The use of categorical variables in regression involves the application of coding methods. The purpose of this paper is to describe how categorical independent variables can be incorporated into regression by virtue of two coding methods: dummy and effect coding. The paper discusses the uses, interpretations, and underlying assumptions of each method. In general, overall results of the regression are unaffected by the methods used for coding the categorical independent variables. In any of the methods, the analysis tests whether group membership is related to the dependent variables. Both methods yield identical R² and F. However, the interpretations of the intercept and regression coefficients depend on what coding method has been applied and whether the groups have equal sample sizes.

Educational assessment can be a powerful tool in enhancing classroom instruction and student performance. Yet, its effectiveness relies on the beliefs and knowledge of those who apply it on a daily classroom basis. This study explored attitudes, competence, knowledge, and practices of teachers about educational assessment. Participants were 165 in-service teachers teaching various subject areas in grades 5 to 10 randomly selected from Muscat educational governorate in the Sultanate of Oman. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. Results revealed that although teachers held a favorable attitude towards and perceived themselves as being competent in educational assessment, they demonstrated a low level of knowledge in educational assessment. Teachers used a variety of assessments in the classroom primarily for assigning grades and motivating students to learn, with some variations by gender, grade level, and subject area. Teaching load and teaching experience accounted for some of the variations in teachers' educational assessment practices. Implications for professional development of teachers in educational assessment as well as recommendations for future research were discussed.

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This study examined the effects of classroom assessment practices on students' achievement goals. The study included 1,636 ninth grade students and 83 science teachers from Muscat public schools in Oman. Results from hierarchical linear modeling techniques showed that class contextual features and teachers' teaching experiences and assessment practices interacted significantly with students' characteristics in influencing students' achievement goals. Recommendations, implications, and suggestions for practice and future research are discussed.

This study aimed at examining the relationships of self-regulated learning strategies with students’ learning motivation and academic achievement in mathematics. The study employed a descriptive research design. The participants were 238 ninth grade students in the Sultanate of Oman. The Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire was used to assess the participants’ use of self-regulated learning strategies and motivation. Academic achievement was reflected by the total score obtained in mathematics. Results revealed statistically positive relationships of self-regulated learning with intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, task value, control of learning beliefs, self-efficacy and academic achievement. Test anxiety was found to be negatively related to self-regulated learning. The study offers insights on how to develop effective instructional strategies to enhance students' self-regulated learning skills.   Keywords: Self-regulation, learning motivation, learning beliefs, academic achievement, learning.