The relationship between self-esteem, achievement goals and academic achievement among the primary school students

Abstract

The aim of present research is studying relations between self-esteem, achievement goals and academic achievement among the primary school children. Self-esteem and achievement goals orientation are the most important factors that effects on academic achievement among the students. For this reason, 200 primary school students (100 male, 100 female) were chosen randomly and then for data collection two questionnaires were used: Eysenck self-esteem questionnaire (Eysenck,1976) and Students' Achievement Goal Orientations check list (Midgely,et al.,1998). The gold standard for academic achievement was their average academic marks during their academic years. Data were computer analyzed, using SPSS 15.1 and running a couple of descriptive and analytical tests including Pearson Correlation and t-student. Result of research showed that self-esteem, goal orientation components (mastery, approach performance and avoidance performance) and academic achievement are correlated (p<0.05).in addition to, Results of t-student also show that there are significant differences between male and female students in scores of self-esteem and achievement goals orientation. The results of this present research revealed that self-esteem and achievement goals are affecting factors on academic achievement among the primary school students. © 2011 by Elsevier Ltd.