he effectiveness of activity depends on the ability to achieve the set goals, to realize personal
potential, and to maintain a high level of motivation. The research relevance is determined by the
differential psychological features of self-regulated learning, in particular the gender characteristics
of this process. The paper aims to identify the gender characteristics of self-regulated learning
among the students of mathematical specialties. We have put forward a hypothesis that male and
female students differ in the degree of self-regulating behavior.
Seventy-nine students majoring in mathematics (38 male and 41 female students) took part in the
research. The different questionnaires were used to obtain the data.
The findings revealed that the female students with a high level of self-regulation demonstrate the
abilities specific to self-regulation, i.e. flexibility, programming, evaluation of results, planning
and modeling. The young men with a high level of self-regulation demonstrate such abilities as
evaluation of results, modeling, and planning. The participants differed significantly on the scale
of self-esteem motivation. The girls scored higher than boys. The students of both genders had
average scores for the indicators of individual components of self-attitude, as well as the “behavior”
indicator. The reliability of differences in the diagnosed indicators was not detected.
It is shown that the core components of self-regulated learning for girls include: planning, modeling,
a general level of self-regulation, and self-confidence. For boys, planning, modeling, flexibility,
a general level of self-regulation, self-confidence, self-worth, self-attachment and behavior. The
obtained results will help to differentiate the training of male and female students majoring in
mathematics, taking into account the components of self-regulated learning.
Keyword(s) : learning motivation
Measuring Motivation in Preschool Children: Validation of the Russian Version of the Child Behaviour Motivation Scale
The aim of this study was to validate of the Russian version of the Child Behaviour Motivation Scale (CBeMO). The tool is designed to assess learning motivation in preschool and primary school children. Fifty-nine educators participated in the study and completed the CBeMO scales individually for each child in the older groups with whom they had worked for at least 4 months. The total sample consisted of 754 children aged 5-6 years. An internal consistency analysis of the scales indicated a high level of unidimensionality across all scales of the instrument (“Task Orientation”, “Task Avoidance”, and “Social Orientation”). Confirmatory analysis confirmed the consistency of the empirical data with the theoretical model of the questionnaire. The actual structure of the data obtained on the Russian sample, as determined by factor analysis, except for one item, is identical to the original configuration of the scales. Therefore, no additional procedures are required to improve the Russian version of the questionnaire and no measures of cultural adaptation are required for the further use of the Russian version of the questionnaire. In addition to the assessment of psychometric properties, an analysis was carried out to determine the role of age, gender, intelligence and language environment in children’s learning motivation. The article presents the results of the analysis, suggestions for their interpretation, and promising directions for further research.
Student Feedback as a Predictor of Learning Motivation, Academic Achievement and Classroom Climate
This research was conducted to examine students’ perceptions of their teachers’ dominant characteristics – the feedback they provide, how feedback is related to students’ achievements and learning motivation level, and how all of these relate to classroom climate. It was conducted with 2,599 elementary school, junior high and high school students. Data were collected by means of structured questionnaires. The results were significant: learners attribute much importance to the feedback they give their teachers and they evaluate them positively regarding pedagogy and didactics. In addition, learners reported an average or slightly above average score for the general classroom climate. Girls reported more positive perceptions than boys at all age levels. Elementary school students reported more positive perceptions than junior high and high school students. Mathematics was more highly rated than other disciplines. Female teachers were preferred to male teachers and younger teachers to older teachers. Positive teacher evaluations resulted in a higher motivation level and improvement in learning achievements, as well as a positive perception of classroom climate, but teacher feedback and motivation were found to be the most important factors in predicting learning achievement.