school students. Dinkum Journal of Social Innovations, 3(5), 251–266.

Pedersen, I. F., & Haavold, P. Ø. (2023). Students’ mathematical beliefs and motivation in inquiry-based teaching. International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, 54(8), 1649–1663.

Peteros, E., Columna, D., Etcuban, J. O., Almerino, P. J., & Almerino, J. G. (2019). Attitude and academic achievement of high school students in mathematics. International Electronic Journal of Mathematics Education, 14(3), 583–597.

Phan, B. (2025). Students’ learning motivation in mathematics and its effects on learning approaches. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 9(4), 2890–2901.

Putriana, C., & Noor, N. L. (2020). The effect of online learning on students’ motivation and mathematics achievement. Math Locus: Journal of Research and Innovation in Mathematics Education, 2(1).

Ramli, I. S. M., Maat, S. M., & Khalid, F. (2020). Game-based learning and student motivation in mathematics. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 9(2), 449–455.

Ramos, G. R., Balandra, C. B., & Miranda, A. T. (2025). Relationship between mathematics motivation and performance among junior high school students. Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies, 51(12), 1131–1143.

Ratinho, E., Figueiredo, M., Estêvão, D., Faísca, L., & Martins, C. (2026). Gamification on mathematics engagement and motivation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Educational Psychology Review, 38, Article 16.

Risdani, N. A., & Miatun, A. (2024). Learning motivation and math anxiety in relation to communication skills. Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika dan Sains, 10(1), 45–56.

Rojo Robas, V., Madariaga, J. M., & Villarroel, J. D. (2020). Students’ beliefs about mathematics and their impact on motivation. Mathematics, 8(3), 368.

Rutherford, T., Lee, H. R., & Duck, K. (2023). Dynamic relations between motivation and performance in mathematics learning technology. Learning and Individual Differences, 107, Article 102346.

Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2020). Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation from a self-determination theory perspective. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 61, 101860.

Schneider, C., & Koomen, H. M. Y. (2022). Motivational climate in mathematics classrooms. ZDM Mathematics Education, 55(3), 413–426.

Schukajlow, S., Rakoczy, K., & Pekrun, R. (2023). Emotions and motivation in mathematics education. ZDM Mathematics Education, 55(2), 249–267.

Street, K. E. S., Malmberg, L. E., & Schukajlow, S. (2024). Students’ mathematics self-efficacy: A scoping review. ZDM Mathematics Education, 56, 265–280.

Stupnisky, R. H., & Salahuddin, M. (2025). Faculty perceptions of research motivation and productivity interventions. Higher Education.

Valenzuela Peñuñuri, R., Tapia Fonllem, C. O., Fraijo Sing, B. S., & Manríquez Betanzos, J. C. (2024). Academic motivation and affective engagement toward science and math. Frontiers in Education, 9, Article 1385848.

Vankúš, P. (2021). Influence of game-based learning in mathematics education. Mathematics, 9(9), 986.

Velez, A. J. B., & Abuzo, E. P. (2024). Mathematics self-efficacy and motivation as predictors of problem-solving skills. TWIST: The West Visayas Journal of Research.

Vergara, C. R. (2024). Mathematics self-concept and academic achievement of pre-service teachers. Open Access Library Journal, 11, e11816.

Wahyuni, N. A. S., Rahmawati, S. S., Bachtillah, A., & Utami, W. Y. (2025). Reward programs and teacher motivation. Moneter: Jurnal Keuangan dan Perbankan, 13(1), 86–90.

Wang, Y., Wang, L., Yang, L., & Wang, W. (2024). Social support, self-efficacy, and learning engagement. Scientific Reports, 14, 28396.

Wentzel, K. R. (2022). Teacher-student and peer relationships in motivation research. Educational Psychology Review, 34(4), 1919–1954.

Wheeler, R. S., & Cabigas, M. E. A. (2024). Pupils’ focus and motivations and their influence on mathematics performance. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Analysis, 7(6), 1–10.

Wild, S., & Neef, C. (2023). Motivation and academic performance mediated by cognitive strategies. International Journal of STEM Education, 10, Article 32.

Yang, Y., Maeda, Y., & Gentry, M. (2024). Mathematics self-efficacy and achievement: Multilevel analysis. Large-Scale Assessments in Education, 12, Article 16.

Zhang, Y., Yang, X., Sun, X., & Kaiser, G. (2023). Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and cognitive engagement in mathematics. ZDM Mathematics Education, 55(2), 399–412.

Zou, Y. (2025). Mathematical self-efficacy mediating motivation, anxiety, and achievement. International Journal of Instruction, 18(3), 549–560.

Downloads

Published

2026-04-24

How to Cite

Assessing the Motivation in Learning Mathematics among Senior High School Students at Sulu National High School in Patikul, Sulu. (2026). Journal of Education and Academic Settings, 3(1), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.62596/70zj3n02

Similar Articles

1-10 of 96

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.