The High School Students'
JOURNAL ARTICLE 2:
Struggles and Challenges
Challenges Faced by in Mathematics: A
Learners in Learning Qualitative Inquiry
Mathematics BACONG, J. T., ENCABO, C. M. T., LIMANA, J.
M. B., & CABELLO, C. A.. (2023)
Nowadays PSYCHOLOGY AND EDUCATION: A
MULTIDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL, VOLUME(12), 306-
311.
PREPARED BY CHRIZA D. SUAREZ
MATED 602: TEACHING AND LEARNING OF MATHEMATICS
A. Finding and
Emotional and Psychological
Discussion.
Factors
Students commonly show anxiety,
SUMMARY stress, and a lack of confi dence
of the towards learning the subject. The lack
article of mathematical abilities hinders the
student’s ability to express themselves
in the subject resulting to Math phobia
and negative attitude towards the
subject which later contribute to their
poor performance.
A. Finding and
Cognitive Struggles
Discussion.
SUMMARY Students often reported to have
of the inability in understanding the basic
article concepts in Algebra, Geometry, and
Calculus. These challenges widen the
gaps in foundational knowledge that is
needed to advance in higher-level Math
A. Finding and Instructional and
Discussion. Environmental Factors
One of the signifi cant factors is the
SUMMARY quality of teaching. Ineff ective teaching
of the methods, vague explanations, and
article
insuffi cient individualized support were
identifi ed as barriers to learning.
Furthermore, the classroom
environment, such as overcrowded
classes, was perceived as hindering
students' engagement and
comprehension.
A. Finding and
Discussion.
Lack of Motivation
SUMMARY Numerous students expressed a lack of
of the interest in mathematics, perceiving it
article as unrelated to their future careers.
This disengagement was further fueled
by negative past experiences, resulting
in a diminished enthusiasm for the
subject.
A. Finding and
Discussion.
Social and Peer Influence
SUMMARY
of the Peer pressure and social interactions
article
also played a role in students' attitudes
toward math. Students often shared
that they struggled because their
friends did not value or prioritize the
subject.
B. Authors’ Conclusion
This article discussed key concepts pertaining
SUMMARY to the high school students' struggles and
challenges in mathematics. The authors
of the concluded that the challenges high school
article students face in mathematics are complex and
multifaceted, stemming from a combination of
cognitive, emotional, instructional, and
environmental factors. They emphasized that
students’ diffi culties are not solely rooted in
academic gaps but are also infl uenced by
negative emotions such as math anxiety and
low self-confi dence.
B. Authors’ Conclusion
The authors argued that addressing these
SUMMARY
issues requires a comprehensive approach,
including more personalized teaching methods,
of the which consider individual learning styles and
article
emotional needs. Furthermore, they stressed
the importance of creating a supportive
classroom environment that reduces stress and
fosters engagement. The authors suggested
that strengthening foundational math
knowledge, cultivating a positive attitude
toward the subject, and addressing emotional
barriers are crucial steps in helping students
overcome their struggles.
Strong Aspects
2.1 Billion
This article focused on the challenges and
CRITIQUE struggles faced by high school students in
learning mathematics.
of the
article The article’s strongest aspect is the qualitative
approach used to conduct the study such as
the interviews and focus groups which provide
in-depth insights into the student’s personal
experiences and perceptions.
Strong Aspects
2.1 Billion
CRITIQUE Another strongest aspect of this article is it
of the provides comprehensive factors that eff ectively
article covers a wide range of factors that contribute
to students’ diffi culties in math, from cognitive
to emotional, instructional and environmental
infl uences.
Strong Aspects
2.1 Billion
CRITIQUE Lastly, the authors also provide practical
of the recommendations for educators and policy
article makers such as providing engaging teaching
methods to entice the students interest and
reduce math anxiety which is vital to infl uence
the student’s future practices
Weak Aspects
2.1 Billion
CRITIQUE The article does not specify the size or
of the demographic diversity of the sample. This gives
article a crucial understanding of the generalizability
of the fi ndings. A more diverse sample across
diff erent schools and regions would enhance
the study’s relevance to a broader population
of high school students.
Weak Aspects
2.1 Billion
CRITIQUE
of the The study appears to provide a snapshot of
article students' struggles at a specifi c point in time.
A longitudinal approach would allow for a
better understanding of how these challenges
evolve over time and how interventions may
improve students' experiences
Weak Aspects
2.1 Billion
CRITIQUE While the article highlights the struggles
of the students face, it might have benefi tted from
article exploring how students overcome these
challenges or the factors that contribute to
their success in mathematics. Including
success stories or coping strategies could off er
a more balanced view
The study underscores the urgent need for educational
reforms to address the various challenges students
face in mathematics. It calls for an emphasis on more
interactive and student-centered teaching approaches
CON that not only focus on content delivery but also
prioritize emotional well-being and motivation. By
C LU fostering a positive learning atmosphere and reducing
SION
math-related anxiety, students are more likely to
engage and excel in the subject. The research also
highlights the role of teachers in identifying individual
learning gaps and providing the necessary support to
help students build confi dence and competence.
Ultimately, the study suggests that tackling both the
cognitive and emotional dimensions of learning math
is key to improving student outcomes and preparing
them for future academic success.
