29/09/2026
๐ก๐๐ช ๐๐ฅ๐ง๐๐๐๐ ๐ฃ๐จ๐๐๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ (๐ข๐ฃ๐๐ก ๐๐๐๐๐ฆ๐ฆ)
SN Social Sciences
Indexing: Scopus
Demographic factors and mathematics appreciation among first-year college students: a random forest approach
๐๐๐๐ต๐ผ๐ฟ:
Arnel S. Travero
๐๐ฏ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐:
Mathematics appreciation, which refers to studentsโ enjoyment, perceived value, and willingness to engage with mathematics, is increasingly recognized as critical for sustained engagement in quantitative fields. This study investigated the extent to which demographic variables predict first-year college studentsโ mathematics appreciation using Random Forest Regression. Data were gathered from 260 students enrolled in Mathematics in the Modern World at a Philippine public university. Eight demographic factors were examined, including age, s*x, academic strand, senior high school mathematics grade, school type, socioeconomic status, learning modality preference, and marital status. The full model yielded no explanatory power, while a refined model retaining the five most influential variables improved marginally. Findings indicate that demographic factors alone provide limited predictive utility for mathematics appreciation, underscoring the need to incorporate affective, motivational, instructional, and contextual variables in future predictive models. The study emphasizes the importance of context-sensitive and student-centered approaches in fostering positive attitudes toward mathematics.
Access the Article Here:
https://doi.org/10.1007/s43545-026-01730-z
SDG 4 โ Quality Education
The study supports student-centered and context-sensitive approaches to mathematics education by highlighting the importance of affective, motivational, instructional, and contextual factors in learning.
SDG 10 โ Reduced Inequalities
By examining demographic factors and their limited predictive influence on mathematics appreciation, the study contributes to discussions on equitable and inclusive approaches to student learning.
