Intrinsic Motivation as Predictor of Students’ Mathematics Problem-Solving Performance

Students’ strategies and motivation play major roles in solving word problems in Mathematics. This study explored the students’ problem-solving strategies and intrinsic motivation in relation to performance in Mathematics. This study used a descriptive – correlational design. The respondents were the 125 students chosen through convenient sampling. Problem Solving Strategies, Intrinsic Motivation Inventory, and Word Problem Test were the research instruments used in the study. This study used Mean, Standard Deviation, Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient, and Stepwise Regression Analysis were the statistical tools in treating the data gathered. Results revealed that students had good problem-solving strategies, high intrinsic motivation, and very low performance in Mathematics. The students’ strategies to solve word problems and motivation as interest, effort, and value contributed to the students’ performance in Mathematics. The level of the students’ intrinsic motivation was a predictor of students’ performance in Mathematics. Teachers have to conduct drills and interactive activities using positive reinforcement to students’ interest and effort in their activities.