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AI-Facilitated Self-Directed Learning and Mathematics Performance: A Mixed-Methods Study on ChatGPT Use among Generation Z Students

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Title: AI-Facilitated Self-Directed Learning and Mathematics Performance: A Mixed-Methods Study on ChatGPT Use among Generation Z Students
Language: English
Authors: Jhoname Besas (ORCID 0009-0008-2143-7590), Louida Patac (ORCID 0000-0002-6574-5658), Adriano Patac (ORCID 0000-0002-7518-521X)
Source: International Journal of Contemporary Educational Research. 2026 13(1):15-30.
Availability: International Journal of Contemporary Educational Research. e-mail: ijceroffice@gmail.com; Web site: http://ijcer.net
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 16
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Junior High Schools
Middle Schools
Secondary Education
Descriptors: Artificial Intelligence, Technology Uses in Education, Independent Study, Mathematics Education, Mathematics Achievement, Junior High School Students, Foreign Countries, Age Groups, Learning Motivation, Critical Thinking, Educational Benefits, Supplementary Education, Readiness
Geographic Terms: Philippines
ISSN: 2148-3868
Abstract: The rapid adoption of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT has raised important questions about how AI-supported learning relates to students' self-directed learning (SDL) and mathematics achievement, particularly among Generation Z learners. This study examined the relationship between AI-facilitated SDL and mathematics performance using a convergent mixed-methods design among junior high school students in accredited public schools in the Philippines. A total of 272 Grade 7--10 students completed the Self-Rating Scale of Self-Directed Learning (SRSSDL) and an AI/ChatGPT Use and Engagement questionnaire, and their responses were linked to standardized mathematics assessment scores. In addition, 73 students participated in focus group discussions to describe how they used ChatGPT for mathematics learning. Quantitative results showed that most students demonstrated moderate SDL readiness (47.79%), while 29.41% exhibited high SDL and 22.79% showed low SDL. SRSSDL scores were strongly and positively correlated with mathematics performance (r = 0.849, p < 0.001), whereas ChatGPT usage showed a weak but significant positive correlation with performance (r = 0.227, p < 0.001). SRSSDL and ChatGPT usage were not significantly related (r = 0.080, p = 0.187). Multiple regression indicated that SDL readiness and ChatGPT usage significantly predicted mathematics performance (R² = 0.746), with SDL emerging as the dominant predictor (β = 0.836, p < 0.001) and ChatGPT usage contributing a smaller but significant effect (β = 0.159, p < 0.001). Qualitative thematic analysis yielded three themes: (1) Personalized support and motivation, (2) Challenges in critical thinking and overreliance, and (3) ChatGPT as a learning companion, indicating that the benefits of ChatGPT depend on how intentionally and critically it is used. Integrated findings suggest that while ChatGPT may provide supplementary support, SDL readiness remains the primary driver of mathematics achievement, and responsible AI use practices are necessary to minimize risks such as overreliance and reduced independent reasoning.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1505621
Database: ERIC
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  Data: AI-Facilitated Self-Directed Learning and Mathematics Performance: A Mixed-Methods Study on ChatGPT Use among Generation Z Students
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  Data: &lt;searchLink fieldCode=&quot;AR&quot; term=&quot;%22Jhoname+Besas%22&quot;&gt;Jhoname Besas&lt;/searchLink&gt; (ORCID &lt;externalLink term=&quot;https://orcid.org/0009-0008-2143-7590&quot;&gt;0009-0008-2143-7590&lt;/externalLink&gt;)&lt;br /&gt;&lt;searchLink fieldCode=&quot;AR&quot; term=&quot;%22Louida+Patac%22&quot;&gt;Louida Patac&lt;/searchLink&gt; (ORCID &lt;externalLink term=&quot;https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6574-5658&quot;&gt;0000-0002-6574-5658&lt;/externalLink&gt;)&lt;br /&gt;&lt;searchLink fieldCode=&quot;AR&quot; term=&quot;%22Adriano+Patac%22&quot;&gt;Adriano Patac&lt;/searchLink&gt; (ORCID &lt;externalLink term=&quot;https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7518-521X&quot;&gt;0000-0002-7518-521X&lt;/externalLink&gt;)
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  Data: &lt;searchLink fieldCode=&quot;DE&quot; term=&quot;%22Philippines%22&quot;&gt;Philippines&lt;/searchLink&gt;
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– Name: Abstract
  Label: Abstract
  Group: Ab
  Data: The rapid adoption of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT has raised important questions about how AI-supported learning relates to students&#39; self-directed learning (SDL) and mathematics achievement, particularly among Generation Z learners. This study examined the relationship between AI-facilitated SDL and mathematics performance using a convergent mixed-methods design among junior high school students in accredited public schools in the Philippines. A total of 272 Grade 7--10 students completed the Self-Rating Scale of Self-Directed Learning (SRSSDL) and an AI/ChatGPT Use and Engagement questionnaire, and their responses were linked to standardized mathematics assessment scores. In addition, 73 students participated in focus group discussions to describe how they used ChatGPT for mathematics learning. Quantitative results showed that most students demonstrated moderate SDL readiness (47.79%), while 29.41% exhibited high SDL and 22.79% showed low SDL. SRSSDL scores were strongly and positively correlated with mathematics performance (r = 0.849, p &lt; 0.001), whereas ChatGPT usage showed a weak but significant positive correlation with performance (r = 0.227, p &lt; 0.001). SRSSDL and ChatGPT usage were not significantly related (r = 0.080, p = 0.187). Multiple regression indicated that SDL readiness and ChatGPT usage significantly predicted mathematics performance (R&#178; = 0.746), with SDL emerging as the dominant predictor (β = 0.836, p &lt; 0.001) and ChatGPT usage contributing a smaller but significant effect (β = 0.159, p &lt; 0.001). Qualitative thematic analysis yielded three themes: (1) Personalized support and motivation, (2) Challenges in critical thinking and overreliance, and (3) ChatGPT as a learning companion, indicating that the benefits of ChatGPT depend on how intentionally and critically it is used. Integrated findings suggest that while ChatGPT may provide supplementary support, SDL readiness remains the primary driver of mathematics achievement, and responsible AI use practices are necessary to minimize risks such as overreliance and reduced independent reasoning.
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  Data: 2026
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RecordInfo BibRecord:
  BibEntity:
    Languages:
      – Text: English
    PhysicalDescription:
      Pagination:
        PageCount: 16
        StartPage: 15
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Artificial Intelligence
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Technology Uses in Education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Independent Study
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Mathematics Education
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      – SubjectFull: Mathematics Achievement
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      – SubjectFull: Junior High School Students
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      – SubjectFull: Learning Motivation
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      – SubjectFull: Critical Thinking
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      – SubjectFull: Educational Benefits
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      – SubjectFull: Supplementary Education
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      – SubjectFull: Readiness
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      – SubjectFull: Philippines
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      – TitleFull: AI-Facilitated Self-Directed Learning and Mathematics Performance: A Mixed-Methods Study on ChatGPT Use among Generation Z Students
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