Mohamed Najib Abdul Ghafar

Mathematics Achievement as a Function of Within- and Between-School Differences

Achievement in mathematics of eighth-grade students is modeled as a function of within-school, between-school and cross-country differences. The data were obtained from 217,728 students, within 7,216 secondary schools, in 48 countries, who participated in the 2007 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study. Multilevel analysis showed that out of the total variance in mathematics achievement, 40.39%, 20.61%, and 38.99% were accounted for within-school, between-school-within-country, and cross-country differences, respectively. Mathematics self-concept followed by socioeconomic status was the strongest predictor of achievement at the student level. At the school level, school location yielded the strongest link to achievement, while at the country level socioeconomic status was the main predictor of national mathematics average.

Conceptualization of Educational Persistence within Malaysian Higher Institution

Psychological constructs have been empirically linked to academic performance as measured by Grade Point Average and its improvement. Focal amid these psychological constructs are Goal Orientation, Self-Regulated Strategies, Disposition to Persevere and Attention. However, researches have been dedicated on the relationship of a few of these variables to academic performance but have not been examined as a single framework incorporating the theoretical models of all these variables. This study thus investigates a composite integrated model of the above mentioned variables to assess the learning quality of students termed as Educational Persistence. Its attainment warrants the utilization of a questionnaire developmental model. This study conceptualizes Educational Persistence for Malaysian higher education based on Cohen and Swerdlik 2002 questionnaire development model.