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Who Reaches the Top? Investigating Gender-Based Performance and Maximum Score Gaps in University Entrance Exams Disnawati, Hermina; Dwiningrum, Siti Irene Astuti; Deda, Yohanis Ndapa; Rashid, Salman; Dos Santos, Mariano
Journal of Mathematics Instruction, Social Research and Opinion Vol. 4 No. 2 (2025): June
Publisher : MASI Mandiri Edukasi

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58421/misro.v4i2.524

Abstract

Disparities in the academic readiness of first-year university students remain evident, continuing to challenge higher education systems, particularly when entrance assessments fail to reflect foundational competencies accurately. This study investigates whether gender-based differences exist in entrance exam performance and analyzes students' maximum scores to assess peak academic achievement in two core domains: English proficiency and Quantitative Knowledge. The research was conducted at a public university in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, involving 1,186 students admitted through the independent selection pathway. A comparative quantitative approach was applied using descriptive statistics, Welch’s t-test, and boxplot visualizations in JASP 0.18.3 software. The results showed no statistically significant gender differences in either domain (English: p = 0.504, d = 0.040; Quantitative: p = 0.543, d = –0.036), with nearly identical mean scores and score variability. However, the maximum scores of 17/20 in English and 13/20 in Quantitative Knowledge were far below the full mark, indicating systemic gaps in academic preparedness and possible ceiling effects in test design. These findings support the need to redesign entrance assessments using Item Response Theory (IRT) and to implement bridging or matriculation programs. These interventions can help universities and policymakers ensure fairer and inclusive pathways to promote equitable access and success in higher education.
EXPLORATORY FACTOR ANALYSIS FOR THE VALIDITY OF MATHEMATICS LEARNING INDEPENDENCE INSTRUMENTS FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS Ahmad, Ahmad; Dos Santos, Mariano; Helmiyatun, Helmiyatun
El Midad: Jurnal Jurusan PGMI Vol. 17 No. 1 (2025): EL MIDAD: JURNAL JURUSAN PGMI
Publisher : Universitas Islam Negeri Mataram

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.20414/elmidad.v17i1.12966

Abstract

This study aims to test the validity of the mathematics learning independence instrument of elementary school students using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). The research method used is a quantitative approach with factor analysis techniques to identify the latent structure of the instrument. Data was collected through a questionnaire of 73 grade V elementary school students and analyzed using Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO), Bartlett's Test, and factor extraction with Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The results of the study show that this instrument consists of five main factors that have a significant correlation with the aspect of mathematics learning independence. The model match index shows good values, with RMSEA = 0.00 and TLI = 1.1705, signifying that this instrument is valid and reliable. However, some items with a loading factor below 0.40 and a high uniqueness (u²) value were found, indicating that the items did not fully represent the measured factor. Therefore, it is necessary to revise or eliminate items that have high cross-loading as well as add more specific items according to the dimension of mathematics learning independence. Thus, the developed instruments can be used in research and educational practice to measure the independence of elementary school students' mathematics learning, while still paying attention to the improvement of the instrument in advanced studies.
Validation Instrument for Measuring Teacher Attitudes and Motivation Toward Student-Centered Learning-Based Curriculum in Timor-Leste Dos Santos, Mariano
Journal of Practice Learning and Educational Development Vol. 5 No. 3 (2025): Journal of Practice Learning and Educational Development (JPLED)
Publisher : Global Action and Education for Society

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58737/jpled.v5i3.562

Abstract

This study aims to develop and validate a measurement instrument assessing teachers’ attitudes and motivation toward the implementation of a Student-Centered Learning (SCL)-based curriculum in primary schools in Timor-Leste. Employing a quantitative approach, the research involved 200 teachers from 15 schools that had adopted the SCL curriculum. Data were collected through a survey designed to evaluate teachers’ perceptions regarding the benefits of SCL, the challenges encountered, and the support received from educational institutions. An Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was conducted to identify the underlying factor structure of the instrument items. This analysis helped determine the optimal number of factors and categorized the items based on distinct dimensions. Following EFA, a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was performed to validate the alignment of the items with pre-established theoretical constructs, ensuring the instrument’s validity and reliability. The results indicate that teachers' attitudes and motivation toward SCL vary, with a majority expressing a positive outlook on the curriculum, recognizing its potential to enhance student engagement. Nevertheless, concerns remain regarding the lack of sufficient resources and professional training to effectively implement SCL strategies. These findings highlight the critical role of positive teacher attitudes and strong motivation in the successful implementation of SCL, where teachers serve as key facilitators in the learning process. By producing a valid and reliable instrument, this research provides valuable empirical data on the factors influencing SCL implementation in Timor-Leste. The outcomes are expected to inform policymakers and contribute to improving education quality through more targeted and supportive measures for teachers in developing country contexts.
CONTENT VALIDITY OF THE MATHEMATICS LEARNING INDEPENDENCE INSTRUMENT FOR JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS USING AIKEN’S V Ahmad, Ahmad; Dos Santos, Mariano; Helmiyatun, Helmiyatun; Hidayah, Nurul; Parihin, Parihin
Mathematics Research and Education Journal Vol. 9 No. 2 (2025): October
Publisher : UIR PRESS

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.25299/mrej.2025.vol9(2).24035

Abstract

This study examines the content validity of a mathematics learning independence instrument for junior high school students, developed based on five key dimensions: initiative, discipline, responsibility, time management, and problem solving. The instrument includes 20 items rated by four experts using a 1–5 Likert scale. Aiken's V index was used to measure expert agreement on item relevance. Results showed that 6 items had high validity (V ≥ 0.8125), 13 had moderate validity (0.5 ≤ V < 0.75), and 1 item had low validity (V = 0.375). The highest V score was 0.875, and the lowest was 0.375. These findings indicate that most items are acceptable but may require slight revision to better reflect the intended constructs. The study highlights the importance of expert input and the utility of Aiken’s V in validating instrument content. A valid instrument is essential for accurately assessing student learning independence, especially in junior high school mathematics education.
Exploration of the Implementation of Scaffolding Strategies to Enhance Students’ Understanding of Sequences and Series Munir, Muhammad; Ahmad, Ahmad; Dos Santos, Mariano; Rashid, Salman
JTMT: Journal Tadris Matematika Vol 6 No 2 (2025): Volume 6, Issue 2, Desember 2025
Publisher : Universitas Islam Ahmad Dahlan (UIAD)

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.47435/jtmt.v6i2.4204

Abstract

Mathematics learning is often perceived as difficult due to its abstract nature, particularly in the topic of arithmetic sequences and series. This study aims to explore the implementation of scaffolding strategies in teaching sequences and series and to examine their impact on students’ understanding. The research employed a qualitative approach with a case study design involving 22 eleventh-grade social science students from MA Hidatul Islamiyah Bagik Nyaka. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, and analyzed using the Miles and Huberman model, which includes data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that the application of scaffolding through guiding questions, visual representations, step-by-step exercises, and direct feedback effectively enhances students’ conceptual understanding of sequences and series. Students demonstrated improved systematic thinking as well as progress in identifying patterns, understanding formulas, and solving contextual problems. Therefore, scaffolding strategies are proven to be effective in helping students grasp abstract concepts in a more concrete manner. The study recommends that teachers consistently integrate scaffolding, particularly in mathematics learning that requires a high level of conceptual understanding
Construct validity of a student mathematics learning style instrument using exploratory factor analysis Ahmad, Ahmad; Dos Santos, Mariano; Heniati Santosa, Farah; Ratu Perwira Negara, Habib
Journal of Didactic Mathematics Vol 6, No 3 (2025): December
Publisher : Mahesa Research Center

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.34007/jdm.v6i3.2841

Abstract

This study seeks to validate the construction of mathematics learning style instruments for junior high school students using the Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) method. A total of 127 students from four schools in Central Lombok Regency, Indonesia, participated in this quantitative survey research. The instrument comprises 20 Likert scale statements designed to measure the various dimensions of a student’s mathematics learning style. The feasibility test of the data revealed a Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) value of 0.75, and the results of Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity were significant (p < 0.001), indicating that the data was suitable for analysis using factor analysis. The results of the EFA employing the principal axis factoring and oblimin rotation methods yielded four primary factors: Visual Learning, Auditory Learning, Reading/Writing Style, and Kinesthetic Learning, which aligned with the VARK model. All items exhibited a dominant loading value of ? 0.51, with no significant cross-loading, suggesting a clean and well-defined factor structure. The balanced distribution of variance after rotation, coupled with theoretical suitability, supports the validity of the instrument’s construction. These findings suggest that this instrument is appropriate for use in academic research and educational practice, enabling teachers to design differential learning strategies that cater to students’ learning preferences, thereby enhancing engagement and learning outcomes.