Effects of executive functions and academic emotions on pupils' academic performance in mathematics

Abstract Purpose: The main aim of the present study was to find out the possible effect of executive functions and academic emotions on pupils' academic performance in mathmatics. Methodology:  In this study, the structural equation modeling, type of non-experimental method was implemented. Using sampling method based on the structural equation modeling, 400 (100 girls and 100 boys) in fifth and sixth grade elementary school pupils in Education regions of North, Central, and South of Tehran were reandomly selected. The research data were collected by using standard tests and questionnaires. Structural equation modeling findings showed significant relationships among the executive functions of the elementary school pupils, academic emotions and their mathematics performance. Findings: Moreover, there was significant relationship between academic emotions of the elementary pupils and their academic performance in math subject. Discussion: It is concluded that executive functions and academic emotions can affect pupils' academic performance in mathmatics, requiring more atension to these two influential varaiables while teaching math.