Motivational Profiles in TIMSS Mathematics, 1st ed. 2019 Exploring Student Clusters Across Countries and Time IEA Research for Education Series, Vol. 7

This open access book presents a person-centered exploration of student profiles, using variables related to motivation to do school mathematics derived from the IEA?s Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) data. Statistical cluster analysis is used to identify groups of students with similar motivational profiles, across grades and over time, for multiple participating countries.

While motivational variables systematically relate to school outcomes, linear relationships can obscure the diverse makeup of student subgroups, each with varying combinations of motivation, emotions, and attitudes. In this book, a person-centered analysis of distinct and meaningful motivational profiles and their differences on sociodemographic variables and mathematics performance broadens understanding about the role that motivation characteristics play in learning and achievement in mathematics. 

Exploiting the richness of IEA?s TIMSS data from many countries, extracted clusters reveal consistent, as well as certain nuanced patterns that are systematically linked to sociodemographic and achievement measures. Student clusters with inconsistent motivational profiles were found in all countries; mathematics self-confidence then emerged as the variable more closely associated with average achievement. The findings demonstrate that teachers, researchers, and policymakers need to take into account differential student profiles, prioritizing techniques that target skill and competence in mathematics, in educational efforts to develop student motivation.

1. Introduction to Motivational Profiles in TIMSS Mathematics.- 2. The Relationship of Motivation with Achievement in Mathematics.- 3. Methodology: Cluster Analysis of Motivation Variables in the TIMSS Data.- 4. Cluster Analysis Results for TIMSS 2015 Mathematics Motivation by Grade and Jurisdiction.- 5. Cluster Analysis Findings Over 20 Years of TIMSS.- 6. Insights from Motivational Profiles in TIMSS Mathematics.- Appendix A.- Appendix B.- Appendix C.

Uses TIMSS data collected from multiple countries across twenty years

Employs a person-centered approach to explore student clusters using motivation and affect variables

Uncovers meaningful clusters of students with consistent or more nuanced motivational profiles

Identifies student profiles with inconsistent motivation scores, where self-confidence levels are closely aligned with average achievement