Factors influencing the difficulties encountered by freshman high school students in Mathematics

Abstract

In this new era, the influence of Mathematics can be clearly seen in the life of man even more. The starting point of the development and progress of the other branches of science is the development of Mathematics. Indeed, Mathematics is a response to the changing societal conditions. However, there are many students who cannot comprehend and analyze word problems in Mathematics. Mathematics is generally perceived as a difficult subject. In fact, Mathematics is one of the common subjects having the most number of failing students. Improving the educational system for students with mathematical learning difficulties has been one of the key foci of educational reforms. This led the researcher to focus his study on the factors influencing the difficulty of students in Mathematics. This study determined the factors influencing the difficulties encountered by freshman high school students at San Jose High School for the school year 2010-2011. Specifically, it sought answers to the following questions: 1. What is the level of difficulty of the freshman students in Mathematics along: a. Real Number System; b. Measurement; c. Scientific Notation; d. Algebraic Expressions; and e. First Degree Equations and Inequalities in One Variable? 2. How do the levels of difficulty of the students differ when compared according to gender? Hypothesis: There is a significant difference on the level of difficulty of the students when compared according to sex. 3. What is the extent of influence of the following factors in the difficulties of the students? a. Learner-related factors b. Teacher-related factors c. Learning-environment-related factors 4. What action plan can be developed to minimize student difficulties in mathematics? The descriptive survey method of investigation was used in this study on freshman high school students in Mathematics at San Jose School of La Trinidad-High School Department for the School Year 2010-2011. There were 196 student-respondents chosen through random sampling by lottery with replacement. The survey questions focused on the factors that influence the difficulties of the freshman high school students in Mathematics such as learner-related factors, teacher-related factors, and learning environment-related factors. The data collected were tabulated, computed, analyzed, and interpreted using the appropriate statistical tools. The following were the major findings of the study: 1. As perceived by the respondents, they encountered moderate difficulty in scientific notation, first degree equations and inequalities, and algebraic expression. 2. The male and the female first year high school students do not differ significantly in terms of level of difficulty encountered in Mathematics. 3. The learner-related factors, teacher-related factors, and learning-environment-related factors had little influence on the difficulty of the students in Mathematics. Based on the salient findings, the following conclusions were drawn: 1. Most freshman high school students encounter moderate difficulties in Algebra Mathematics like scientific notation, first degree equations and inequalities in one variable, and algebraic expressions. 2. Sex is not a factor that influences the level of difficulty of students in Mathematics. 3. Learner-related factors, teacher-related factors, and learning-environment-related factors still influence the difficulties of students in Mathematics. In relation with the findings and conclusions of the study, the following were recommended: 1. The freshman students have to enhance their Mathematics skills by improving their reading comprehension and mathematical skills such as manipulating mathematical knowledge and concepts. 2. The male and the female students have to be given the same treatment in dealing with simple and complex mathematical problems. 3.a. The freshman students have to help themselves to overcome their difficulties in learning mathematical concepts in order for them to perform well in the subject. 3.b The freshman Mathematics teachers have to equip themselves not only knowledge of a particular subject matter but also pedagogical knowledge and knowledge of their students. They have to enhance their teaching strategies and develop different kinds of instructional Activities that promote student achievement. 3.c The school environment has to be kept from any disturbance from learning. It has to be a place where the teaching-learning process takes place effectively and smoothly. 4. Other Recommendations: a. The school administration may help teachers enhance their skills by providing avenues for training and seminars in Mathematics teaching. b. Researchers in the future may study on other variables and find out some other factors that affect the difficulty of students in Mathematics.