The contextual factors that affect effective Mathematics learner engagement patterns are due to lack of self-regulated learning and enthusiastic volitional use. An active role for Mathematics learners incorporates use of volitional strategies towards knowledge construction. Self-regulated learning is an important factor for effective learning. However the PISA (2004) survey noted the problem of deficits in cross-curricular academic competencies, which included general self-regulatory strategies. The continued poor performance of learners in mathematics in South Africa at different school levels, especially grade 9 calls for different approach to learning. This research argues that enhanced application of volitional strategies is possible and, in fact desirable if learning situations have to promote mathematics achievement in areas with a presence of traditional teaching style. The purpose of this study is to construct volition enhancing self-regulation model to improve grade 9 mathematics learner performance in rural community schools. The model suggests combining precepts from activity theory and constructivist views as basis. The cyclic learning states of pre-action, action or volition control, and pro-action phases emanating from self-regulation sequence of self-monitoring, self-evaluation and self-reflections form the key concept of the volition model. However the sustained view maintains the education system model as proposed by Howe (2004:153) that includes input, processes and output contributing towards mathematics achievement. Hence the volition model considers the characteristics of teacher, implemented curriculum, teaching and instruction among its components to advance an understanding of their influence in mathematics performance. A mixed method research design, in which quantitative and qualitative are combined to achieve the outcomes of the research problem, is chosen for this research study project to provide a purposeful research framework. The finding revealed that the overall Volition Component Inventory (VCI) in pre - / post - and retention tests displayed good reliability, acceptable communality and acceptable construct validity for the VCI questionnaire. The post-test findings using the Univariate Tests of Significance, Effect Sizes, and Powers with partial eta2 values comparing experimental and control groups indicate the intervention effect of high statistical significance suggesting that the educational intervention enhanced mathematics performance. Another findings on how the experimental and control groups compared on learner VCI fields for in pre - / post - and retention tests using Least Square means crossover design model indicate that the enhanced intervention for volition self-efficacy, emotion control, failure control and self-control pressure, energy usage, planning and initiating ability and attention control was of significant main effect. Also the findings between control and experimental group using a three way and nested ANOVA on both learner use of volition strategy use in pre - / post – and retention test indicate pre-test to post-test, a sharp increasing effect of intervention. Hence the results revealed that it is possible to support volition mode of self-regulation competencies and mathematical achievement by self-regulation intervention within regular mathematics lessons of grade 9 learners. Furthermore the findings from the quantitative and qualitative data-analysis and interpretations, and literature review, guided the researcher in proposing a construct for volition enhancement self-regulation model to improve mathematics learner performance in grade 9 rural community schools. In this context, our study adds to research as it realizes that mathematics learning can be directly influenced by combining mathematics related strategies with cross-curricular self-regulation strategies in order to improve learner performance. / PhD (Mathematics Education), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The contextual factors that affect effective Mathematics learner engagement patterns are due to lack of self-regulated learning and enthusiastic volitional use. An active role for Mathematics learners incorporates use of volitional strategies towards knowledge construction. Self-regulated learning is an important factor for effective learning. However the PISA (2004) survey noted the problem of deficits in cross-curricular academic competencies, which included general self-regulatory strategies. The continued poor performance of learners in mathematics in South Africa at different school levels, especially grade 9 calls for different approach to learning. This research argues that enhanced application of volitional strategies is possible and, in fact desirable if learning situations have to promote mathematics achievement in areas with a presence of traditional teaching style. The purpose of this study is to construct volition enhancing self-regulation model to improve grade 9 mathematics learner performance in rural community schools. The model suggests combining precepts from activity theory and constructivist views as basis. The cyclic learning states of pre-action, action or volition control, and pro-action phases emanating from self-regulation sequence of self-monitoring, self-evaluation and self-reflections form the key concept of the volition model. However the sustained view maintains the education system model as proposed by Howe (2004:153) that includes input, processes and output contributing towards mathematics achievement. Hence the volition model considers the characteristics of teacher, implemented curriculum, teaching and instruction among its components to advance an understanding of their influence in mathematics performance. A mixed method research design, in which quantitative and qualitative are combined to achieve the outcomes of the research problem, is chosen for this research study project to provide a purposeful research framework. The finding revealed that the overall Volition Component Inventory (VCI) in pre - / post - and retention tests displayed good reliability, acceptable communality and acceptable construct validity for the VCI questionnaire. The post-test findings using the Univariate Tests of Significance, Effect Sizes, and Powers with partial eta2 values comparing experimental and control groups indicate the intervention effect of high statistical significance suggesting that the educational intervention enhanced mathematics performance. Another findings on how the experimental and control groups compared on learner VCI fields for in pre - / post - and retention tests using Least Square means crossover design model indicate that the enhanced intervention for volition self-efficacy, emotion control, failure control and self-control pressure, energy usage, planning and initiating ability and attention control was of significant main effect. Also the findings between control and experimental group using a three way and nested ANOVA on both learner use of volition strategy use in pre - / post – and retention test indicate pre-test to post-test, a sharp increasing effect of intervention. Hence the results revealed that it is possible to support volition mode of self-regulation competencies and mathematical achievement by self-regulation intervention within regular mathematics lessons of grade 9 learners. Furthermore the findings from the quantitative and qualitative data-analysis and interpretations, and literature review, guided the researcher in proposing a construct for volition enhancement self-regulation model to improve mathematics learner performance in grade 9 rural community schools. In this context, our study adds to research as it realizes that mathematics learning can be directly influenced by combining mathematics related strategies with cross-curricular self-regulation strategies in order to improve learner performance. / PhD (Mathematics Education), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014