| Students' perceptions influence their expectations and values. According to Expectations and Values Theory of Achievement Motivation (EVT-AM), students' expectations and values impact their behaviors (Eccles & Wigfield, 2002). This study seeks to find students' perceptions of developmental mathematics in a mastery learning computer-based environment in order to gain understanding of the attitudes and behaviors students believe they need to have to be successful in this environment. Q-methodology, which provides an opportunity to study individuals' subjective reality using quantitative methods, is used to investigate students' perceptions. Literature on EVT-AM, mastery learning, developmental mathematics, and computer-based mathematics pedagogy were used to develop as set of statements. Statements were printed on cards, and students in a developmental mathematics mastery learning computer-based course were given an opportunity to sort the statements. A post-sort survey was given to the students in order to gather demographic information and to gain an in-depth of understanding about each individual student's sort. Data analysis indicated four distinct and statistically significant factors: Commitment, Confidence, and Resources; Communication and Understanding; Access and Mastery; Ability and Strategy. Along with these emerging factors a complete synthesis of the data provides an understanding of activities students believe will enable them to be successful in the mastery learning computer-based developmental mathematics course. The findings of this study generate considerations for practice, policy, and further research in the field of developmental mathematics redesign. |
