The influence of student factors on students’ achievement in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study in Abu Dhabi Emirate Schools

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate student factors affecting performance in mathematics in Abu Dhabi schools in the United Arab Emirates. Method: We used the secondary data from the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2015, which included 4,838 eighth-grade students from 156 schools in Abu Dhabi. Result: The data from the student questionnaire in TIMSS 2015 were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA). The 39 questions were reduced to five factors generated from the student questionnaire, including Safety and Behavior, Classroom Mathematics, Environment, Student Attitudes toward Mathematics, and Technology and Resources. The effects of these factors on students’ achievement were examined using multiple regression analysis. Discussion: All of these factors had a significant impact on student achievement in the 2015 TIMSS. The pedagogical and policy implications of the findings have been discussed.