Mathematics Education among Higher Education Students: Analysis using Structural Equation Modelling and Confirmatory Factor Analysis

Abstract

Purpose: The objectives of the study were to study the ‘student-related’ dimensions impacting the students studying Basic Mathematics at the Colleges of Technology (COT) in Oman and to analyze and determine the intervention programs and strategies in reducing the student dismissal rate in all the Colleges of Technology in Oman. Design/methodology/approach: The study was a diagnostic study, and the approach was a comparative analysis. Self-administered survey forms were used. The targeted populations of this study were the students of Colleges of Technology, who will fill out the survey forms for the quality audit. A systematic sampling of the students, males, and females, from different colleges, was carried out. To analyze data, the mean, standard deviations, and factor analysis were used. Findings: The findings of this study show the significance of study habits which was one of the crucial criteria set for the educational purpose that should be developed from a younger age. The significance was established through the SEM and the goodness of fit indexes of CFA. Furthermore, of the four student-related dimensions, study habits have a strong influence on achievement in Basic Mathematics, and are followed by interest, language, and perception. Research limitations/implications: The comparative study of the factors from the point of view of students, is reliable to show the significance of testing. This research was limited to the Omani population who were related to COT. Social Implications: This study would help the authorities and stakeholders to facilitate new initiatives to achieve a higher rate of students moving into higher education in the Sultanate of Oman. The outcomes of this research would improve the new design of the education system to fulfil the visions of the nation. Originality / Value: There was no such study that relates the academic performance of the students studying at the College of Technology in the Sultanate of Oman to the dismissal rate/ expulsion rate. This is the first-ever project which investigates the factors that affect the future education of Omani students from the student’s point of view. Keywords: Structural Equation Modelling; Confirmatory Factor Analysis; College of Technology in Oman, Study habits of the students, Interest and the language of the students.