Perpetual Help College of Pangasinan- JONELTA

Basic Education Department – Senior High School

Chapter 1
THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING
Introduction

One of the challenges students face today is understanding mathematics.

Mathematics is a subject that deals with numbers, measurements, amounts, shapes,
thinking, and arrangements. Mathematical calculations are used to solve issues and
determine solutions. Nowadays, young people shy toward reciting due to fears and
anxiety of tough subjects like mathematics-related subjects, which are just as stressful as
broad mathematics. They must master culturally particular mathematical language, rules,
and methods (math tools) in order to learn difficult subjects like general mathematics.
One must learn to recognize the mathematical parts of a problem situation in order to
employ these math tools in that situation effectively.

Mathematics anxiety has been described as experiencing feelings of panic and

helplessness when asked to solve a mathematical task or problem. According to this study,
using mathematics to solve problems, respond to inquiries, and recite in class can cause
anxiety, fear, and a host of other emotions. People who are timid, fearful, or anxious don't
usually comprehend. General mathematics presents a variety of problems, such as when
they attempt to solve a problem and experience panic, fear, shyness, and other emotions.
When they are overcome by these emotions, students receive poor grades as a result of
not reciting and disappointing themselves (Tobias & Weissbro, 1980).

The study will help researchers understand the factors that affect students' anxiety
while learning general mathematics. Its influence on students is sharing knowledge,
anxiety reduction, and prevention in learning general math, just like solving. This anxiety
leads them to feel nervous and afraid when we respond to problems. Our researchers'
impulse came from those who struggle with comprehending mathematics and are
apprehensive. This study focuses on the factors that have an influence on students'
anxiety when learning general mathematics at the University of Perpetual Help System-

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 Perpetual Help College of Pangasinan- JONELTA
Basic Education Department – Senior High School

Pangasinan. Many people today struggle with learning, especially in mathematics,

because it is a challenging subject that many people are frequently anxious about solving.

Theoretical framework

This study was supported by the Social Cognitive Theory of Estonanto (2017).
The importance of investigating anxiety in mathematics education is that teachers,
students, and the educational system at large stand to gain a great deal from
understanding and addressing anxiety in mathematics education. A large amount of
research indicates that students' academic performance in mathematics may be affected
by high levels of anxiety. It might make it more difficult for them to focus, figure out
mathematical problems, and perform well on tests. This can reduce students' self-efficacy
beliefs by reducing their confidence in their mathematical abilities. That could be a
consequence of pursuing mathematical education or careers. The anxiety associated with
mathematics education can have long-lasting consequences, which could affect future
opportunities and career decisions.

It is essential to understand that students' experiences of mathematics anxiety may

change depending on a number of factors ithat includes cognitive factors, psychological
factors, physical factors, enivronmental factors. As a result, addressing this issue at an
early stage is crucial. Examining these technicalities can result in customized
interventions. Effective instructional techniques can be developed with a better
understanding of the causes and manifestations of math anxiety. Teachers can modify
their approach to teaching in order to reduce anxiety and encourage a more favorable
learning environment. The effects of math anxiety extend beyond the classroom and have
an impact on students' general emotional and cognitive health. Taking care of their
anxiety can improve their general quality of life and mental health.

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 Perpetual Help College of Pangasinan- JONELTA
Basic Education Department – Senior High School

Operational framework

This study was supported by social cognitive theory by Estanto (2017), which
explains what the important of investigating anxiety in mathematics education and it is
explained the large amount of research indicates that students academic performance in
mathematics that may be affected by high level of anxiety.

Input Process Output

 Nervousness when  Factors of

taking General  Survey Questionnaire nervousness
Mathematics affecting the
students

Figure 2: Operational Framework

Figure 2: shows the operational model showing the input, output and process.
First, the input which is the age, sex, section, strand economic, states and time will spent
studying General Mathematics. Second, is the output which is determine the Factors
Affecting the Nervousness when taking the General Mathematics subject of grade 11
Students at Perpetual help college Pangasinan-system.

Statement of the problem

This study aims to determine the factors affecting the nervousness when taking
the general subject of the grade 11 students at University of Perpetual Help System-
Pangasinan. Specifically, the researchers will answer the following:

1. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of:

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 Perpetual Help College of Pangasinan- JONELTA
Basic Education Department – Senior High School

1.1. Age;

1.2. Sex;

1.3. Strand;

1.4. Economic status;,

1.5 Time spent studying general mathematics

2. Factors affecting nervousness of students when taking general mathematics in

terms of;

2.1 Cognitive Factors ;

2.2 Psychological Factors

2.3 Physical Factors;

2.4 Environmental Factors;

Hypothesis of the Study

To answer the main problem, the researchers formulated the following hypothesis:

There are factors that affects the nervousness of students when taking the
General-Mathematics subject of Grade 11 students.

Assumption of the Study

The researchers based this study on the following assumptions.

1. Factors of nervousness affecting students' concentration and math achievement in class.

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 Perpetual Help College of Pangasinan- JONELTA
Basic Education Department – Senior High School

2. Despite having strong math skills, Grade 11 students sometimes struggle with self-
confidence and are concerned about their health.

Scope and Delimitation

This study will mainly focus on Factors affecting the nervousness when taking the
general mathematics subject of Grade 11 students at University of Perpetual Help
System-Pangasinan. The profile of the respondents will cover the age, sex, and the strand.

The target respondents of this study are the students enrolled under the strand of:
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Accountancy Business
Management (ABM), Humanities and Social Science (HUMSS), Information and
Technical- Vocational- livelihood (TVL) in University of Perpetual Help System-
Pangasinan for the School Year 2023-2024.

Significance of the Study

This study aims to understand the factors that contribute to nervousness among

Grade 11 students when taking the general mathematics subject.

Students of Grade 11 students at the University of Perpetual Help System-

Pangasinan will benefit by gaining insights into why they feel nervous about general
mathematics. This knowledge can lead to strategies to reduce their nervousness, making
their learning experience more enjoyable and improving their academic performance.

Teachers can use the findings to adapt their teaching methods, making
mathematics more accessible and less intimidating for their students. This can enhance
the overall quality of teaching.

Department of Education (DepEd) can use the research results to implement

changes in the curriculum or support programs to address the factors causing student
nervousness. This can contribute to higher retention rates and improved student outcomes.

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 Perpetual Help College of Pangasinan- JONELTA
Basic Education Department – Senior High School

Parents can help better support their children in managing and overcoming their
nervousness. This can lead to improved academic performance and overall well-being.

Researchers of this study shall help provide us with useful knowledge that will
help guide us in utilizing ways to improve our school performance by developing our
academic excellence and awareness, helping us grow as students with goals to reach our
fullest potential and broadening our opportunities in life. It will also provide us with a
more positive view in our class environment and as well as in our studies.

Future researchers, this study would provide benefactor information that shall
give them a thorough guide and reference if they decide to use this inquiry for research
purposes.

Definitions of terms:

The following terms in this study are defined conceptually and operationally:

Factors -These are the elements or variables that influence or contribute to a particular
outcome or situation. In this context, factors refer to the various aspects or variables that
impact the level of nervousness experienced by Grade 11 students when studying general
mathematics.

Nervousness - is a state of anxiousness or unease, often accompanied by physical

symptoms like sweating or a racing heart. In the context of the title, it relates to the
emotional and physiological response of Grade 11 students when studying the general
mathematics subject.

General Mathematics - is a broad term referring to a foundational or basic level of

mathematical knowledge and skills. It typically includes topics such as arithmetic,
algebra, geometry, and basic statistics.

Psychological Factors - this is the elements of your personality that limit or enhance the
way you think.

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 Perpetual Help College of Pangasinan- JONELTA
Basic Education Department – Senior High School

Cognitive Factors - characteristics of a person that affect performance and learning.

Anxiety - an uncomfortable feeling of worry about something that is happening or might

happen, or a cause

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 Perpetual Help College of Pangasinan- JONELTA
Basic Education Department – Senior High School

Chapter 2

Review related Literature and Studies

In this chapter, related literature and related studies were presented to review its
capacity to support and formally understand the study. Furthermore, synthesis of
reviewed related literature, synthesis of reviewed related studies, as well as the gaps to be
bridged were also provided for further discussions.

State of the art

To give an in-depth background on the problem, the researchers presented both

local and foreign literature and studies. The new information that this study will offer
may later be used to establish and improve the concepts, conclusions, hypotheses, and the
line of thinking from academic researchers and papers that have been presented.

Review of related literature

Foreign Literature

According to Tolibao and Moneva (2021), students with high levels of

mathematics anxiety perform in a “bad state”. Their study found a moderate negative
correlation between mathematics anxiety and performance. Luttenberger et al., 2018)
Math anxiety has many adverse psychological effects, inducing feelings of dread, panic,
helplessness, and mental disorganization. Those who experience math anxiety also face
physiological symptoms including increased ◻ heart rate, clamminess, nausea..

As pupils’ degree of arithmetic anxiety declines, their mathematical proficiency

rises. Several studies revealed that mathematics anxiety impacts to the learner
tremendously especially his scholastic performance, mastery of learning competencies
and skills, and even the career choice ( Estonanto, 2017). According to Dagaylo-An and

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 Perpetual Help College of Pangasinan- JONELTA
Basic Education Department – Senior High School

Tancinco (2016), students who struggle with math anxiety have negative side effects such
as stress, nervousness, and rejection, and their performance is severely hampered. It was
added that students who struggle with math anxiety lack confidence in their aptitude for
the subject and take the bare minimum of mathematics courses, which severely restricts
their prospects for a profession.

Local Literature

. Mathematics is regarded as the most important subject in schools globally. However,

many students in the Philippines struggle with it due to the various obstacles that prevent
them from fully engaging in it (Program for International Student Assessment, 2019)

Andamon (2015), stated that mathematics is the second most difficult subject in both
elementary and high school level. Thus, Senator Angara, chairman of the Senate
Committee on Education, Arts and Culture stressed the insufficiency of competence and
skills in mathematics, science and technology which are the major causes of the country's
poverty and distress.

According to Dinglasan & Patena (2013), relates to how students handle their studies
and how they cope with or complete the tasks assigned to them by their lecturers. The
ability to study and remember facts, as well as the ability to transmit acquired knowledge
vocally or on paper, are typically assessed through grades.

Review of related studies

Foreign Studies

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 Perpetual Help College of Pangasinan- JONELTA
Basic Education Department – Senior High School

Uludag (2022) said that the success of students is greatly affected by math anxiety,
and those who struggle with mathematics anxiety are less likely to succeed in careers in
science, technology, engineering, and other mathematics-related fields. Even six-year-old
students experience math anxiety. More so, Vargas (2021) believes that because
mathematics is the basis for science and ◻ technology, it is essential for success in
today’s modern world and for overcoming the obstacles of daily life. Rozgonjuk et al.
(2020) advocated that mathematics should be a required course of study at all pre-tertiary
levels of education because a large number of fields rely on the application of
mathematical thinking and because of its connection to all sciences. Most colleges
demand mathematics as a precondition for entrance since other tertiary-level disciplines
of study also require analytical skills, which have a strong correlation to the knowledge
of mathematics. Most post secondary schools in Ghana do not accept applicants who fail
mathematics because of the importance of the subject, regardless of how well they
perform in other disciplines.

According to Bedetti and Elisei (2019), Over 30% of secondary school students from
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries report
experiencing stress and anxiety while working on math problems and homework, and
59% reportedly worry that they will struggle with the subject. This suggests that math
anxiety is a widespread problem that needs to be addressed among secondary school
pupils. The majority of this research comes from developed economies; thus, it might not
apply to countries with limited resources like Ghana. Many studies identified math
anxiety as a cause for low performance in mathematics as these students usually show
strong disapproval, full avoidance, or enormous detrimental nervousness when asked to
perform calculations,and this may lower their interest which will eventually affect their
frequency in engaging in mathematics.

Poorghorban et al. (2018) believe that as mathematics is the foundation of technology

and the world is founded on technology, good mathematics achievement and education
should be highly valued.

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 Perpetual Help College of Pangasinan- JONELTA
Basic Education Department – Senior High School

Local Studies

The study of (Pagtulon-an and Tan ) in 2018 states that students perform poorly in
mathematics as reflected in their scores. Additionally, its findings are expected due to
insufficient basic foundation or they don't have a strong foundation of the concepts. The
study of Braza and Supapo (2014) claimed the shortcomings that can affect students'
achievements in Mathematics: lack of mastery of the basic concepts and skills, lack of
problem solving and critical thinking skills, diverse behavior of students and
inappropriate teaching skills and approaches of teachers in dealing the students in the
class of mathematics. Tudy (2014) studied Filipino students, and discovered that only
attitudes towards mathematics manifested significant influence to academic performance
of the students. Students with a positive attitude towards the subject tend to perform well.

For instance in the study of Gregory, Gregory & Eddy (2014), it was found out that
those who participated in Facebook group discussion are more engaged in Mathematics
subject. Despite applying different strategies and techniques, still the problem of low
performance emerges. One of the reasons why students performed poorly in Mathematics
is their attitude towards the subject Several studies proved that their attitude had strong
relationship with their academic performance (Parker et al., 2013).

Synthesis of Review Related Literature and Studies

As the researchers conduct their study, the relevant literature and studies have been
thoroughly compiled and suggested as support for the study’s conclusions.

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 Perpetual Help College of Pangasinan- JONELTA
Basic Education Department – Senior High School

Tolibao and Moneva (2021) and Estonato (2017) Indicates that mathematics anxiety
causes physiological reactions in us, including tension, fear, panic, and low self-esteem,
and several Luttenberg et al., (2018) and Dagaylo-An and Tancinco (2016) states that
math anxiety has negative consequences on our academic achievement. Alzahrani &
Stojanovski (2017) In accordance with this study, students who felt more confident were
capable of to complete activities using mathematics with greater effectiveness and started
to value mathematics as a tool for learning.

The Program for International Student Assessment (2019) has recognized the
worldwide significance of mathematics education, emphasizing the challenges
encountered by Philippine students as a result of multiple barriers preventing their
participatio. Deligero (2015) study shows public school students are more influenced by
people in choosing schools and degree programs. Andamon's (2015) study highlights
mathematics as the second most difficult subject, contributing to poverty and distress in
the Philippines.Dinglasan and Patena (2013) make a valuable contribution to the
synthesis by discussing how students manage their studies and complete tasks, with a
focus on how grades are used to evaluate these skills.

Uludag (2022) , Rozgonnuk et al(2020) and Bedetti and Elisie (2019) According to
their study findings, students' anxiety about math has an enormous effect on their
performance; if you fail to succeed in the math, you are unable to apply to universities
and that could limit your career options in Ghana. Additionally, mathematics anxiety can
cause us to struggle, perform poorly, and lose interest in the subject, all of which may
eventually decrease the frequency through when we take part in the mathematics that is
necessary for postsecondary education. Vargas (2021) Claims that success in
mathematics is influenced upon The (2018) study by Pagtulon-an and Tan indicates that
students' poor performance in mathematics is attributed to insufficient basic foundation or
lack of strong concept foundation. The (2018)study by Pagtulon-an and Tan indicates that
students' poor performance in mathematics is attributed to insufficient basic foundation or
lack of strong concept foundation. Tudy's (2014) study on Filipino students found that

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 Perpetual Help College of Pangasinan- JONELTA
Basic Education Department – Senior High School

their academic performance significantly depends on their attitudes towards mathematics,

with students with a positive attitude performing better. Gregory Cregory & Eddy's
(2014)study revealed that Facebook group discussions increased engagement in
Mathematics subjects among participants. Parker et al., (2013) Studies show a strong
relationship between students' attitude towards Mathematics and their academic
performance, indicating that poor attitudes can contribute to poor academic outcomes.

Gaps to be Bridged by the Present Study

After a thorough review of related literature previously mentioned in the current

chapter, it is said that mathematics, often viewed as difficult, leading to math anxiety
among students, has been a subject of numerous studies for decades. However, some
studies state that students who had viewed mathematics negatively began to appreciate it
and feel more confident about their abilities because they were using mathematics skills
during a science experiment. Also, one study proved that their attitude towards the
subject had a strong relationship with their academic performance. To address these
existing gaps, the researchers focused on the Grade 11 senior high school students as
respondents. This was done through quantitative surveys and an in-depth study of the
senior high school students to identify the factors that affect their nervousness when
taking the general mathematics subject.

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Perpetual Help College of Pangasinan- JONELTA
Basic Education Department – Senior High School
 Perpetual Help College of Pangasinan- JONELTA
Basic Education Department – Senior High School

Chapter 3

RESEARCH METODOLOGY

This chapter presents the method of research to be utilized in this study, the
participants, the selection of participants, as well as the instrumentation and validation,
data gathering procedures, and treatment and analysis of data

Research design

This study applied descriptive research design which has three basic aims that may be
summarized up as descending, explaining, and validating study.

Source of Data

The primary source of data were the respondents who answered the survey
questionnaire. Secondary sources include news, articles, online journals, and other
references that the researchers utilized, consulted and cited in the review of related
Literature.

Population of the study

The respondents of this study consist of 140 students of Grade 11. Science
Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Humanities and Social Science
(HUMSS), Accountancy, Business and Management (ABM), Technical-Vocational-
Livelihoods (TVL) who's enrolled at University of Perpetual Help System-Pangasinan-
Jonelta during the the academic school year 2023-2024. The sample size was computed
using the solving formula. The survey respondents are equally divided into Science
Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Humanities and Social Science

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 Perpetual Help College of Pangasinan- JONELTA
Basic Education Department – Senior High School

(HUMSS), Accountancy, Business and Management (ABM), Technical-Vocational-

Livelihoods (TVL), so the researchers divide the respondents depending on the highest to
lowest number of students in the strand to become respondents to this study, the
respondents will be selected using purposive sampling strategy. The population is going
to come from those students who have experienced nervousness when taking the General
Mathematics Subject.

Instrumentation and Validation

In this study, the researchers will use survey questionnaires that participants
responded to using survey questionnaires to collect data and information. The
respondents may choose their replies on a closed questionnaires that the researchers
employ.

In gathering data, the researchers utilized a closed questionnaires in which the

respondents can select their answers to questions by placing a check mark. The
questionnaire was divided into four parts: Scale 1covered the profile of the respondents,
Scale 2 covered the Factors affecting nervousness when taking General Mathematics

Evaluation and Scoring

To determine the factors of nervousness when taking the General Mathematics Subject
of Grade 11 Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Humanities and
Social Science (HUMSS), Accountancy, Business and Management (ABM), Technical-
Vocational- Livelihoods (TVL) who's enrolled at University of Perpetual Help System-
Pangasinan-Jonelta during the the academic school year 2023-2024. The following
numerical rating, numerical range, categories response, verbal interpretation and verbal

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 Perpetual Help College of Pangasinan- JONELTA
Basic Education Department – Senior High School

description is to be used to describe the the factors of nervousness when taking the
General Mathematics.

Numerical Numerical Categorical Verbal Verbal

Rating Range Response Interpretation description

5 4.21 - 5.00 Always Highly The respondents

Affected experienced the
indicators 81 -
100%
4 3.41 - 4.20 Often Affected The respondents
experienced the
indicators 61 -
80%
3 2.61 - 3.40 Sometimes Slightly The respondents
Affected experienced the
inducators 41 -
60%
2 1.81 - 2.60 Seldon Not Affected The respondents
experienced the
indicators 21 - 40
%
1 1.00 - 1.80 Never Not Affected The respondents
at all experienced the
indicators 0 - 20%

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 Perpetual Help College of Pangasinan- JONELTA
Basic Education Department – Senior High School

Data Gathering Procedure

After the validation of the instrument, the researchers will ask for the approval from
the Office of Senior High School Principal to allow the researchers to conduct the study.
A letter of request for the study is written. First the researchers will collect the
respondents of the study through Pre-Questions. Afterwards, the researcher created
questionnaires, which were going to be validated by the subject's teacher before being
distributed, The researchers will ask the subject teachers for the class and survey the
students room by room. The researcher will conduct the research at the University of
Perpetual Help System via paper and pen. The questionnaires are going to be distributed
to the respondents. The gathered data will be organized, tailed, and subjected to statistical
analysis.

Treatment and Analysis of Data

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 Perpetual Help College of Pangasinan- JONELTA
Basic Education Department – Senior High School

Once the survey questionnaire had been completed by the respondents, data were
tabulated and subjected to the following statistical tools

1. Frequency and percentage distribution we used to describe the respondents profile.

2. Frequency ranking and percentage we used to describe the Factors of

Nervousness when taking the General Mathematics Subject

Ethical Consideration

In conducting this research study, various ethical condiderations were all taken
into account especially in regards to informing and requesting permission from office of
the Senior High Principal of University of Perpetual Help System-Pangasinan. Firstly, the
researchers bear in mind to not cause any potential harm to the respondents. Before
conducting the survey, the researchers give the letter that was approved by the principal.
Consent form is to be given to those respondents to guarantee their confidentiality.
Respondents must sign a consent form outlining their right to voluntarily withdraw from
the study at any time, its main goals, the methods used to collect the data, comments
about maintaining confidentiality, a list of known risks associated with participation in
the study.

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