Identifying Students’ Academic Anxiety and Performance in the New Normal

Towards Introductory Physics Courses of Selected College Students in Central

Mindanao University

I. Introduction

Physics is a challenging topic to study. It involves the use of rational and critical
reasoning. Many college students find it difficult to cope with this subject because they
are overwhelmed by the problems and because solving the problems takes time. Physics
is much more difficult to learn in the new normal because students cannot actually ask
their professor questions about the subject. There are also several factors that influence
students' focus when studying this subject, these factors greatly affect the students’
academic performance towards this subject. As a result, students are afraid of failing their
classes.

Anxiety among students can have a positive or negative impact on academic

performance, particularly in the new normal. So we agreed to conduct this interview in
order to learn why they are anxious in this course and how we might assist them in
overcoming it.

The respondents are students from Central Mindanao University who are studying
physics. Since we know that many Central Mindanao University students who are taking
this subject are struggling to keep up in the new normal.

II. Body

The unstable internet access is one of the key reasons affecting the students'
academic performance and anxiety. This aspect is most likely the reason why the students
are having difficulty coping with this issue. A lack of contact with their professors is also
a concern, as they are unable to quickly ask specific questions about the subject. Finally,
they discuss their personal issues in their respective homes, such as household chores and
their other subject.
 Since the internet access is fast in midnight, the respondents do their assignments
or tasks at this time. Students simply watch YouTube videos and the materials that their
instructor gave to cope with the problem of lack of communication with their professors,
since it is extremely difficult to communicate, particularly when the internet connectivity
is unstable. In terms of personal matters such as household chores and other subjects, they
just simply handle their time effectively.

III. Conclusion

The interview is going well because the respondents are very cooperative and easy
to work with. And they were truthful in their responses to our interview questions. I have
learned a lot about their difficulties in the physics class. As a student of this subject, I can
empathize with their difficulties.

Respondents' major concern is the unstable internet connections, which make it

difficult to complete homework, quizzes, and tests while the internet is sluggish. The
respondents' inability to directly question their professors is also a big concern, as they
are unable to directly ask their professors, because some of them are hesitant to message
their professors because they might be busy and do not want to bother them.

As researchers, one of the most practical contributions we could make in the near
future is to discover or develop certain coping mechanisms that will aid students in their
physics studies. We can suggest the instructor to be more considerate of the students'
needs when it comes to subject requirements, particularly if the student has a legitimate
excuse for being unable to complete their assignments on time. We should also enable
students to use their time wisely, which would be beneficial to their studies in general, not
just in this subject.