Self-perception and academic performance in mathematics: a study of a group of normal technical (nt) students in a girls' school in Singapore

Master of EducationSelf-perceptions of students are determinants of healthy psychological development and school success. Research on the associations between students' self-perceptions and their academic performance is of great importance in the educational realm. There have been limited studies investigating students' self-perceptions in Singapore. Hence, this study aims to examine students' perceptions of Mathematics, academic and general self. It sought to provide insights in relation to how these self-perceptions correlated with each other, and academic achievement with particular focus on Mathematics. Students' sentiments on the Normal Technical stream were also explored. A mixed methods approach was used for data collection. Quantitative data were derived from a questionnaire and students' Mathematics and overall academic results. The self-perception scores were measured by Self-Description Questionnaire - II (SDQII) to yield three scores: Mathematics, Academic-school and General Self-perceptions. Qualitative data was obtained from a group interview using semi-structured questions. The study involved thirty-seven students from the Normal Technical stream in a girls' school in Singapore. Eight students were involved in the group interview. Insights were gained about how students perceived Mathematics, academic school, general self and streaming. Firstly, the study found that Mathematics self-perception correlated strongly with Mathematics performance. Secondly, statistical evidence indicates that students had higher means for self-perceptions than academic achievements. Thirdly, evidence suggests that students' perception of academic-school is strongly correlated to their general self-perception. Finally, students resented the stigma that is attached to the Normal Technical stream, which regarded them negatively. Implications for practice and further research in the three areas of self-perception and academic achievement are also discussed