This master’s thesis examines the influence of different components of self-concept—
academic, social, and mathematical— on students’ academic achievement in mathematics.
Students’ self-concept was measured with a questionnaire, while academic achievement was
assessed using school grades, results from the National Assessment of Knowledge (NPZ), and
data on participation in mathematics competitions. The main aim of the study was to explore
the relationship between self-concept and academic achievement and to determine whether
differences exist between boys and girls in the expression of specific components of self
concept.
In the theoretical part, the concept of self-concept, its main components, and characteristics are
presented. In addition, the concept of academic achievement is discussed, and findings from
the literature on the relationship between different aspects of self-concept and academic
performance are reviewed.
The empirical part of the research included 97 students from the third educational cycle (grades
7–9) in two primary schools in the Central Slovenia region. A quantitative research design was
applied, using a structured questionnaire to measure the three components of self-concept. The
results showed that both academic self-concept and mathematical self-concept are significantly
and positively related to achievement in mathematics, while no significant relationship was
found between social self-concept and academic performance. The study also found no
statistically significant gender differences in the expression of the dimensions of self-concept.
Furthermore, students who participated more frequently in mathematics competitions reported
higher levels of academic and mathematical self-concept.
The findings contribute to a better understanding of the role of self-concept as an important
factor in academic achievement in mathematics learning and teaching in primary school. The
results confirm that in supporting students, it is essential to consider their internal psychological
factors and to foster a positive self-concept as part of a comprehensive educational approach.
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