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- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1Reading comprehension self-efficacy and mathematical problem-solving in primary education: a serial mediation model through mathematical reasoning and critical thinking
Filiz, Tunahan; Kaplan, Kadir
Introduction Mathematical problem-solving is fundamental for academic success and real-life challenges and involves more than procedural and computational skills. As most primary school mathematics problems are text-based, reading comprehension self-efficacy may be closely associated with students' performance in mathematical problem-solving. Grounded in Albert Bandura's social cognitive theory, this study examined the associations between reading comprehension self-efficacy and mathematical problem-solving, focusing on the sequential indirect associations involving of mathematical reasoning and critical thinking.Methods A quantitative, correlational research design was employed. The sample consisted of 518 fourth-grade students from 14 provinces across seven regions of T & uuml;rkiye. Data were collected using validated scales measuring reading comprehension self-efficacy, critical thinking, mathematical reasoning, and mathematical problem-solving skills. Data were analyzed using correlation analysis and regression-based mediation analysis.Results The findings revealed that mathematical reasoning and critical thinking partially accounted for the association between reading comprehension self-efficacy and mathematical problem-solving. The findings indicated significant indirect effects through critical thinking skills (beta = 0.18, K2 = 0.23), mathematical reasoning skills (beta = 0.04, K2 = 0.19), and the sequential pathway from mathematical reasoning to critical thinking (beta = 0.01, K2 = 0.03). Although the sequential mediation effect was statistically significant, its effect size was relatively small compared with the individual mediation effects, particularly that of critical thinking skills.Discussion These results highlight the interconnected roles of foundational cognitive processes in relation to higher-order mathematical problem-solving skills. The study contributes to the literature by emphasizing the relevance of considering reading comprehension self-efficacy, mathematical reasoning, and critical thinking as interconnected factors in early mathematics education.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1The role of the 2023 earthquakes in the competencies and critical thinking skills of teacher candidates in Türkiye
Görgülü, Deniz; Cömert, Melike; Demir, Mustafa; Şahin, Çiğdem
Background: The impact of natural disasters on the professional development of teacher candidates has, to date, primarily been investigated in relation to psychological well-being and trauma. Nevertheless, the association between these extreme events and teacher candidates’ personal and professional competencies, as well as their critical thinking skills, remains insufficiently addressed in the literature. In particular, for teacher candidates who directly experienced the 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye, there exists a distinct need for comprehensive research that integrates both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Methods: This study employed a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design. In the quantitative phase, the Personal-Professional Competencies Perception Scale (PPCPS) and the Critical Thinking Standards Scale (CTSS) were administered to 304 teacher candidates at İnönü University who directly experienced the 2023 earthquakes. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 37 purposively selected participants to contextualize and deepen the quantitative findings. Results: A positive, significant, and strong correlation was found between critical thinking skills and personal and professional competency (r =.657, p <.01). Qualitative findings revealed that in the post-earthquake period, teacher candidates developed positive perceptions of critical thinking, particularly under the themes of developing different perspectives, empathy, and increased awareness; however, the inefficiency of distance education, communication problems, and psychological difficulties negatively affected their perceptions of professional competence. Conclusion: Research findings indicate that the earthquakes had a bidirectional impact on teacher candidates' perceptions of competence and critical thinking. Among these İnönü University teacher candidates, traumatic experiences appeared to enhance cognitive and critical awareness consistent with Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) theory, while simultaneously weakening teacher candidates’ perceptions of professional competence, owing to distance learning disruptions and psychological challenges. These findings highlight that post-disaster teacher education processes should focus not only on academic sustainability but also on structural arrangements that support critical thinking, psychological resilience, and professional competencies.
