Algebra, Geometry, Number Theory, and Combinatorics to Identify Factors Influencing Mathematical Achievement: a Pilot Study of the First Mathematics Contest in a Peruvian University

Marin Ballon E.M.; Romero Gomez F.L.; Rosado Zavala F.M.; Rivera Mendoza C.R. · CEUR Workshop Proceedings (2023)

Resumen

This pilot study, conducted in May 2023, investigates the mathematical achievement of 211 students from diverse academic backgrounds in a Peruvian university through a structural equation model. The model explores the impact of students' gender, age, field of studies, motivation, and prior experience in mathematics competitions, on mathematical achievement, which is treated as a latent variable that is measured through algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics, in the context of a mathematics contest. Results reveal that the mentioned contest themes, which were selected and constructed with an analysis of international mathematics contests, serve as effective measures of mathematical achievement across students of different disciplines. Furthermore, initial considerations regarding age, academic discipline, and motivation did not yield significant effects on mathematical achievement, while gender and prior experience in mathematics contests did have a significant impact. However, it should be noted that the sample of 211 students was not randomly selected, as participants chose to engage in the contest for various motivations. Additionally, this sample may not necessarily represent all university students in the country, as it pertains to a single university.

Instituciones: Universidad Católica de Santa María; Universidad Católica San Pablo