Developmental Mathematics Students: Who are They and What is Their Mathematics Self-Efficacy?

The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine differences in developmental mathematics students’ self-efficacy within the demographic data from the survey. Data from a sample of 240 Intermediate Algebra students at a single four-year university using the Mathematics Self-Efficacy Results indicate that males possess higher levels of mathematics self-efficacy and confidence with their mathematical abilities than females. Students who completed a lower developmental mathematics course prior to Intermediate Algebra possess lower levels of mathematics self-efficacy. The results of this study suggest developmental mathematics instructors should refine their teaching methodologies by incorporating strategies to increase their student’s self-efficacy.