Chapter 1 5
Chapter 1 5
This chapter presents the introduction, background of the study, scope and
Introduction
Mathematics is a vital part of our life. Changes in our society and in the use of
new technology in this new millennium require that we have a strong background as
mathematics, but on developing our mathematical power. This power pertains to the
capability of the students to solve problems within mathematics and other subject areas,
the ability to use mathematics in the world beyond the classroom, ability to reason and
think critically, and a virtue of understanding and appreciation of the nature and beauty
of mathematics.
opportunities emerging for students and educators alike. One such challenge is the
Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) students facing General Mathematics. While
mathematics is often seen as a foundational subject for various fields, HUMSS students
understanding.
1
Moreover, Mathematics contributes to technology and scientific advancement
Algani ,(2022). It also provides students with an exceptionally potent ability to be able to
comprehend and transform the world. These abilities include the capacity for abstract
However, a lot of students find this subject extremely challenging to study, and
numerous studies have shown that they still score poorly in it. Students’ performance is
regarded as an important parameter for many educators Andaya, (2016). She added
that the society have always been particularly interested in how well students succeed
in any academic endeavor. It has been established that teachers significantly impact
comprehension of various subject areas and emphasize their overall academic success
performed worse in mathematics. This was shown in the Philippines’ poor performance
in the Trends International Mathematics and Science Studies (TIMSS, 2019) where it
placed the lowest among 58 participating countries. They are inattentive, less interested
overcome some of these phenomena which rival mathematics learning in school. Thus,
it is the duty of the teacher to motivate the students and find ways to let them learn
mathematics because the subject is very important to prepare them for more thought-
provoking task in the future. This research aims to delve into these emotional struggles,
2
exploring the underlying factors that contribute to them and their impact on students'
learning experiences.
General Mathematics subject, this study seeks to provide valuable insights for
educators, curriculum developers, and policymakers. The findings will shed light on the
need for tailored pedagogical approaches and support systems that cater to the specific
needs and anxieties of HUMSS students in their mathematics learning journey. This
helpful in daily life and studying other subjects, yet students consider this a complex
issue Gafoor & Kurukkan (2015). According to Guinocor et. al. (2020), this is a
significant concern about how it could be taught and understood in the education
one learns quicker than the other. Students are concerned and anxious about studying
They make a lot of effort to accomplish the task in stressful world of mathematics. When
3
the mathematics content is being taught is unconnected to students’ ability level and/or
experiences, serious achievement gaps result. Gap exists, therefore, not only in the
curriculum but between the learner and perceived usefulness of the subject matter.
Without intervention strategies, students could remain “lost” for the duration of
their education. Students who are taught in a way that rely too heavy on rote
memorization isolated from meaning have difficulty in recognizing and retaining math
fields, including STEM, its relevance and application within the HUMSS curriculum can
be less apparent, leading to unique emotional struggles for students in this track.
field can create a sense of disengagement and frustration among HUMSS students.
This can manifest in various ways, including anxiety, fear of failure, and a lack of
motivation to engage with the subject. Moreover, the traditional teaching methods often
employed in mathematics classrooms may not resonate with the learning styles and
HUMSS students in their General Mathematics subject, exploring the underlying factors
that contribute to these struggles and their impact on students' learning experiences. By
4
this study aims to provide valuable insights for educators, curriculum developers, and
policymakers.
their General Mathematics subject in terms of Low Self-Esteem and Emotional Pressure,
that are affecting students at Innovatech Skills & Resource Institute Inc. with respect to
their sex and age. The respondents are delimited to Grade 11 HUMMS students,
The main objective of this study is to determine the Emotional Struggles of Grade
1.1 Sex
1.2 Age;
2. What are the different kinds of emotional struggles that the Grade 11 students facie
during the discussion of their General Mathematics subject in their in terms of:
5
3. Is there as significant difference between the variables and the profile of the
respondents?
Hypotheses
The study used the null hypothesis to test that there is no significant difference
in the struggles encountered by the Senior High Students in terms of their profile with
Theoretical Framework
focuses on how student learn. It focuses on the idea that all behaviors are learned from
reinforcement is the key in the behavioral learning theory, without positive reinforcement
student will quickly abandon their responses because they don’t appear to be working.
For example, if the students are supposed to get a sticker every time, they get an A on a
math test, and then suddenly the teacher stop giving that positive reinforcement this
situation can be the reason of the students to have the doubt to themselves that can
6
Conceptual Framework
Frame 1 presents the input involving relevant data to the study composed of the
formulation and utilization of questionnaires pertinent to the study through the use of
Grade 11 HUMSS Students in their General Mathematics subject at Innovatech Skills &
Feedback shows that the results of the study may be utilized in the future as a
reference and/or guide in projects regarding the struggles dealt with the fear of public
7
Input Process Output
Tallying Tabulation,
Analysis and
Interpretation of data
8
Significance of the study
To the student. The result of the study helps them to change their strategies to
be able to absorb the lesson effectively. It is beneficial in a way that they can determine
To the Teachers. This study will provide information on what strategies they can
use in order for the students to easily grasp the lesson. It helps them realizing that some
To the Administrators. The findings of the students will be evidence that the
school should have an intervention and set goals to lessen the students’ academic and
emotional struggle on Mathematics. This study will be their basis for setting goals to
For Parents. This study will help parents understand the emotional difficulties
their children face in General Mathematics, especially those in the HUMSS track, who
may not be as focused on math. By learning about these struggles, parents can offer
better support, such as encouraging study habits and helping manage stress, making it
9
For Future Researchers. This study provides useful information for future
researchers interested in how emotions affect learning math, especially for students
outside of math-focused programs like the HUMSS students. Other researchers can
build on this study to explore ways to help students deal with their struggles in math.
This research can serve as a guide for future work on improving learning and support
10
Definition of Terms
The following are the words that appear throughout the study that is defined
Age. This is the length of time that a person has lived or a thing has existed.
and skills that students are expected to learn within a specific educational setting.
HUMSS. A senior high school strand that focuses on the study of human behavior,
societal changes, and the analysis of arts, culture, literature, and politics. It stands for
11
Chapter 2
This chapter presents the research method, setting of the study, subject of the
Research Design
tabulating data about prevailing conditions, practices, processes, trends, and cause-
effect relationships and then making adequate and accurate interpretation about such
phenomenon on the basis of and in depth study of this research. The open- ended
survey was developed by the researchers as the tool in gathering the data needed in
the study.
The researchers used the descriptive research method in the study because it is
the best way to describe the data and characteristics about the population or
12
Setting of the Study
This research was conducted in the municipality of Antipolo, Rizal, during the
school year 2024-2025. Specifically, at the Innovatech Skills and Resource Institute
located at 238 San Jose Street. Brgy. San Isidro, Antipolo City.
The Innovatech Skills and Resource Institute Inc. was formerly recognized as
"Antipolo Dela Virgen School Inc.” established on December 11, 2012. According to the
history of the town, Innovatech Skills and Resource Institute is currently recognized as a
new school in the entire division of Antipolo for it was established as a Senior High
We are able to collect the necessary data as the school has sufficient number of
students to be research respondents. With the abundance of students who study here,
Innovatech found its way to come up with a quality education provided for the young
13
Figure 2 location map of Innovatech Skills and Resource Institute Inc.
14
Subject of the Study
This study solely focused on Grade 11 learners of the HUMSS strand as its
primary respondents for S.Y. 2024-2025. Each individual had a chance to answer the
statistician. In total, Innovatech skills & resource Institute Inc. has 75 students enrolled
in Grade 11 and 27 grade 11 HUMSS identifiable respondents were gathered from this
population. They were chosen because they could best supply the information required
Sources of Data
in getting the required data for the study. The questionnaire is composed of two main
parts. The first part is dedicated to the profile of the respondents in terms of their age,
The second part is a Likert Scale checklist to measure the possible challenges
methods they use that may not be included within the items given. Responses to each
15
Scale Range Verbal Interpretation
The researchers also used data that has been already collected by and
readily available from other sources such as books, internet sources, and other
research study. Identifying an issue and formulating a good research question is the first
step. After formulating a well-defined research problem, the best title for the research
problem was chosen by the researchers, who then submitted it to the critique reader for
criticism. Next was the choosing of the title and collecting of the literature, study and
other thesis related to the research, with the consultation and guidance from the experts.
Also, the researchers constructed the first two chapters of the research which are the
problem and background of the study and the research methodology and source of data.
16
The panel members will be presented with the final draft of the research's first
two chapters to the research adviser for checking. The final two chapters, 3 and 4, will
then be conducted by the researchers. Following the completion of the final chapters
and follow up checking by the research adviser. The researchers must then edit their
Statistical Treatment
The statistical treatment used on the study was based on the statement of the
study:
HUMSS students in their General Mathematics subject and their profile, correlation was
used.
17
Chapter 3
acquired from the questionnaire checklist distributed to the Grade 11 students. The
responses of twenty-seven (27) respondents serves as the basis for the analysis and
Table 1 on the next page has presented the mean, rank and verbal interpretation
It was shown in the table that the in the variable Emotional Struggle, item 4, “I
feel pressured in taking math class” obtained the highest rank of mean 3.37, verbally
interpreted as “Neutral”. While item 1, “It’s hard to focus in mathematics class because
it’s complicated to understand” obtained the lowest rank of mean 1.46, verbally
This implied that the Grade 11 HUMSS respondents “disagreed” that the
emotional struggle can affect their academic performance in their General Mathematics
subject.
18
Table 1
Struggles of Respondents
Overall 4. 01 Agree
19
Mental health problems can affect student’s energy level, concentration,
et al. (2016), Emotional Struggle such as anxiety, stress, and depression often impair
EFS, and EFS also act as strong predictors of academic performance. EFS are seen as
a core component of brain function and comprise the cognitive processes responsible
for goal-oriented and purposeful behaviors. For example, when students experience
high levels of anxiety before an exam, their ability to focus and retain information may
from personal issues can lead to emotional struggle, making it difficult for students to
Mental health problems can affect many areas of students' lives, reducing their
quality of life, academic achievement, physical health, and satisfaction with the college
experience, and negatively impacting relationships with friends and family members.
For instance, a student dealing with depression may struggle to attend classes regularly,
complete assignments on time, or engage in social activities, which can create a cycle
of isolation and poor academic performance. These issues can also have long-term
consequences for students, affecting their future employment, earning potential, and
overall health.
academic performance, leading to a lack of focus and motivation in their studies. When
20
hindered. Therefore, addressing emotional struggles and promoting mental well-being
among students is crucial for enhancing their overall academic success and personal
development. By providing adequate support and resources for students facing mental
environment that nurtures students' holistic growth and well-being. Shields et al. (2016)
majority of children showed a low level of math anxiety. Interestingly, some children
displayed no signs of anxiety towards math, while others experienced a moderate level
of anxiety. However, high percentage of children were classified as highly math anxious.
The primary reasons cited by students for their math anxiety included concerns about
failing, finding the tasks too challenging, feeling pressured by time constraints, and a
To delve deeper into the issue, it is important to consider specific examples that
highlight these reasons. For instance, a student who fears failure may avoid challenging
math problems altogether, limiting their learning opportunities. Similarly, a student who
perceives math tasks as too difficult may feel overwhelmed and struggle to engage with
the material effectively. Furthermore, time pressure can lead to increased stress and
to math anxiety, such as fear of failure and task difficulty, educators can create a
21
interventions that focus on building students' problem-solving skills and fostering a
positive attitude towards math can help mitigate anxiety and improve overall academic
22
Table 2
3.) Whenever I lost my focus in math I feel like I’m 3.50 Neutral 2
a failure
4.) I rarely stand for math because I’m afraid to 3. 55 Neutral 3
be judged
5.) I lost my confidence when I have difficulties in 4.25 Agree 8
answering math
6.) I’m afraid to ask for help in math because of the 4.50 Agree 9
criticism
7.) I rarely speak and stood up in math because I 5.01 Strongly Agree 10
feel like I cannot answer what is asked correctly
8.) I feel like I’m not good in math compared to my 3.57 Neutral 4
classmates
Overall 4 Agree
23
Table 2 has presented the mean, rank and verbal interpretation of the verbal
It was shown in the table that the in the variable Pressure, item 7 “I rarely speak
and stood up in math because I feel like I cannot answer what is asked correctly”
obtained the highest rank of mean 5.01, verbally interpreted as “Strongly Agree”. While
item 1, “I’m shy to speak up and solve in front during math classes” obtained the lowest
rank of mean 3, verbally interpreted as “Neutral. Overall, the variable Pressure obtained
This implied that the Grade 11 HUMSS respondents “agreed” that Pressure can
students in their mathematics subjects. This pressure stems from various factors,
including the influence of a poor socio-economic background and the dearth of qualified
In his study, Statish (2013) also highlighted the prevalent perception that
perception can create a mental barrier for learners, making them feel intimidated by
24
mathematical problems even before attempting to solve them. To illustrate, students
may approach math exercises with a defeatist attitude, assuming they are bound to fail
due to the subject's perceived complexity. Consequently, this negative mindset can
impede their learning progress and erode their confidence in tackling mathematical
challenges.
Moreover, Eze (2015) conducted research that shed light on another crucial
educators. Eze (2015) discovered that the general disdain for mathematics among
students is often a result of inappropriate teaching strategies rather than the innate
difficulty of the subject itself. For example, unqualified teachers may resort to outdated
or ineffective teaching techniques that fail to engage students or make math concepts
relatable. As a consequence, students may develop a dislike for mathematics due to the
systems, educators can help students overcome their challenges and foster a positive
25
Table 3
B. Pressure 4 2 Agree
As shown in the table that the variable Pressure obtained the highest rank with
an overall mean of 4.01 and interpreted as “Agree”. On the other hand, Emotional
Struggle ranked second with the overall mean of 4 and interpreted as “Agree”. Based on
the result, the grand mean of 8.01 and was verbally interpreted as “Strongly Agree”.
This implies that the grade 11 HUMSS respondents “Agree” that “Emotional
Struggle, Pressure, are variables that influence their struggles in their Mathematics
Subject. In line with the study of Curtis (2023), emotions such as shyness, fear, and
shame play a significant role in influencing individuals' behavior. For instance, a student
who is prone to feeling shame may have certain expectations regarding how they will
emotionally handle academic challenges. These struggles with negative emotions can
26
Chapter 4
This chapter presents the summary of the findings of the study, the conclusions
Summary of Findings
Based on the analysis and interpretation of data, the following are hereby
1.1 In terms of Age, majority of the Grade 11 HUMSS students are 16 year old.
2.1 With respect to Low Self-esteem, majority of the respondents strongly agree that
they feel overwhelmed when the teacher picks them to participate in Mathematics class.
2.2 With respect to Emotional Pressure, majority of the respondents strongly agree that
they rarely speak and stood up in math because they feel like they cannot answer what
is asked correctly.
27
Conclusions
1. Majority of Grade 11 HUMSS students are 16 years old, suggesting that they are in
their mid-teen years, a period typically associated with self-discovery and heightened
suggesting that they are in their middle adolescence years, a period typically associated
theory, this could contribute to the unique struggles and experiences the students face
2. The study reveals that many students experience feelings of inadequacy in their
General Mathematics class. This lack of confidence significantly impacts their problems
in front of their peers. Students also experience considerable emotional pressure, often
This highlights a sense of self-doubt, where students are concerned about judgment
from both teachers and classmates, further hindering their ability to engage effectively in
the subject.
28
Recommendations
Emphasizing effort over accuracy and creating a safe space for mistakes may help
establish peer mentoring or study groups could provide students with a supportive
network, reducing the pressure of individual performance in front of the class and
29
REFERENCES
A. Internet Resources
American College Health Association. (2015). National College Health Assessment II:
https://sprc.org/settings/colleges-and-universities/consequences-of-student
/Monika Szczgiel (2022), Mathematical Thinking and Learning 24(3) 248-266 Retrieved
From: facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcse.google.com%2F%3
Fcx%3D847eb977609954d39%26fbclid%3DIwAR0rHar-6BS_XCYZAA-
Statish (2013) Motivation is effective learning and behavior from Spitzer Retrieved from;
https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Furl
4l7cjgcKIqLzmaWRk2mBqe
B. Published/Unpublished Thesis
Harris on, J. (2020). What Makes Mathematics Difficult as a Subject for Most Students
30
Lustre, J. B. (2021). Factors Affecting the Academic Performance of Grade 11 Students
Retrieved from:
https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Furl
%
31
APPENDIX AS
Gantt Chart
Development of Survey
Questionnaire
Data Gathering
Conclusion and
Recommendations
Submission of research
32
APPENDIX B
Christine L. Mauricio
Research Adviser
Dear Ma’am,
Good day! We are the student’s from HUMSS 12 and we are currently in the
process of writing our thesis entitled “Emotional Struggles of Grade 11 HUMSS in their
Mathematics subject”, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the subject 3i’s
(Inquiries, Investigations and Immersions) With this We are asking for permission to
conduct this research.
Knowing this, all levels of information to be acquired will be treated with utmost
confidentiality.
Sincerely,
Christine Mauricio
Research Adviser
33
APPENDIX C
Teachers
Dear teachers,
Good day! We are the student’s from HUMSS 12 and we are currently in the
process of writing our thesis entitled “Emotional Struggles of Grade 11 HUMSS in their
Mathematics subject”, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the subject 3i’s
(Inquiries, Investigations and Immersions) With this We are asking for permission to
conduct this research.
Knowing this, all levels of informations to be acquired will be treated with utmost
confidentiality.
Sincerely,
34
APPENDIX D
School Principal
Dear Ma’am,
Good day! We are the student’s from HUMSS 12 and we are currently in the
process of writing our thesis entitled “Emotional Struggles of Grade 11 HUMSS in their
Mathematics subject”, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the subject 3i’s
(Inquiries, Investigations and Immersions) With this We are asking for permission to
conduct this research.
Knowing this, all levels of informations to be acquired will be treated with utmost
confidentiality.
Sincerely,
School Principal
35
APPENDIX E
Admin Head
Dear Ma’am,
Good day! We are the student’s from HUMSS 12 and we are currently in the
process of writing our thesis entitled “Emotional Struggles of Grade 11 HUMSS in their
Mathematics subject”, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the subject 3i’s
(Inquiries, Investigations and Immersions) With this We are asking for permission to
conduct this research.
Knowing this, all levels of informations to be acquired will be treated with utmost
confidentiality.
Sincerely,
Admin Head
36
APPENDIX F
School Directress
Dear Ma’am
Good day! We are the student’s from HUMSS 12 and we are currently in the
process of writing our thesis entitled “Emotional Struggles of Grade 11 HUMSS in their
Mathematics subject”, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the subject 3i’s
(Inquiries, Investigations and Immersions) With this We are asking for permission to
conduct this research.
Knowing this, all levels of informations to be acquired will be treated with utmost
confidentiality.
Sincerely,
School Directress
37
APPENDIX G
Randy F. Jamera
Statistician
Dear Sir,
Good day! In line with your endeavor and with your field of specialization, we
humbly request you to be our Statistician adviser in our research entitled “Emotional
Struggles of Grade 11 HUMSS in their Mathematics Subject”.
Your bestowed attention on this matter will certainly uphold us to fulfill our study. We are
hoping for your affirmative response regarding this humble matter.
Sincerely,
Randy F. Jamera
Statistician
38
APPENDIX H
Respondents
Dear Respondents,
Good day! We are the student’s from HUMSS 12 and we are currently in the
process of writing our thesis entitled “Emotional Struggles of Grade 11 HUMSS in their
Mathematics subject”, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the subject 3i’s
(Inquiries, Investigations and Immersions) With this We are asking for permission to
conduct this research during your class.
Knowing this, all levels of informations to be acquired will be treated with utmost
confidentiality.
Sincerely,
Noted by:
Christine Mauricio
Research Adviser
39
APPENDIX I
Questionnaire Checklist
Age:
Sex:
1 2 3 4 5
1.) It’s hard to focus in mathematics class
because it’s complicated to understand
2.) I get sinking feeling whenever I’m answering
math
3.) Mathematics makes me feel confused
40
II. Low Self-Esteem- Extremely critical of themselves
1 2 3 4 5
1.) I’m shy to speak up and solve in front
during math classes
2.) I’m nervous to raise my hands in math
recitations because I’m not confident enough
with my answers
41
Resume
PERSONAL DATA
Nickname: Lay
Height: 5’3
Weight: 34
Hobbies: Dance
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
42
Resume
PERSONAL DATA
Nickname Je
Weight (kg): 67
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
Manggahan, Pasig
Antipolo, Rizal
43
Resume
PERSONAL DATA
Nickname: Blessy
Weight (kg): 44
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
Antipolo, Rizal
Antipolo, Rizal
44
Resume
PERSONAL DATA
Nickname: JM
Weight (kg): 75
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
Antipolo, Rizal
Antipolo, Rizal
45
Resume
PERSONAL DATA
Nickname: Chie
Height (m) --
Weight (kg): --
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
Antipolo, Rizal
Antipolo, Rizal
46
Resume
PERSONAL DATA
Nickname: lai
Height (m) --
Weight (kg): --
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
Antipolo, Rizal
Antipolo, Rizal
47
Resume
PERSONAL DATA
Nickname: Che
Height (m) --
Weight (kg): --
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
Antipolo, Rizal
Antipolo, Rizal
48