Enhancing self-esteem of students with special needs in solving algebraic word problems using peer assessment

Sharon Mnena Abaver; France Masilo Machaba

doi:10.29333/ejmste/18739

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Sharon Mnena Abaver ¹ ^* , France Masilo Machaba ¹

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¹ Department of Mathematics Education, University of South Africa, Pretoria, SOUTH AFRICA^* Corresponding Author

Abstract

Understanding self-esteem among students with special needs (SSNs) is essential for identifying factors contributing to learning gaps and designing effective interventions. This study examined the impact of a learner-centered approach—peer assessment strategy (PAS)—on the self-esteem of SSNs in solving algebraic word problems. Quasi-experimental design was adopted. The sample comprised 22 SSNs in upper basic one, drawn from a population of 77 students across six special secondary schools. Data were collected using a questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.77 (Cronbach’s alpha). Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) addressed the research questions, while analysis of covariance tested the null hypotheses. Findings revealed significant difference in mean self-esteem ratings between students taught algebra using PAS and those taught with conventional assessment strategies (CAS). However, no significant gender difference was observed in mean self-esteem ratings among SSNs taught algebra using PAS. Hence, PAS is more effective than CAS in enhancing SSNs’ self-esteem in algebra.

Keywords

peer assessment strategy
self-esteem
academic performance
algebra
special needs students

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This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Article Type: Research Article

EURASIA J Math Sci Tech Ed, Volume 22, Issue 7, July 2026, Article No: em2854

https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/18739

Publication date: 10 Jun 2026

Article Views: 9

Article Downloads: 3

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How to cite this article

APA

Abaver, S. M., & Machaba, F. M. (2026). Enhancing self-esteem of students with special needs in solving algebraic word problems using peer assessment. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 22(7), em2854. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/18739

Vancouver

Abaver SM, Machaba FM. Enhancing self-esteem of students with special needs in solving algebraic word problems using peer assessment. EURASIA J Math Sci Tech Ed. 2026;22(7):em2854. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/18739

AMA

Abaver SM, Machaba FM. Enhancing self-esteem of students with special needs in solving algebraic word problems using peer assessment. EURASIA J Math Sci Tech Ed. 2026;22(7), em2854. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/18739

Chicago

Abaver, Sharon Mnena, and France Masilo Machaba. "Enhancing self-esteem of students with special needs in solving algebraic word problems using peer assessment". Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education 2026 22 no. 7 (2026): em2854. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/18739

Harvard

Abaver, S. M., and Machaba, F. M. (2026). Enhancing self-esteem of students with special needs in solving algebraic word problems using peer assessment. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 22(7), em2854. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/18739

MLA

Abaver, Sharon Mnena et al. "Enhancing self-esteem of students with special needs in solving algebraic word problems using peer assessment". Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, vol. 22, no. 7, 2026, em2854. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/18739