The Effect of Motivation and Self-Efficacy on Math Studies in the Israeli Ministry of Education's Program "Give Five"

Abstract

Studying mathematics is an essential condition for acquiring an education in most fields such as all exact sciences, financial sphere, programming, etc. It enables students to choose from among a large variety of professions with significantly high chances of academic admission, mainly in fields such as engineering, natural sciences, and technology, as well as in a considerable part of the social sciences Hence, studying mathematics in high school is a critical and key factor for continued studies and for integration in many professions in the Israeli workforce. The current study sought to expand knowledge on the effect of students' psychological feelings, such as motivation and self-efficacy, in light of the "Give Five" reform initiated by the Ministry of Education implemented in 2015. The study examined the effects of the "Give Five" reform on student motivation and self-efficacy, while examining whether these influences were gender-dependent. The study confirmed a positive correlation between the degree of motivation to study mathematics and the level of self-efficacy, and no difference was found between males and females in their level of motivation and self-efficacy. Future recommendations include research into the significance of motivation and self-efficacy as a major determinant of scholastic success.