PROBLEMS AND DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED BY STUDENTS TOWARDS MASTERING LEARNING COMPETENCIES IN MATHEMATICS
Keywords:
problems, learning competencies, strategies, motivation, instructionAbstract
This study determined and analysed the problems and difficulties encountered by Bachelor of Elementary Education sophomore students towards mastering learning competencies in mathematics. The problems and difficulties are categorized into personal problems, emotional problems, problems on teacher’s instruction, problems with school adjustment, problems in adjusting to classmates and boardmates, and problems arising from over-extended schedule/workloads for practice in different competitions.
Using the descriptive-survey method and frequency count and percentage, findings revealed that, in general, the respondents encountered personal problems relating to school expenses, lack of interest and negative attitude towards the subject. The emotional problems encountered are excessive stress in doing academic tasks and low self-esteem or not believing in one’s capabilities. On problems relating to teacher’s instruction, these are no effective motivation and introduction, and not creative enough to adapt his/her method to the learner’s capability. As to problems with school adjustment, the most frequent are difficulty in adjusting to life/role of a college student, and not doing the tasks well. The problems in adjusting to classmates/boardmates are how to be accepted by classmates and boardmates, and working effectively with different kinds of classmates. With regard to problems arising from over-extended schedule/workloads for practice in different competitions, the most common problems are too many academic tasks and projects assigned, and studying and reviewing too many subjects every day.
Downloads
References
Aguinaldo, Clemente M. (2001). The Academic Performance of Students, their Attitudes Towards Mathematics Courses and their Teacher. REL Journal Vol.2 (1),1-10
Aguinaldo, Rebelyn P. (2008). Non-Intellective Factors Affecting the Performance of Students in Mathematics in all Public High School of Santiago City in the National Achievement Test (NAT). A Research Report.
Ayap, Liezl S. (2007). Factors Affecting Mathematics Performance of Students of Cabarroguis National School of Arts and Trades. Master’s Thesis. Philippine Normal University, Isabela.
Contreras, Josephine. (1980). Factors Affecting the Teaching of Mathematics Subject in the Non-government Institution of Iriga City. Unpublished Master’s Thesis, University of North-eastern Philippines, Iriga City.
DepEd (2003). Highlights of Results from TIMSS. Dep Ed Bulletin
Eccles, J. (1993). School and Family Effects on the Ontogeny of Children’s Interests, self- perception and Activity Choice. Nebraska symposium on motivation. Lincoln University of Nebraska Press.
Farooq, M.S., Chaudry, A.H. Shafiq, M. and Berhanu, G. (2011). Factors Affecting Students’ Quality of Academic Performance: A Case of Secondary School Level. Journal of Quality and Technology Management. Vol. 7 (2).
Guevarra, Fortunato G. (1984). Factor Associated with the Academic Performance in Mathematics of Grade Six pupils in School of Jones, North Central Region. Unpublished Master’s Thesis, Isabela State University, Echague, Isabela.
Guimaray. Imelda B. (1994). Mathematical Difficulties of freshmen High School Students in St. Michael College Cantillan Surigao Del Sur, School Year 1993-1994. Unpublished Master’s Thesis, Mindanao State University, General Santos City.
Haimowitz, M.L. (1989). Human Development. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell.
House, D. (2001). Relationship between Instructional Activities and Mathematics Achievement of Adolescent Students in Japan. Finding from the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). International Journal of Instructional Media, New York, 28 (1).
Lardizabal, A. (1995). Principles and Methods of Teaching. Quezon City: Phoenix Publishing House.
Leongson, J. A. (2002). Assessing the Mathematics Achievement of College Freshmen using Piaget’s Logical Operations. Competencies in Mathematics. Unpublished Master’s Thesis. Bataan Polytechnic State College, Bataan, Philippines.
Limjap, A. A. (2002). Issues on problem solving: Drawing implications for a Technomathematics Curriculum at the Collegiate Level. Tanglaw., 8, 55-85.
Mabalo, Luco. (1990). Difficulties in Solving Verbal Problems in College Algebra of the First Year Engineering Students at the Western university. Unpublished Master’s Thesis, Western Mindanao State University Zamboanga City.
Maurillo, A. (1999). An Assessment of Grade Five Pupils on the Mastery of Basic Mathematical Skills in the Division of Tacloban City. Proposed measures for Mathematics Teaching. A Research Report. Vol. 1 (2), 2-9
Mateo,A. (2011). Teachers’ Strategies and Social Support: Their Influence on Achievement, Attitudes and Social Behavior of Students. Master’s Thesis. Cavite: Adventist University.
Mwamwenda, T.S. (1995).Educational Psychology: An African Perspective. London:Heinemann ButerworthPublishers Ltd.
Nario, Leticia T..(1993). Mathematical Difficulties of second year High School students in the Vocational Schools In the First district of Isabela. Unpublished Seminar Paper. Isabela State University, Echague, Isabela.
Pascua, Rodrigo. (1987). Problems Encountered by Teachers in Teaching Algebra in the La Salette High Schools of Isabela. Unpublished Seminar Paper. Isabela State University, Echague, Isabela.
Philippine Daily Inquirer (1988).
Sevilla, C. G. et al. (1998). General Psychology with Values Development Lessons. Rex Book Store, Manila, Philippines.
Sims and Sims (1996). Formal Reasoning and Science Teaching. Social Science and Mathematics, 96 (2), 99-107. Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS).
