• Journal of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.51 no.5
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• pp.459-470
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• 2007

The structural equation modeling techniques were used to assess a model of chemistry learning strategy based on self-handicapping tendency and goal orientation. Data were collected during chemistry lessons in two high schools. In the optimal model II-2 of this research, the self-handicapping tendency was negatively related to the use of self-efficacy. The learning goal was positively related to the use of self-efficacy and to learning strategy. The performance- approach goal was positively related to self-efficacy but presented an negative relationship to learning strategy. The performance-avoidance goal was negatively related to self-efficacy but presented an positive relationship to learning strategy. Besides affecting the learning strategy through self-efficacy indirectly, the learning goal, performance-approach goal, and performance-avoidance goal affected learning strategy directly. The self-handicapping tendency and performance- avoidance goal were a negative predictors of self-efficacy, but the learning goal and performance-approach goal were a positive predictors. And the self-efficacy affected learning strategy positively. The implications of these findings for learning strategy in chemistry are discussed. Although the paths model of relationships of the motivations to learn and learning strategies in chemistry education as mentioned above is established, the more systematic search for the higher self-efficacy and learning strategy in different courses and curriculums may be needed.