Self-Efficacy and the Ability to Think Creatively by Prospective Mathematics Teachers Based on Learning Barriers

Abstract

The ability to innovate and be creative in student learning is influenced by many factors, including learning barriers (internal and external to students). This learning barrier implies student self-efficacy in dealing with mathematics learning problems and working on math test questions. This study aims to analyze the relationship between self-efficacy, barriers to student learning and academic achievement from learning outcomes. Specifically, analyzed students' creative thinking abilities for each selected group for learning barriers and self-efficacy. The population in this study was drawn from the mathematics education students as many as 154 students. Analysis of learning barriers and self-efficacy on academic achievement statistically used Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The discussion of the research results was carried out descriptively and qualitatively from the results of the SEM processing and the results of the students' written tests, to provide comprehensive conclusions from the selected subjects. From the population, four subjects were selected, namely the subject with the very unobstructed category, the subject with the obstructed category, the subject with the quite obstructed category and the subject with the obstructed category. The quantitative research results show that learning barriers have a negative effect on student self-efficacy. Meanwhile, self-efficacy has a significant positive effect on student academic achievement. Meanwhile, qualitatively students with learning disabilities in the very unhindered category can improvise creativity in solving problems better than other categories.

Received: 6 January 2021 / Accepted: 11 February 2021/ Published: 5 March 2021