Edumaspul: Jurnal Pendidikan
Vol. 10 No. 2 (2026): Edumaspul: Jurnal Pendidikan

Students' Learning Difficulties and Self-Efficacy in Mathematics Learning: An Analysis of the Relationship Between Cognitive and Affective Aspects

Muqsitulqadri Syarif (Universitas Muhammadiyah Parepare)
Murniati. M (Universitas Muhammadiyah Parepare)
Mutiara Ramadhani (Universitas Muhammadiyah Parepare)
Sriyanti Mustafa (Universitas Muhammadiyah Parepare)
Hadmal (SMA Negeri 4 Parepare)



Article Info

Publish Date
07 Jul 2026

Abstract

This study aimed to describe students' learning difficulties and explore their relationship with students' self-efficacy in mathematics learning among eleventh-grade students at SMAN 4 Parepare. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, involving 25 students as the research participants. Data were collected using a student profiling questionnaire developed based on indicators of learning difficulties and self-efficacy and were analyzed descriptively using mean scores. The findings revealed that students' learning difficulties were categorized as moderate, with mean scores of 2.69 for logical thinking and problem-solving skills and 3.06 for conceptual understanding. In contrast, students' self-efficacy was categorized as low, with a mean score of 2.05. These findings indicate a discrepancy between the cognitive and affective domains, where relatively adequate conceptual understanding is not accompanied by strong self-efficacy. Difficulties in logical thinking and problem-solving appear to reduce students' confidence in their ability to perform mathematical tasks, which subsequently limits their participation in classroom learning. It can therefore be concluded that learning difficulties influence not only students' cognitive development but also their affective domain, particularly their self-efficacy. These findings suggest that mathematics instruction should focus not only on strengthening conceptual understanding but also on enhancing students' self-efficacy to encourage more active, confident, and meaningful learning.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

edumaspul

Publisher

Subject

Description

Edumaspul: Jurnal Pendidikan publishes original research articles, review articles, and current issues related to the multidisciplinary field of education. The journal provides an academic platform for teachers, lecturers, and researchers to contribute innovative scholarly work in education and ...