Abstract:

Mathematics learning is relevant at an educational level since it favors the reasoning development for problem solving, the strategy design for decision making, and the learning of other areas of knowledge. This paper's objective is to determine the qualitative factors that influence academic achievement in mathematics of Mexican students who are in the last year of elementary school, through the statistical analysis of the PLANEA test results using multivariate and nested Logit regression models, in order to propose pertinent actions that favor learning. The PLANEA test results applied to 104,973 students from 3,573 schools throughout the country during the 2017-2018 school year are the ones considered. The results show no significant differences in mathematics performance regarding genders; notwithstanding, the impact exerted by mothers who studied at least up to high school is of great relevance, particularly for girls. Other determining factors are students’ anxiety and distraction level as well as the school model. Students who live with both parents achieve better results while the lowest results come from those who live only with their mother, especially for boys. One research line is to analyze whether this happens because of more stable homes and more time provided for school monitoring or because of the amount of family resources. If students have a computer or internet, their performance decreases, which could happen due to the distraction factor, being an open research line; as well as its relevance during times of crisis, such as the Covid 19 pandemic.

Keywords:

Mathematics Achievement, Influencing Factors, Elementary School, Statistical Models, Mathematics Learning.