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Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

As the whole world suffered from the deadly and infectious disease known

as COVID-19, daily living of every individual as well as the government system

rapidly changed. COVID-19 pandemic is the defining global health crisis of our

time and the greatest challenge we have faced since World War II as it killed

millions of people around the world (UNDP). In the Philippines, not only the

government and economic sectors are working hard to find solutions to the

problems that are projected to have long term effects. Mindful of the health

implications and the indispensable need to support students to learn, schools

nonetheless are called into action. But studying will never be the same again. It

has always been done through face-to-face delivery mode. However, due to

repeated reports on the absence of the needed vaccine as a cure to halt the

pandemic, the government together with the Department of Education (DepEd)

and Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) implemented New Normal in

Education. New Normal in Education means that all schools will have blended or

purely online courses that will be an alternative to face-to-face classes during this

pandemic. However, implementation of New Normal in Education may impose

different problems and adjustments to the students in teaching-learning process

especially in mathematics. In this study, the researchers will assess the attitude

of the Senior High School of Brooke’s Point National High School Academic

Track students towards in the implementation of New Normal in Mathematics

Learning.
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Since face-to-face classes are no longer useful these days, students’

attitude towards learning mathematics may be affected and the students may

experience difficulties, specifically in learning mathematics. Based on the study

conducted by Metin Yasar entitled “High School Students’ Attitudes towards

Mathematics” , they found out that the attitudes of the high school students

towards mathematics are at a medium level indicates that more detailed studies

are needed in order to increase the attitudes of high school students towards

mathematics. In addition, the researcher concluded that as the mathematical

attitude of the student increases, so does their success level in class. According

to Merriam-Webster dictionary, mathematics is a science of numbers and their

operations, interrelations, combinations, generalizations, and abstractions and

of space, configurations and their structure, measurement, transformations,

and generalizations. From this definition, mathematics seems so difficult for the

students to understand. The manner or attitude in which students learn

mathematics is influenced by how well they understand its concepts, principles,

and practices.

The implementation of New Normal in Education seems to be a great

solution to continuously provide learnings for the students in the country.

However, some of the study found out that many students have difficulties in

Mathematics classes and this creates increased anxiety levels because they

think that they cannot succeed in mathematics; and therefore develop negative

attitudes towards learning Mathematics. New Normal in Education influences the

students’ attitude and normal way of life in terms of learning, socializing, and

interacting inside the school campus. It seems complicated for the teachers,
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parents/guardians and students for it has tough adjustments, in spite of that it

helps every individual to continue and pursue education amidst of pandemic.

Thus, this study aims to evaluate the attitude of the senior high school academic

track students towards the implementation of the new normal education.

Research Questions

(not related to the topic) This presents and indicates the direction of

inquiry in the research, particularly about English proficiency. Within this part is

the key piece of information where it describes the parameters and the overall

perspective of the study.

General Question

1. What is/are the level(s) of English Proficiency of BPNSHS students?

Specific Questions

1. What is the dominant category in English proficiency with respect to sex

and type of strand/section?

2. What is the importance of the English language for the Grade 12 senior

high school students?

3. What are the factors that affect the efficiency of the students in English?

4. What are the effects of the level of English proficiency to the intellectual

and cognitive ability of the students? (max. of 6 questions and min. of 4)

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Objectives of the Study

(sample only. Not related to the topic)) This part declares and summarizes

the specific topic and goals of the research, Determining the Level of English

Proficiency in BPNSHS Students: An assessment. This will give an accurate,

concrete understanding of what the study covers.

First and foremost, the researchers aim to critically acquire knowledge in

measuring the level of English proficiency of Grade 12 Brooke’s Point National

High School students, as the main purpose of the study.

The study includes identifying and systematically evaluating the different

categories relating in gender, age, year level and the type of strand in

accordance to the proficiency level.

In relation, this study intends to raise awareness of the general English

cognitive ability of the students. In doing so, the research assists in cultivating

and promoting the language for future use of the students in the chosen career.

The research also deals in the discovery of the factors contributing to the

current English proficiency level. The background of the status quo is addressed

as its subject.

In addition, the research paper aims to determine the importance of the subject in

the different aspects of the students’ daily lives.

Lastly, the study anticipates in analyzing the effects of the different levels

in the academe of the students with respect to the categories.

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Significance of the Study

The result and findings of this study are highly significant and beneficial

specifically to the following:

To the administrator, the study will provide useful and relevant information

in finding crucial areas in Mathematics’ educational processes, school

management and organization of instruction, under the new normal in

mathematics education.

For the teachers, this study will help the mathematics teachers to

determine the academic track students’ attitude in online learnings. This will

provide the teachers new knowledge and understanding in providing an effective

approach and instruction for the students under the new normal in mathematics

education.

For the academic track students, it will be beneficial in developing their

attitude towards the implementation of new normal in education. This will help

prepare themselves in adjusting to the new mode of learning.

For the researchers, the findings of this study will facilitate the

researchers’ discovery of crucial areas that affect the senior high school

academic track students’ attitude towards new normal in education. The

knowledge given by this research will contribute to further development of the

researchers in the field.

For the future researchers, this study can be used as guide, basis and

references for those who will conduct similar study.

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Scope and Delimitation

(note: not related to the topic, sample only) This part states the relative

field of study as well as the restriction of the study about the English proficiency.

The range and the boundary of the research are defined with the study’s main

subject in order to eliminate irrelevant facts and resources.

This research paper’s focal concern is inclined to the knowledge in the

levels of English proficiency within the premises of the Grade 12 Academic Track

students in Brooke’s Point National High School. This pertains to the

identification of the diverse lingual differences, particularly within the reach of

English education through intellectual assessment. This applied research

functions to determine the credibility and importance of English with the general

factors and effects in the typical lives of the students. Areas of other subjects and

area of study is not covered.

The study is limited only to the Grade 12 Academic Track students of

Brooke’s Point National High School of the school year 2017-2018. This study

involved varying classes of Grade 11 and 12 students, a total of 56 students.

Restriction in non-Academic Track classes is observed, without the concern of

other educational institutions.

The researchers limit the study in the measurement of English proficiency

assessment within the cognitive ability and performance of the students without

the presence of other languages. The levels of English proficiency cover

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demonstration of content knowledge on academic assessments within the given

set of educational competencies of the senior high school

underlying with the testing skills and state accountability. Below the

subject area of Grade 11 and 12, other year level’s competencies, even within

the English discipline are not credited in the findings of the study.

The main concern of this study is to explore the level of English

Proficiency of showing evaluation on the respondents. However, a brief set of

definition provided the questionnaire to help the respondents familiarized with the

subject area. Therefore, the respondents instruct the genre itself and providing

capable perspective towards it. The sample contains the accurate reflections and

opinions of the students in general observation. The students classified into the

level based of the most recent evaluation scores. Such reasons of providing

these students with linguistic accommodations are guided by the state.

Conceptual Framework

To further understand the study, the conceptual framework is illustrated to

show the flow of the input, process and output of the study. The researchers

strongly believed that the profile of the students has nothing to do with the

attitude of the Senior High School Academic Track Students on the

implementation of the New Normal in Education particularly in Mathematics.

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Research Paradigm

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

Evaluate the
Determine the attitude of the Improved and
attitude of the students towards well-developed
Academic Track the new normal attitude of the
Senior High education so that senior high
School students proper adjustments school academic
towards the in the teaching-
track students
implementation of learning process
can be delivered towards New
the New Normal in
correctly and the Normal
Mathematics
needs of the Mathematics
Education.
students can be education
fully addressed.

Figure 1. The research paradigm conveys that determining the attitude of the
students regarding the new normal (input) when properly evaluated
and assessed (process) will result to enhanced and well-developed
attitude towards Mathematics education (output).
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Definition of Terms

For the benefits of the readers, the following terms are defined operationally.

Academic Track. This term refers to the different ways of academic

tracking presents a curriculum for each students that aligns with their specific

abilities.

ABM. It refers to the strand that focus on the basic concepts of financial

management, business management and all things that are accounted for.

Age. The term refers to the age of the senior high school students at

Brooke’s Point National High School under the General Academics Strand.

Average Family Monthly Income. It refers to the average income of the

working members of the family within one month.

Attitude. This term refers to the degree of positivity or negativity that

reflect the student’s insights about learning Mathematics subject in the new

normal education.

GAS. This term is refer to the students most are looking to develop their

skills in reading, writing, and speaking skills. In short Gas strand creates

professionals who serve people through ideas and communication.

Gender. This term pertains to a characteristic of a student for being a man

or a woman that is enrolled in the senior high school under the General

Academic Strand at Brooke’s Point National High School

Instruction. A teaching and learning carried out by the teacher and

students respectively under the new normal in education.

Mathematics. It refers to the subject of the students on how they will

handle it in new education system (modular and online class).

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New Normal Education. It refers to the alternative learning system and

encouraging students to continue their learning online according to DepEd. It is

the new possibility in reviving our education system.

Parents’ Occupation. It refers to the job or employment of the students’

parents either of a mother or the father or both.

STEM. It refers to the academic strand that studies the Science

Technology Engineering and Mathematics, students are exposed to the complex

mathematical and science theories and concepts as a foundation for the college

courses.

Strand. It refers to the different strands that the students will choose

depending on their abilities and the right path for their upcoming courses in

college.

Students. It refers to a person or individual who is studying at the Senior

High School of Brooke’s Point National High School under the Academic Track.

Senior High School. This term refers to two years of specialized upper

secondary education offered at a certain Secondary School.

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Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter presents and explain relevant literature and studies made by

Filipino as well as foreign researchers which have significant bearing on the

current study and to further strengthen this assessment.

Related Literature

Literatures related to the study were scanned to verify the veracity of the

problem raised. Basically, it is designed to explore existing ideas and to give

emphasis to hypothetical problems that stimulate some questions and where

other questions are derived.

“The only way to make sense out of changes is to plunge into it, move with

it, and join the dance” (Alan W. Watts). This quotation emphasizes the attitude of

one person towards change. It is related to the changes in education system

wherein teachers and students must apply the specified attitude towards new

normal.

The Covid-19 pandemic is first and foremost a health crisis in the country

wherein most classes stopped and most schools, universities and colleges were

closed (Simon and Sievertsen 2020). The coming school year will be full of

disruptions related to covid-19 but still Department of Education (DepEd)

continues to prepare for various scenarios to ensure the learning of the students
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will continue (Sevilla, 2020). She also said that the education may become the

new normal amid the Covid-19 situation.

The commission on Higher education suggested to strengthen online

platforms and blended learning such as but not limited to Google classroom,

messenger, zoom Edmodo, Facebook and YouTube (CHED 2020). In addition,

both will adopt numerous learning delivery options such as but not limited to face

to face, blended learning, distance learning and home-schooling and other

modes of delivery (CHED, 2020; DepEd, 2020). Internet is a system architecture

that has revolutionized communications and methods of commerce by allowing

various computer networks around the world to interconnect (Robert Kahn &

Michael Aaron Dennis, 2020). However, based on the report of Akamai (2017)

the Philippines has the lowest internet connectivity in Asia.

The introduction of distance education makes the provision of a smooth

transition between face to face and distance mode of education. One of the

factors related to this transition is the attitude of learners towards online learning

and distance education. Attitude refers to a learned tendency of a person to

respond positively or negatively towards an object, situation, concept or another

person (Sarmah & Puri, 2014). Attitude can change and develop with time and

once a positive attitude is formed, it can improve students’ learning (Syyeda,

2016). On the other hand, a negative attitude hinders effective learning and

consequently affects the learning outcome henceforth performance (Joseph,

2013). Therefore, attitude is a fundamental factor that cannot be ignored. The

effect of attitude on students’ performance in mathematics might be positive or

negative depending on the individual students.

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The attitudes of the students address the future and possible direction,

several outcomes, and implication of the new normal classes and in the learning

process for advance technology in increasing the interaction and communication

process of learning (Leovigildo Lito Mallilin et al., 2021). Student’s attitude

towards mathematics given various definition in the literature. For example,

attitude towards mathematics is defines as liking or disliking of the subject; a

tendency in or avoid mathematical activities; a belief that is one is good or bad at

mathematics; and a belief that mathematics is useful or useless (Kibrisloglu,

2016).

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the people in their normal life, it

was devastating as it already was in many countries. For schools, students, and

parents, the impact of closed schools and children stuck at home with little no

access to learning, the effect has been devastating ( Asian Development Bank,

2020).

Related Studies

The arrival of Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 forced universities and schools

to move online teaching instead of the traditional face-to-face approach, and this

is likely to continue for the indefinite future (Han 2020). The situation has rapidly

implemented e-learning, therefore schools that have limited or no experience

with e-learning and schools that have not prepared e-learning resources

experience difficulties, especially when teachers do not understand how to use

online application (Zaharah and Kirilova, 2020). Additionally, it is not easy to

design well for effective, meaningful learning in this environment, and hurried,

incomplete and rushed efforts to teach online can give blended and online
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learning a bad name, associated with managing students’ protests rather than for

pedagogical innovation (Czerniewicz 2020).

The absence from the academic and educational environment can affect

the students’ behavior and emotions towards education and school attendance

(Mirahmadizadeh, A., Ranjbar, K., Shahriarirad, R. et al., 2020). Therefore, it can

be said that public health emergencies truly affect the emotion of the students

which demands ample support from the authorities. It is proposed that schools

should collaborate in managing these situations by providing crisis-oriented

psychological support and facilities for their students (Mirahmadizadeh, A.,

Ranjbar, K., Shahriarirad, R. et al., 2020).

The attitude of the students to the new normal perspective has an impact

on their learning process. It contributes to self-determination in the new normal

classes and framework theory of learning engagement and supports the

influence of the new normal classes and learning perspective development

(Leovigildo Lito Mallilin et al., 2021).

Many researchers pointed the importance of studying and reporting

students’ attitudes towards online learning by educational institutions. According

to other researchers, the learners’ attitudes and perspectives towards online

learning are a key factor for their learning outcomes. Students’ positive attitudes

towards online learning are critical to their readiness and their inclusion in

distance form of learning (Lim et al. and Selim). Furthermore, meta-analysis

study revealed that the factors that affect students’ attitudes towards online

learning can be divided into two groups: demographic (age and gender) and

computer skills (ICT training background, experience in working with ICT,

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possession of own computer, access to ICT, frequency of using computer)

Rhema’s & Miliszewska’s.

During this tough time, the concern is not about whether online teaching-

learning methods can provide quality education, it is rather how academic

institution will be able to adopt online learning in such a massive manner and

how students accept the online learning, hence, the consideration of the

students’ attitude is significant (Carey, 2020). Oechsler and Borba (2020)

investigated how the creation of videos with mathematical content, by the

students themselves, may contribute to the process of changing classroom and

how this activity can become a teaching and learning tool. The used of

monitoring software to observe how a group of students use the internet to solve

a mathematics task, whose mathematical underpinnings they are not completely

familiar with, to produce a characterization of the help-seeking behaviors and

attitudes that students display (Sanchez Aguilar and Puga, 2020).

In using social media to supplement future endeavors related to digital

learning in the Philippines, the social media can increase student’s engagement

in terms of behavioral, affective and cognitive domains (Bond, Buntins, Bedenlier,

Zawacki-Ritcher and Keres, 2020). For the students to maximize learning using

social media, nonetheless, the purpose should be defined for its inclusion in the

courses so that the benefits of incorporating technologies can be achieved

through independent learning among students (Chawinga, 2017). However,

some low-income families are struggling to obtain a computer or other device for

each child, with a share of families lacking an internet connection enabling

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children to do assigned work online or a quiet place to do solo work (Hodges et

al. 2020).

Synthesis

The related studies and literatures expounds that the students’ learning in

mathematics is affected by their attitude. Alternative ways of spreading education

are designed and enhanced to continue the students’ education amidst this

pandemic.

The related studies are selected to give significance on the study being

conducted on the implementation of New Normal as well as giving a clear

direction to the study. The related literature and studies signifies the possible

occurrence on the implementation of New Normal in education particularly in the

academic track students’ attitude in mathematics.

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Chapter 3

METHODOLOGY

This chapter outlines the methods and procedures of doing the study

and focuses on research design, population, sampling procedure, data gathering

instrument, data gathering procedure and statistical treatment.

Research Design

A narrative qualitative research design is applied to investigate the attitude

of the senior high school students in the implementation of the new normal

especially in Mathematics learning. The attitude of the students with regards to

the implementation of the new normal was compared in terms of their

demographic profile and strands where they belong. This is timely because it

deals with the present situation happening in the Philippine educational system.

Study Population

The two hundred and twelve (212) Grades 11 and 12 Senior High School

students who are enrolled in the School Year 2020-2021 under the Academic Track

are the respondents involved in this research.

Sampling Procedure

The researchers used the stratified sampling procedure to ensure that

different groups of population are adequately represented in the sample. In the

process of data collection, with a confidence level of 95% by using Slovin’s

N
formula:n= 2 and P = n/N the sample size is determined (please see
1+ N e

appendix 5).
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Data Gathering Instrument

The researchers used an open-ended and close-ended questionnaires to

perform the data collection process. The open-ended questionnaire is used to

gather the demographic profile of the students in the implementation of new

normal while the second part which is in a form of Likert-scale was used to

gather the data that pertains to the attitude of the students towards the

implementation of the new normal. The Likert’s Four-point scale such as always -

4, sometimes - 3, rarely - 2 and never – 1 was used to determine the degree of

attitude of the students with 4 as extremely positive to 1 as extremely negative.

Data Gathering Procedure

The researchers sent a letter to the director of PSU Brooke’s Point asking

permission to conduct the study. Another letter was forwarded to Brooke’s Point

National High School principal to ask also permission to conduct the study in the

said school and to use the senior high school students to serve as respondents.

The administration of questionnaire was done personally by the researchers by

coordinating with the teachers through Google Form links to their class Group

Chat box in messenger. The retrieval of the questionnaire is after two weeks and

a one hundred percent return of the distributed questionnaires was attained.

Statistical Treatment

The statistical tools used to organize, analyze and interpret the data are

Frequency Distribution Table (FDT), mean, and standard deviation.

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The frequency distribution table was used in organizing and presenting the

data gathered regarding the demographic profile of the students and their

responses on the situations presented to measure the attitude towards the

implementation of the new normal in mathematics.

The mean was used to determine the mean age and the mean income of

the respondents as well as the average response in every situation while the

standard deviation was used to determine the variations of responses.