CHAPTER I

The Problem and Its Background

Introduction

Few years ago, an additional two years is added to the educational system of the
Philippines, specifically in the secondary level. Furthermore, it is commonly called as Senior High
which is part of the K-12 system. It focuses on the preparation of students for them to choose of
what field to pursue in their tertiary or college level. The Senior High is divided into four tracks;
academic career track, sports career track, technical-vocational livelihood track, and arts and
design career track. The academic career track is divided into four strands; STEM (Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), ABM (Accountancy, Business, and Management),
HUMSS (Humanities and Social Sciences), and GAS (General Academic Strand). The study
focuses on Academic Career Track specifically the STEM Strand.

The STEM Strand is a guide for students who want to take Engineering, Medicine, Nursing,
and etc. in their college degree. The rigorous years will help the student to be ready for their aspired
profession such as specialized subjects like Pre- Calculus, and Basic Calculus, which is essential
for Engineering and Architect students. Whilst, for those who are aspiring to be in the Medical
fields calls for the specialized subjects of General Biology, General Chemistry, and General
Physics which is a core to those in Medicine.

The researchers aim to know the accounts what the STEM students feel, as to being said
the students are regarded to be esteemed excellency, in Science, or Mathematics-related matters.
In addition, STEM students are assumed to be literate in technologies, for these are their partners
for their chosen profession. They are assumed to be able to answers or give solution to a complex
problem through the use of tools and technologies. STEM students are said to have better
understanding in the two said subjects.

Normally, other students who did not take STEM as their Senior High strand, tend to have
high regards on the said students. They seem to have high expectations especially on the

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intelligence of the said students in the field of Science and Mathematics but not all STEM students
are good in both subjects, some are good only Mathematics or Science. It simply shows that there
is a generalization or stereotyping among students who take STEM as their strand in their
additional two years or senior high. The research explores the insights and feelings of those STEM
students after receiving stereotyping. It includes the experiences of the said students to this
phenomenon.

Statement of the Problem

The study aims to discuss the experiences of STEM students on the high regards from non-
STEM students. This may focus on feelings or insights of the said students which answers the
questions specifically;

1. What are the feelings, insights, and opinions of STEM students after receiving high
expectation and stereotyping from non-STEM students?
2. What do STEM students think may contribute to the perceptions of other non-STEM
students to them?
3. What are the usual stereotyping of non-STEM students to STEM students?

Significance of the Study

The study focuses on the feelings of STEM students as to being highly regarded student
who excels well in academics. The study will benefit the following:

Senior High School Students who took different tracks/strands. The findings of the
study will help the research to find the answer to the experiences and feelings of STEM students.
It may contribute as a knowledge to them of what a STEM student really feels after receiving those
stereotyping. It will provide a learning of the misconception of this phenomenon.

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 STEM Students. The findings of the study will be able to help them in handling the
different stereotypes towards them. For them to be aware that other people do not mean to put
pressure on them because of the strand that they chose, which is STEM.

Teachers. The findings of the study will be helpful for them to be knowledgeable on
students’ feelings and emotion after receiving stereotyping caused by the chosen strand. It will
help them not to put too much pressure specifically on Science or Mathematics because not all
students who are in the STEM strand are good in both subjects.

Future Researchers. The result of the study will serve as a basis for studies they will
conduct later on. Moreover, it will serve as a source or foundation for broader studies that is related
to the topic.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

The study focuses on the experiences of STEM students regarding on the high expectations
and stereotyping they are receiving. It also tackles the feelings and insights of STEM students on
the so-called stereotyping.

The process of the study is the whole second semester which may last for more or less four
months. The study involves twenty-four Grade 11 STEM students of St. Joseph’s College of
Quezon City located at 295 E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave., Quezon City, Metro Manila.

Definition of Terms

STEM - is an educational program developed to prepare primary and secondary students for
college and graduate study in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
(Rouse, Margaret, 2013)

STEREOTYPE - a simplified and standardized conception or image invested with special

meaning and held in common by members of a group.

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PERCEPTION - refers to the way sensory information is organized, interpreted, and
consciously experienced

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 CHAPTER II
Review of Related Literature

This chapter provides some insight regarding the strengths and weaknesses of previous
studies. It will help the researchers to improve their own investigation and to arrive at the proper
perspective of the study. It also aims to gather relevant information about the research that will
support the researchers’ analysis. The studies have been analyzed by keeping objectives,
methodology, and objectives of the study and make a conclusion to strengthen the present research.

A. Foreign

1. Foreign Literature

According to Kelly Robers (2013), a STEM student has a knowledge to use it to

identify questions, can acquire new scientific knowledge, can explain scientific
phenomenon, and can give evidences on scientific issues. Moreover, the said student
should have enough knowledge on how Science and Technology affect our society.
Furthermore, the student should also have enough Mathematical skills especially in
concepts, procedures and prediction. The student can recognize the role of Mathematics in
the world. He should also make well-founded judgements and constructive decisions.
As stated by Mohamed El Nagdi (2018), students who took the STEM strand are
prepared in the field of Mathematics and Sciences. Kennedy and Odell (2014) added that
students focus on the innovation and the applied process of designing solutions to complex
contextual problems using current tools and technologies which means the said student
should be knowledgeable technologically. In addition, (Moore et al., 2014) a STEM student
should have better learning in the field of Mathematics and Sciences which leads them to
become engineers and doctors. Furthermore, (Moore et al., 2014; Roehrig et al. 2012) the
said students should develop his problem-solving skills, communication skills, teamwork
skills, and improve his attitude.

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2. Foreign Studies

According to Caralee Adams (2017), there are seven most important STEM skills.
The first one is being good to statistics which means understanding of statistics means
understanding probability and error rates and concepts that is commonly related of what
student really solve in STEM. A STEM student should also good at problem-solving.
Everything uses problem solving including the employers and the society. An engineer
doesn’t use Calculus, but instead he uses problem-solving. A STEM student should be
creative. It is good thing to have creativity skills which means seeing things in different
perspectives and that can lead to the solving of the problem and having a collaboration with
others. A STEM student argues with evidences. It is just simply mean that students use his
critical-thinking and analytical skills in certain situations supported by evidences. The said
student should have intellectual curiosity which means being innovator and a learner from
his mistakes. Furthermore, the student should have data-driven decision-making skills. He
should make his own decisions scientifically for him to have the best solution in a problem
set. Lastly, he should be flexible. He should adapt things quickly by means of quantitative
skills, communication skills, and more things he will discover soon.
As stated by Brandon LeBeau (2012), a STEM student should have better
understanding related in his major especially in Mathematics curriculum. Moreover, he
added that no matter what track you took in High School that is not related to Mathematics
curriculum, it could not affect your college degree.
From the study entitled, “Perfectionism moderates Stereotype Threat Effects on
STEM Major’s Academic Performance”, stated by that woman are underrepresented in the
field of STEM rather than man being underrepresented. Seemingly, women are most likely
be driven to road of perfection, for the attainment of the field STEM. They added that
woman who are self-critical perfectionist tends to have higher grades and success in
academics. Moreover, men who are self-critical perfectionist tends to have lower grades
and success in academics. The field of STEM are the courses involving Physics, Chemistry,
Engineering, and Sciences (Rice et al., 2013)
Sarah Martinih (2016) discusses the stereotype that surrounds STEM as a course or
career path considerably for Male. It has shown that Female are less likely to choose or

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 participate in STEM related course or field. Moreover, undergraduate female students are
most pen to the negative effects than the male, who are expected to reaped more positive
effects than the negative in correlation with the context for the females. Lastly, male high
school students have anticipated more positive effects with their career or course path with
STEM, rather than female who are expected to have more negative effects rather than
positive effects. Having more aspirations for the female department to reaped positive
effects is most high needed towards lesser stereotyping in the field of STEM.
As stated by Nicky Ryan (2014), students are more concerned about the course they
will “fit in” when choosing a course in the tertiary level. Students tend to have stereotypes
on the said strand which is the STEM. Moreover, it also stated that the so-called stereotypes
can lead to discouragements of the students from choosing the best career track in their
tertiary level.
Andrew Meltzoff (2017) added that there is a stereotyping in the STEM strand
which is STEM is for men only since there more men enrolled in the STEM track. The
STEM strand is for everyone, it could be for men and women. This study is for young adult
that means it will help the problem to remove the stigma while they are still have young
minds.

B. Local

1. Local Studies

According to Edukasyon.ph (2018), the STEM Strand are intertwining disciplines

when applied in the real world. Unlike other strands, the STEM strand is more advanced
and focuses on the advanced concepts and topics especially in the field of Mathematics and
Science. The STEM strands guides students who want to take engineering, pilot, chemist,
and etc. in their college or tertiary level. There are specialized subjects that includes Earth
Science, Pre-Calculus, Basic Calculus, Physics, and Chemistry.

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 Ongchoco, Julia (2017) stated that if a student likes solving Mathematics and
Science problems, then STEM strand perfectly fits you. In addition, STEM strand is a
difficult track that homes future engineers or anything that is Mathematics-related and
Medical courses.

Synthesis of the Review of Related Literature

There are lots of characteristics and qualities a STEM student should have. They usually
receive high regards and high expectations from non-STEM students and teachers. The STEM
strand which is a preparation in the field of Mathematics and Science and is open for those students
who want to take engineering, nursing, medicine, and etc. in their college degree which tackles
mostly Science and Mathematics subject. In foreign studies and literature, a STEM student can
answer questions and problems scientifically and mathematically. Moreover, a STEM student
should develop his problem-solving skills, communication skills, and teamwork skills which are
one of the characteristics of those professionals under the field of Mathematics and Science. In
addition, there are also seven skills which is relevant in being a STEM student which only tackles
real life situations where in the said student should find out solutions to problems with proofs and
evidences. Understanding is also one of the characteristics which can be develop into better
learning. It is also indicated in the foreign studies that women are likely to have achievement
academically because of their perfectionism.
There are also stereotyping which is tackled in the Local Studies which is STEM is for men
and not for women. A gender stereotyping is the one being discussed in the studies which really
affects one’s young mind. The researchers put these studies because it can simply show that for
every stereotyping, one’s mind can affect. The STEM strand itself is all about Mathematics and
Science, but not all students are good in both subject, some are good only in one. Any stereotypes
can lead to a feeling of discouragement and backing out because of the stereotyping inside the
STEM strand.

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 The Foreign Studies and Literature just simply indicates what a STEM student should be,
what characteristics a STEM student should possess, and how will the said student be successful
in achieving courses in their college degree. It is guide or way for students through their journey
in the STEM strand. These are relevant to the problem of the research which totally gives data and
information to the said topic.
In Local Studies, it is said to be that STEM is a more advanced way through one’s journey
to achieve courses aligned to Science and Mathematics. If a student is really good in solving
problems, then STEM is a perfect choice. The Local Studies just simply give us knowledge about
the subjects being taken in the STEM strand. It gives additional data relevant to the said topic
about the things and learnings inside the STEM strand.
All the information written in the Review and Related Literature are absolutely related and
significant in the Research Topic. All the information is greatly needed in constructing and
developing theory about the said topic. Moreover, the data gathered from books and internet
sources greatly tackles the STEM strand itself, and insights towards stereotyping among STEM
students.

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 CHAPTER III
Methodology

This chapter gives the entirety of research procedures that will be used in the study.
Furthermore, it will aid information on participants, who and how will they be sampled. Research
Design will be described by the researchers where they will tackle the sole purpose and reasons of
the study, on the perception of other students to those who are in STEM Track or Strand. The
locale, or where the study will take place, are to be described and specify by the researchers.
Instruments that will be used for data collection are described, and the methods used throughout
the study, and ways for the data to be analyze as well. Methods of analyzing the data will be shown.

Research Design

The design of the research will be using Qualitative. The Research will be having inquiry
of natural phenomenon wherein it requires a deeper understanding of this social phenomenon in
Senior High School. It is a type of social science research that works with non-numerical data but
descriptive words to clarify information and understand more the said problem of the targeted
participants in a certain place and event. As a research design, the researchers will be using
phenomenology. Phenomenology is one of the often-used research designs for describing human
experiences in the said phenomenon which greatly tackles the insights and feelings of the person
involved.

Phenomenology is a phenomenon refers to an occurrence or experience, logical refers to a

path toward understanding which is stated by Gaston-Gayles, et al., (2015).

Research Locale

The study will take place in St. Joseph’s College of Quezon City located at 295 E.
Rodriguez Sr. Blvd., Quezon City. The survey will be conducted specifically at the St. Claire
Building, where in this where the participants are located.

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Sample or The Participants

The researchers will be using purposive sampling technique. The study aims to find out the
experiences of STEM students. The study will involve twenty-four Grade 11 STEM students ages
16 to 18 years old, from St. Joseph’s College of Quezon City. STEM students are the one involved
in the study.

Research Instrument

The study contains a survey questionnaire for the respondents and was also utilized to
determine the experiences of STEM students. The survey questionnaire contains the respondent’s
demographic profile and questions that will aid in knowing on the said phenomenon. The
researchers will be able to gather information, opinions and perception. Mobile was included to
use for record or video to take it as a proof on the results in order for the researchers to gather
accurately the answers during the interview for the follow-up questions of survey. The researchers
will first ask the participants’ consent regarding of possibility of video recording or recording is
allowed during the interview. If not, the researchers will manually jot down the answers, will be
used for the transcript.

Data Collection Procedure

The following steps are to be followed by the researchers in data collection about the said
topic.
First, the researchers will collect data and information which is relevant to the topic from
College of Arts and Sciences Library in St. Joseph’s College of Quezon City. The research took
more data from Quezon City Library. Unfortunately, there are not enough printed literature and
studies relevant to the topic that can be used for an informative and high-quality Review of Related
literature. The researchers will collect literature and studies that are related to the topic from
credible sources and websites.

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 Second, the researchers will formulate survey questionnaires for the participants to gather
information and data based from their experiences for better and deeper understanding of the topic.
The researchers will conduct the survey inside the school campus, St. Claire Building.
Third, the researchers will be selecting twenty-four participants from Grade 11 STEM. The
researchers will be giving a student’s consent and parent’s consent for allowing the researchers to
conduct a survey on the said topic.
Fourth, the researchers will then ask the participants if video recording and voice recording
is allowed during the interview of the follow-up questions during the survey. This is should be
done for their consent whether the participants allow or not for their privacy. The researcher will
be having a pen and paper for writing down notes about the answers given by the participants
during the interview or the follow-up questions. The researchers should be writing down word by
word to get the main idea and thought of the participant.
Lastly, the researchers will politely show gratitude to the participants for allowing the
researchers to conduct a survey and an interview about the phenomenon in Senior High School.
The data collected from the survey and interview will be analyzed and studied by the researchers
for their summary, conclusions and recommendations.

Data Analysis Procedure

The researchers will be collecting the data from the instrumentation of survey
questionnaire. Then later, the raw data will be tallied and analyzed by the researchers according to
its categories regarding on the experiences of STEM students. Upon analyzing, the researchers
will search for patterns, themes, relationships, similarities, and differences between answers. This
will allow them to explore and elaborate generalization in which link to body of knowledge in the
said phenomenon. Thematic Analysis will be used by the researchers; this is most suited form of
analysis for phenomenology.

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REFERENCES

Adams, Caralee (2017). “The 7 Most Important STEM Skills We Should Be Teaching Our
Kids”.
https://www.weareteachers.com/important-stem-skills-teaching-kids/

Dictionary.com, “STEREOTYPING”. https://www.dictionary.com/browse/stereotyping

Edukasyon.ph (2018), “Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Strand”.

https://www.edukasyon.ph/courses/senior-high-tracks/academic/stem-science-
technology-engineering-and-mathematics-strand

El Nagdi, Mohamed (2018). “Developing identities of STEM teachers at emerging STEM

schools”.
https://stemeducationjournal.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40594-018-0136-1

Gaston-Gayles et al. (2009). “Qualitative Research Design”

https://researchrundowns.com/qual/qualitative-research-design/

Kennedy and Odell (2014). “Developing identities of STEM teachers at emerging STEM
schools”.https://stemeducationjournal.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40594-018-
0136-1

LeBeau, Brandon (2012). “Student and high-school characteristics related to completing a

science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) major in college”.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02635143.2012.659178

LumenLearning.com. “PERCEPTION”. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/msstate-waymaker-

psychology/chapter/reading-what-is-perception/

Martiny, Sarah (2016). “Not feeling in good in STEM:Effects of Stereotype Activation and

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 Anticipated Affect on Women’s Career Aspiration
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/306104447_Not_Feeling_Good_in_STEM_Eff
ects_of_Stereotype_Activation_and_Anticipated_Affect_on_Women's_Career_Aspiratio
ns

Meltzoff, Andrew (2017). “STEREOTYPES, STEM, and a sense of belonging”.

https://bold.expert/stereotypes-stem-and-a-sense-of-belonging/

Moore et al. (2014). “Developing identities of STEM teachers at emerging STEM

schools”.
https://stemeducationjournal.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40594-018-0136-1

Ongchoco, Julia (2017). “Choosing a Career is Difficult in itself, But Senior High School
Prepares You to Make Crucial Decisions that will Impact Your Future

Rice et al. (2013). “Perfectionism Moderates Stereotypes Threats Effects on STEM Majors’
Academic Performance”.

Robers, Kelly (2013). “A selection of the work of international organizations on STEM

education and STEM”.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264545199_Literature_Review_-
_A_selection_of_the_work_of_international_organizations_on_STEM_education_and_S
TEM-related_issues

Roehrig et al. (2017). “Developing identities of STEM teachers at emerging STEM

schools”.
https://stemeducationjournal.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40594-018-0136-1

Rouse, Margaret (2013), “STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)”.

https://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/STEM-science-technology-engineering-and-
mathematics

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Ryan, Nicky (2014), “Stereotypes could be holding students back from embracing STEM
courses”.https://www.google.com/amp/www.thejournal.ie/stem-courses-
stereotypes-1841983-Dec2014/%3famp=1

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APPENDICES

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 Student’s Consent Form for Participation in a Research Study
St. Joseph’s College of Quezon City

“STEM ka ‘diba, edi matalino ka?”: A Qualitative Study About the Experiences of
Stereotyping Among Grade 11 STEM Students

You are invited to participate in a research study. Below are some answers to question you may
have about this study.

What is it for?
The research is about knowing the experiences of STEM students.

Why me?
The target participants of the study are those Grade 11 STEM students

What will I have to do?

The participants will answer the survey questionnaires and the follow-up questions.

By signing below, I am saying that I have read this form and have asked any questions I may have.
All of my questions have been answered and I understand what I am being asked to do. By signing
I am saying that I am willing and would like to participate in this study. I have also received a copy
of this form to keep.

____________________________________ _______________________
Signature of student Date

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 Parental Permission for Participation of a Child in a
Research Study
St. Joseph’s College of Quezon City

“STEM ka ‘diba, edi matalino ka?”: A Qualitative Study About the Experiences of
Stereotyping Among Grade 11 STEM Students

Description of the research and your child’s participation

We are humbly asking for your child, ___________________________________, to participate
in a research study conducted by a group in STEM. The purpose of this research is gather data
from STEM students in knowing their experiences and insights from the so- called
STEREOTYPING.
Your child’s participation will involve in answering the survey questionnaires and follow-up
questions.
Participation in this research study is voluntary. You may refuse to allow your child to participate
or withdraw your child from the study at any time. Your child will not be penalized in any way
should you decide not to allow your child to participate or to withdraw your child from this study.

Contact information
If you have any questions or concerns about this study or if any problems arise, please contact us,
Juan Carlos Allarde, 09753048841.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s rights as a research participant, please
contact us, Juan Carlos Allarde, 09753048841

Consent
I have read this parental permission form and have been given the opportunity to ask questions. I
give my permission for my child to participate in this study.

Participant’s signature_______________________________ Date:_________________

Child’s Name:_______________________________________

A copy of this parental permission form should be given to you.

___________________________ __________________________
Juan Carlos B. Allarde Romyelle L. Ancheta
The Researcher The Researcher

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