The Role of Number Sense Performance in the Relationship Between Math Anxiety and Math Achievement Among Second-Grade Primary School Students

Authors : Mehmet Hayri Sarı, Berfin Özmen

Pages : 889-902

Doi:10.24106/kefdergi.1797587

View : 106 | Download : 195

Publication Date : 2025-10-11

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Purpose: This study investigates the role of number sense performance in the relationship between math anxiety and math achievement among second-grade primary school students. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study sample consisted of 138 second-grade students from a school representing a middle socioeconomic status. Data were collected using a math anxiety scale, a math achievement test, and a number sense test. The data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, mediation, and moderation analyses. Findings: The results revealed a strong positive correlation between number sense performance and math achievement (r = .64) and a moderate negative correlation between math anxiety and math achievement (r = -.34). Mediation analysis indicated that number sense performance partially mediated the relationship between math anxiety and math achievement. On the other hand, moderation analysis showed that number sense did not have a significant moderating effect on this relationship. Slope analysis suggested that students with high number sense performance were less affected by math anxiety. Highlights: These findings highlight that number sense is a significant predictor of early mathematical achievement and that math anxiety indirectly influences achievement through this skill. The findings indicate that number sense-based interventions in early education may significantly enhance academic achievement by fostering both cognitive development and affective factors.
Keywords : İlkokul, Matematik başarısı, Matematik kaygısı, Sayı hissi

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