The purpose of this study was to verify the degree of effects that mothers` learning involvement type had on self-directed learning ability of children and academic self-efficacy. A total of 351 elementary students in the sixth grade of elementary sch...
The purpose of this study was to verify the degree of effects that mothers` learning involvement type had on self-directed learning ability of children and academic self-efficacy. A total of 351 elementary students in the sixth grade of elementary school were selected to be sampled from 3 schools in Gimcheon, Korea. Three scales were administered for each of the subjects: A scale of parents` learning involvement type, a scale of self-directed learning ability, and a scale of academic self-efficacy.
The findings of this study were as follows. First, a covariance structure analysis was conducted in presumption of relationships of mothers` positive learning involvement type and self-directed learning ability with positive academic self-efficacy. In result, mothers` positive learning involvement type appeared to have positive effects on children`s self-directed learning ability. It also had indirect effects mediated by self-directed learning ability on positive academic self-efficacy, instead of its direct effects on positive academic self-efficacy. A self-directed learning ability had direct, positive effects on academic self-efficacy.
Second, significant relationships of mothers` negative learning involvement and children`s self-directed learning ability with negative academic self-efficacy were presumed. In result, mothers` negative learning involvement had negative effects on self-directed learning ability, and direct effects on negative academic self-efficacy. Self-directed learning ability did not have any effect on negative academic self-efficacy.
The implications of this study were as follows. The results of this study may make us become more aware of the importance of an appropriate learning involvement type for more effective children`s academic achievements. Also, the results may suggest that guidance from mothers is necessary in order for children to conduct their future roles as self-directed learners by forming self-directed learning habits from their early school years. This is because a mothers learning involvement type may have an effect on the inherent potential and growth motivation of a child.