1. THE CORRELATION BETWEEN THE INTEREST AND STUDY HABITS OF
PUPILS IN TERMS OF THEIR ACHIEVEMENT IN MATHEMATICS
A Thesis
Presented to the Faculty of the Graduate School Department
Saint Joseph College
Maasin City,
Maasin, Southern Leyte
In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for the Course
Master of Arts in Education
RIGINO T. MACUNAY, JR.
2017
2. Table of Contents
Chapter I Page
THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE……………………………………..….1
Introduction…………………………………………………………………...1
Theoretical/ Conceptual Framework…………………………………………4
Statement of the Problem……………………………………………………..8
Statement of the Hypothesis………………………………………………….9
Significance of the study……………………………………………………...9
Scope and Limitation of the study………………………………………...…10
Definition of Terms…………………………………………………………..10
Chapter II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDY………………..11
Chapter III
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY…………………………………………...17
Research Design…………………………………………………..…………...17
Subject of the Study…………………………………………………………...18
Environment……………………………………………………………….…..18
Research Instrument………………………………………………………..….18
Procedure………………………………………………………………….…...20
Statistical Treatment of Data………………………………………………..…20
REFERENCES…………………………………………………………………….…22
4. Chapter 1
THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE
Introduction
Mathematics is the oldest of all sciences that have developed through the ages
having a direct impact on the quality of human life on our planet. It is unanimously
agreed that mathematics is the language of science and technology and also in some other
disciplines like art and culture, holding the key to development and progress of the
country as well as humanity as whole. The mathematics is a backbone of students to
achieve and develop the skill in reasoning and thinking level. In elementary stage the
base on mathematics should be imposed to develop mental observation and creativity or
innovativeness. Due to the lack of proper knowledge on mathematics the student suffer in
all spheres of life. There is a general consensus among educators that mathematics is an
important and useful subject for development in every country. It is the key to
technology. Despite its importance and influence, it is a subject most feared by students
of the primary school ( Evans)[1] and secondary school levels ( Eduward).So from the
grass root level the teaching of mathematics should be effective and scientific.
A report of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said that the 6,601 Filipino
students who took the TIMSS IN THE YEAR 1999 ranked 36th in both science and mathematics
tests out of a field of 38 countries.
The DOST revealed that Filipino participants garnered a score of 349 and 350 in science and
math respectively, way below the international average of 489 in both subjects.
"In terms of content area, our students’ best performance in science was in Nature of
Science and Scientific Inquiry, and lowest... was in Life Science," the DOST statement said.
In the mathematics test, it noted, Filipino students did best in Data Representation, Analysis and
Probability, and poorest in Algebra.
When TIMMS was first conducted in 1995 among 42 countries, the Philippines placed 41st in
science and 30th in mathematics. The two subjects are premium in the entrance exams to national
science high schools.
"With similar results obtained in TIMMS-R, it is evident that there is no significant improvement
of our students from 1995 to 1999. No immediate conclusions could be made as to the reasons
behind this," DOST said
A Science and Education Institute study on Trends in Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS)
in 2003 showed that Philippines’ 8th grade (2nd year high school) students’ skills and
5. competencies in Math ranked a pitiful 42nd out of 46 participating countries while the
Philippine 4th grade students placed 23rd out of 25 participating countries.
The 2004 executive report on Philippine TIMSS showed that in four years since the Third
International Mathematics and Science Study Repeat (TIMSS-R) in 1999, only seven regions
showed improvements in Math competencies among the 8th grade students. Results of the
student achievement test indicate very poor performance in each content domain at this early
education stage.
Ironically, the Philippines ranked third and fourth—to the last—among the countries which
participated in the 1999 and 2003 TIMMS, respectively
Even in the competitiveness level, the Philippines slid down from 47 in 2001 to 77 in 2007 out of
117 countries that were evaluated, which COMSTE attributed to the many problems of the
country’s basic education system, particularly lacking in specialization in Math and Science
Numerous studies have been carried out which focused on cognitive factors as
predictors of academic success. Recently, there has been a growing interest on
the non-cognitive factors. A number of researchers have examined the role of
non-cognitive variables such as study skills (Fazal, S. et.al, 2012; Awang, G &
Sinnadurai, S.K., 2011; Demir et. al, 2012; Hassanbeigi et.al, 2011), study
motivation (Tella, A., 2007; Nonis and Hudson, 2008), and attitudes (Sarwar
et.al, 2010 and Yu, 2011) on academic achievement. Some argued that these
factors have strong relationship with academic performance of students while
others concluded that it was the combination of the different factors that could
explain students’ academic performance.
In a more recent meta-analysis, Crede and Kuncel (2008) found that non-
cognitive factors like study habit, skill and study motivation, among other
attitudinal constructs, accounted for incremental variance in academic
performance beyond standardized tests and previous grades. Moreover, a
literature review by Nagaraju (2004) pointed out that, for good academic
success, good study habits and attitudes are important. Hence, it is imperative
and desirable that a probe into the pattern of study habits and attitudes of
students be made.
Nowadays, Mathematics is the key to all Sciences. It becomes part of our life, not
only in our academic subjects, but in all part of our integral life. But despite explaining
6. more about mathematics and the proof that it’s really important, the students today don’t
like this subject. They think that the Mathematics is a boring subject. Only if they
understand the logic behind this subject and the principles applied in different problems,
if they get what Mathematics really meant to be, they will find that it is not a boring
subject, that Mathematics is an interesting one.
Learning Mathematics can be made easier and enjoyable if our curriculum
includes mathematical activities and games. Math puzzles and riddles encourage and
attract an alert and open-minded attitude among youngsters and help them develop clarity
in their thinking. Emphasis should be laid on development of clear concept in
mathematics in a child, right from the primary classes (Amerigog, 2015).
Mathematics as a subject affects all aspects of human life at different levels.
Mathematics is seen by society as foundation of scientific technological knowledge that
is vital in social economic development of a nation. It is in realization of the vast
applications of mathematics that made Eraikhuemen (2003) to posit that a disciplined and
ordered pattern of life can only be achieved through the culture of mathematics. Norris
(2012) stated that mathematics is also important as a school subject because not only is it
needed for the sciences but also provides access to undergraduate courses. According to
Schereiber (2000) those who have positive attitudes toward mathematics have a better
performance in this subject.
Many studies have been carried out by researchers like Adeyemo (2005) and
Gbore (2006) on effective study habits. They argue that study habits have strong
relationship with the academic performance of students. A student who cultivates certain
study habit will perform differently from a student who has another set of study habit. It
7. is believed that student who lacks effective and efficient means of studying would be
building on shaking foundation and consequently have weak foundation. The teachers
teach all the students collectively but all the students do not have the same grades, here
we see underachievers and high achievers in mathematics. With these the teachers get
puzzled with the sight of such situations and then try or push too much (Riaz, Asma, and
Niaz, 2002). There may be a number of reasons like different levels of intelligence, lack
of good infrastructural facilities, and lack of good libraries and so on. But one of the
reasons is that students fail to make good a effort to learn what their teachers taught them
in the school and also do not study at home because they fail to recognise the importance
of study habits to their academic achievement. According to Riaz et al (2002), the study
habits of the students could play pivotal role in the learning process reflected in the
academic achievement of the students in mathematics. Abid (2006) stated that the quality
of a nation depends upon the quality of its citizen while quality of citizen depends on the
quality of its education which in turn depends on the study habits of the students. Quality
of education is reflected through academic achievements which is a function of students’
study habits. The purpose of this study is to find out if there is a relationship between
students’ study habits and their achievement in mathematics and also to find out if
students with good study habits are better than those with poor study habits in
mathematics .To achieve this the following research questions were raised to guide the
study.
Background of the Study
8. There is considerable literature relating entrance examinations to college
performance in developed countries like the US and in developing countries. The results
mostly show a positive correlation between entrance exam scores and academic
performance, mainly indicated by grades either in the first year or the whole four year
program, graduation or number of study credits.
Mathematics entrance exam in SJC has been one of the most challenging and
most feared by the freshmen. Most of the test takers did not pass, thus, they are required
to take Math 0 or the Mathematics enhancement before taking the first Math subject in
College. This results to becoming irregular students. Even some engineering students fail
in the Math entrance exam.
With this, the researcher feels the need to determine the factors of their Math
entrance exam performance to have a clearer understanding on how their difficulty in
Math must be addressed.
Theoretical Framework
Burns (1995, p99) 'conceives of learning as a relatively permanent change in
behaviour with behaviour including both observable activity and internal processes such
as thinking, attitudes and emotions.' It is clear that Burns includes motivation in this
definition of learning. Burns considers that learning might not manifest itself in
observable behaviour until some time after the educational program has taken place.
This study was also based on Martin Ford’s Motivational Systems Theory (MST).
This framework focuses on the individual as the unit of analysis, but embeds the
9. individual in the biological, social, and environmental contexts that are crucial to
development. Ford proposed a simple mathematical formula that attempts to represent all
these factors in one model. The formula for effective person-in-context functioning is:
Achievement = (Motivation x Skill) x Responsive Environment
The formula proposes that actual “achievement and competence are the results of
a motivated, skillful, and biologically capable person interacting with a responsive
environment” (Ford, 1992).
Similar formula was used by Pinder (1984) and others (cited in Nonis & Hudson,
2006) to demonstrate performance as a multiplicative function of both ability and
motivation.
Performance = Ability x Motivation
The above formula indicates that a student with very high ability but low motivation is
unlikely to perform well, whereas a student with low ability but high motivation is likely
to perform well. That is, the variability in motivation across students may dampen
associations between ability and performance. In the same vein, one can argue that it is
simply the study habits and attitudes that ultimately bring about the desired performance
and not students’ inner desires or motivations. Therefore, similar to how motivation
10. interacts with ability to influence academic performance, one can infer that study habits
and attitudes interact with ability to influence student performance in Mathematics.
Mathematics Performance = Ability x (Study Habits and Attitudes)
Piaget's research and theory, is called developmental constructivism (Romberg,
1969), and maintains that children acquire number concepts and operations by
construction from the inside and not by internalization. Piaget (1968) pointed out that
every normal student is capable of good mathematical reasoning if attention (and care) is
directed to activities of his interest, and if by this method the emotional inhibitions that
too often give him a feeling of inferiority in lessons in Mathematics are removed.
On the other hand, the researcher is quite intrigued about two opposing theories-
The Fixed IQ theory and Untapped Potential Theory. Dweck, C. S. (1999) stated that
students believe that their ability is fixed, probably at birth, and there is very little if
anything they can do to improve it is called fixed IQ theorists. They believe ability
comes from talent rather than from the slow development of skills through learning. “It's
all in the genes”. Either you can do it with little effort, or you will never be able to do it,
so you might as well give up in the face of difficulty. E.g. “I can't do math”. And
Untapped Potential theorists, students believe that ability and success are due to
learning, and learning requires time and effort. In the case of difficulty one must try
harder, try another approach, or seek help etc.
11. Conceptual Framework
The major concept of this study is focused on the correlation between pupil
related factors such as interest and study habits in terms of the Math achievement among
the Grade 4-6 pupils at Inopacan Central School this School Year 2016-2017.
12. Figure 1; shows the relationship of input variables which contain the extent of the
pupil-related factors. While in the process contains the survey, data gathering, data
analysis, and data interpretation. And output variables contain the analysis of pupil-
related factor.
FIGURE 1. A conceptual paradigm showing the relationship of pupils’ mathematics
achievement in pupil-related factors and the factors that affect interest and study habits.
INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT
PUPIL-RELATED
FACTORS
Interest
Study Habits
MATHEMATICS
ACHIEVEMENT
Survey
Data Gathering
Data Analysis
Data Interpretation
An Analysis of
Mathematics
Performance as
affected by pupils’
study habits and
interest
7
Correlation
between study
habit and
Mathematics
Achievement
Correlation
between interest
and Mathematics
Achievement
13. Statement of the Problem
This study aims to determine the correlation between pupil-related factors such as
the interest and study habits in terms of the achievement in of grade 4 to 6 pupils of
Inopacan Central School this school year 2017-2018.
Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions:
1. What is the extent of the pupil-related factors in terms of:
1.1 Interest
1.2 Study Habits
2. What is the level of pupils’ achievement in Mathematics?
3. Is there a significant correlation between interest and pupils’ Mathematics
achievement?
4. Is there a significant correlation between study habits and pupils’ Mathematics
achievement?
5. What are the factors that affect pupils’ interest and study habits?
Hypothesis
The following are the null hypotheses of this study:
There is no significant relationship between pupils’ Mathematics achievement and
interest.
There is no significant relationship between pupils’ Mathematics achievement and
study habits.
14. Significance of the Study
The result of the study is deemed significant to the following stakeholders with
the following reasons:
The result of this study could serve as a baseline data of school administrators to
improve programs for school advancement. School administrators, like subject area
coordinators, may also be guided in the formulation of future modification of educational
policies, curriculum and strategies toward a more effective delivery of learning
This is also helpful to the curriculum planner in appraising the existing
programs in terms of the student’s needs and abilities and make changes as required.
Outcomes of this study may form the basis for future intervention programs which aim at
improving students’ study habits and attitudes that will eventually improve their
performance outcomes in Math, which is an indicator of quality education.
This is very beneficial to the teachers since it serves as an eye opener to create
and innovate instructional materials, to use varied and appropriate teaching strategies and
to possess good personality traits.
This study will help the students be aware of how their interest and study habits
affect performance in Math. Furthermore, it helps them develop their interest towards
Mathematics, appreciate its importance in their daily lives and eventually possess good
study habit.
The result of this study can serve as basis of future researcher for further study
on teaching learning activities and student mathematical performance.
15. Scope and Limitation
The study is all about the correlation between pupil-related factors such as their
interest and study habits in terms of their Mathematics achievement. This study is limited
only to Grade 4 to 6 pupils of Inopacan Central School during the second quarter of
school year 2017-2018 as well the Mathematics teachers handling Grades 4 to 6 of the
same school. All information and conclusions drawn from this study were obtained only
to this particular group of pupils and Math teachers.
Focus of this study is on the correlation of interest and study habits in terms of
their Mathematics achievement; and the factors that affect interest and study habits. This
study does not include the teacher-related factors that may affect the pupil’s performance.
The main source of data is on the checklist style questionnaire and interview. It
provides more information as the main instrument that determines how the respondents
are able to relate in this study.
Definition of Terms
For better clarification and understanding of the terms related to this study, the
following terms are defined conceptually and operationally.
Mathematics Achievement. This refers to the degree or capacity of students’
knowledge in Mathematics as reflected in their Math grades for the second quarter.
Interest. This refers to something that arouses attention.
Study Habit. This refers to usual form or action of a person in studying.
16. Chapter 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES
Aristotle once said, “Quality is not an act, it is a habit” while Marston believed
that excellence is not a skill, it’s an attitude.
These philosophies are no different in classrooms than it is anywhere else in
society. McCleod (1992) said that attitude toward mathematics is related to mathematics
success in the classroom. Conversely, student’s achievement can influence a student’s
attitude as well. Thus, it is important for teachers to improve student work to make a
positive change in their attitude toward mathematics (Ma & Xu, 2004). Hannula stated
that attitudes can change in a short period of time, and sometimes dramatically (2002).
Many students, especially those that are younger and less established students, their
attitude toward a particular subject is proportional to their recent success in the class. A
good day Mathematics: Attitude and Performance can sway the attitude to the positive
side and conversely a bad day can swing the attitude toward the negative side. Although,
in Hannula’s research, he found that once established, an attitude is fairly stable and only
minor changes occur based on successes and failures (2002). This is where teachers can
have a great impact on the shaping of this attitude: “Teachers can reinforce the idea that
mathematics is an interesting subject, used in other disciplines, and is an admission ticket
for colleges and careers.” (Anderson, 2007 p. 12).
Reynolds and Walberg (1992) looked at middle school students and how
achievement and attitude are related and also what determines the student’s attitude.
17. These researchers looked at the relationship as a sequence of effects. These
effects begin with home environment, then student aptitude, and finally psychological
and instructional environments. These environments include things such as peers, the
classroom they were in, and how the material in covered in the classroom. Putting home
environment first is founded on “consistent evidence that home environment influences
the process of schooling well before the middle school years” Reynolds and Walberg
(1992). In their study, they found that home environment plays a “pervasive role” in the
learning for middle schoolers (Reynolds & Walberg, 1992). When it comes to
mathematics attitude, they concluded that motivation is a bigger factor than the home
environment. When they looked at instructional environment, the biggest factor affecting
the students’ attitude toward mathematics was the teacher’s clarity of presenting the
material. The students will have better attitude if they look at view the classroom and
subject in a positive way
Tata (2013) made his study in Nigeria and came out with findings that, students’
negative attitude toward mathematics, fear of mathematics, ineffective teaching method
and inadequate teaching materials were some of the causes of poor performance in
Mathematics. Developing positive attitude, motivation and proper guidance toward this
subject and provision of relevant teaching materials could make students perform better
in Mathematics.
In a study conducted by Quek (2006) it was found out that interest has a positive
influence on student’s achievement in Mathematics. This can be seen from the dedication
and efforts of students in learning Mathematics. Teaching style used in the process of
teaching and learning has a significant impact on students' interest and understanding of a
18. subject. Furthermore, when the student’s perception of their teacher is low, student’s
attitude towards Mathematics tends to be negative as stated by Etuk, N.,et.al (2013).
Zachariah Kariuki Mbugua, et.al (2012)’s study on “Factors Contributing To
Students’ Poor Performance in Mathematics” found out that the cause of most failures in
Mathematics might not be due to insufficient or inadequate instruction but by active
resistance by the learners. This argument suggests that favorable attitudes and good study
habit towards Mathematics should be developed for achievement in the subject to
improve.
Crow and Crow (2007)’s Educational Psychology states that study requires a
purpose and what one learns as a result of study depends largely upon the degree to
which one succeeds in achieving that aim or purpose (p.261).
Sawar et al. (2009) in their analysis on “Study Orientation of High and Low
Academic Achievers at Secondary School Level on Pakistan” revealed that the high
achievers had better study orientation, study habit than the low achievers.
Many studies have been carried out by researchers like Adeyemo (2005) and
Gbore (2006) on effective study habits. They argue that study habits have strong
relationship with the academic performance of students. A student who cultivates certain
study habit will perform differently from a student who has another set of study habit. It
is believed that student who lacks effective and efficient means of studying would be
building on shaking foundation and consequently have weak foundation. The teachers
teach all the students collectively but all the students do not have the same grades, here
we see underachievers and high achievers in mathematics.With these the teachers get
19. puzzled with the sight of such situations and then try or push too much (Riaz, Asma, and
Niaz, 2002).
The students' performance in certain subjects depends on their attitude towards
the subject. Positive attitude towards the subjects will encourage a person to learn the
subject much better. According to Zulcarnain,et.al (2000), students' attitudes need to be
fostered throughout the process of teaching and learning in order to have a good
achievement. The ability of students to use the knowledge is a measure of the
effectiveness of teaching and learning processes. A positive attitude can motivate
students critical thinking, being active in the classroom, working together in groups,
improve interaction and communication skills. In a study conducted by Quek (2006) it
was found out that interest has a positive influence on student achievement in
Mathematics. This can be seen from the dedication and efforts of students in learning
Mathematics.
Cabahug and Ladot (2005), stated that poor attitude towards mathematics is often
being said as one of the contributing factors to lower participation and less success in the
courses. They added that the attitude towards Mathematics affects performance as
performance in turn affects attitudes.
According to Crow and Crow, (2007), the chief purposes of study are: to acquire
knowledge and habits which will be useful in meeting new situations, interpreting ideas,
making judgments creating new ideas and to perfect skills. Therefore, successful
achievement in any form of academic activity is based upon study, interpretation and
application. Everyone has different study habits. All often, students perform poorly in
school simply because they lack good study habits. In many cases, students do not know
20. where to begin. Those students in high school who succeed especially well usually study
alone and follow a study technique that has been worked out by them and that
incorporates desirable procedures.
Study habits vary from student to student. Some habits are considered to be more
desirable than others from the point of view of academic achievement. Crow and Crow
(2007)’s Educational Psychology states that study requires a purpose and what one learns
as a result of study depends largely upon the degree to which one succeeds in achieving
that aim or purpose (p.261).
Crede and Kuncel (2008) concluded to establish effective study, students require
study skills, motivation, study habits, and study attitude. According to Ch (2006), a
central feature of effective study habits is that good habits can influence performance of
students to do better in academic tasks. Study habits may determine efficient or
inefficient methods (p. 37). Several studies reported positive and significant relationship
between study habits and academic success (National Assessment of Educational
Progress (Ch, 2006, p. 38).
Sawar et al. (2009) in their analysis on “Study Orientation of High and Low
Academic Achievers at Secondary School Level on Pakistan” revealed that the high
Frank Pogue(2000) did a research project to determine whystudents fail. What he
founds to be true in that study habits survey was that more than 30 years ago still rings
true today--students fail because they do not know how to study .The best advice he can
give is to develop sound study skills.
21. He said that a student should make sure that he/she has a good study environment,
a good desk, a sturdy chair, good light, comfortable room temperature and a quiet
atmosphere. That means he/she should eliminate all external and internal distractions.
Second, get a good overview of the assignment before starting the work. Know what
skills, facts and ideas that are expected to master and the ground that are expected to
cover. Start with most difficult subject first, while the mind is freshest and most
receptive.
In a study entitled “Relationship of Study Habits with Mathematics Achievement”
conducted by Onoshakpokaiye E, it revealed that study habits influence students’
achievement in mathematics. It also revealed that good study habits leads to better
achievement in mathematics. It was also observed that students with good study habit
have better achievement compare to those with poor study habit. From the findings it was
discovered that lack of good study habits, results to poor achievement in mathematics.
Many students are unsuccessful in their examinations not because they are short
of knowledge or ability, but because they do not have adequate study habits and study
skills (Menzal, 1982). Good students are not born but are made by regular and deliberate
practice of fine study habits for which there is no alternative. Thus in order to improve
student’s academic achievement in different aspects of education it is essential to
improve their good study habits. According to (Kizlik 2001) development of good study
habits in children depends upon the collective efforts of parents and teachers. Study
habits are the pattern of behavior adopted by students in the pursuit of their studies which
serves as the vehicle of learning. It is the measure to which the students engages
themselves in regular act of studying that are characterized by appropriate study routines
22. occurring in an environment that is conducive to study. Good study habits are associated
with an encouraging attitude towards learning in general.
A substantial amount of research has examined the role of students’ study habits
and their attitudes to study on academic performance. The study of Osa-Edoh and Alutu
(2012) which examined the usefulness of imbibing in the students study habit, as a means
of enhancing their academic performance, revealed a high correlation between study
habits and students academic performance. This suggests that it is only when students
imbibe or cultivate proper study habits that their academic performance can be improved
upon
23. Chapter 3
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This chapter presents the research design, research procedure, the subject of the
study, determination of sample, research instrument and statistical treatment of data.
Research Design
This study determined the factors that affect interest and study habit as well as the
correlation between pupils’ interest and study habits in terms of their Mathematics
achievement.
This study will be done using the Quantitative – qualitative method. This was
done by using a questionnaire where students used a Likert Scale to gather the data for
the quantitative aspect of the study. The information will be put into Microsoft Excel to
be analyzed for a correlation between the variables in the study. There also have a space
for the subject to give open ended responses. The researcher attempted to record and
teachers’, reactions on the factors affecting attitude and interest of pupils towards
Mathematics.
In general, a correlational study which is a quantitative method of research in
which 2 or more quantitative variables from the same group of participants that are
determined if there is a relationship (or covariation) between the 2 variables (Waters, J.
,revised 2017).
As mentioned, the extent of pupils’ interest and study habits, and factors affecting
interest and study habit were generated using questionnaire-checklist.
24. Subject of the Study
The respondents in this study were the grade 4 to 6 pupils who are currently
enrolled in Inopacan Central School for the second quarter of school year 2017-2018.
They were identified using the Sloven’s formula: n (sample size)=N (population) x e²
(margin of error 0.05 squared). The proportional stratified random sampling as a
sampling technique was utilized since the population has class stratifications.
Environment
The study was conducted at the Inopacan Central School, Inopacan District,
Inopacan, Leyte located at Rosales Street, Maasin City, Southern, Leyte.
Figure 1. The Map of Saint Joseph College
25. Research Instrument
The main tool used in this study was a questionnaire – checklist which is adopted
from Balbosa (2010). Set of questionnaire-checklist was prepared for the pupil
respondents. The questionnaire – checklist consisted of the students’ level of interest in
Mathematics, their study habits. The researcher made use of interview as a tool for
determining the factors that affect pupils’ interest and study habits.
Part 1 on the questionnaire – checklist obtained the students’ level of interest in
Mathematics presented five(5) statements and the students’ study habits presented ten(10)
situations. These were given one set of five checkboxes each. The five checkboxes were
ranked as:
5 – Always
4 – Often
3 – Sometimes
2 – Rarely
1 – Never
The questionnaire – checklist was presented to the adviser for comments,
corrections, and suggestions on the content.
The Students’ Interest and Study Habit Assessment Scale (SISHAS) which was a
structured Likert Scale type questionnaire comprising of 9 items closed ended questions
26. was used for students’ self-rating exercise, in order to describe their study habit and
interest in mathematics.
Research Procedure
The researchers brainstormed and submitted a list of possible research title. The
proposed title by the researchers was checked, revised and rechecked by the researchers’
adviser to maintain conformity on the subject of research. The questionnaire-checklist
that aims to draw out proper responses on the objectives of this study was prepared.
Permit to conduct research and study was secured in a form of letter requesting
permission to the principal of Inopacan Central School.
The sample was computed by using Sloven’s formula and proportional stratified
sampling was utilized. Then, the samples for each strata were identified using random
sampling. After the names of samples were identified, the researchers gathered all the
identified respondents and conducted a meeting to explain the purpose the study and how
to answer the questionnaire. The researchers were scheduled on a specific date for the
answering of the questionnaire. The respondents were free to decline if they were not
interested to answer. During the survey, the researcher asked assistance from the advisers
of the respective grade level for better facilitation of the data gathering.
Data gathered from answered questionnaires were checked, classified, tabulated
and analyzed according to the research design described in this chapter using Microsoft
Excel and prepared for final presentation to the panel of Saint Joseph College.
Statistical Treatment of Data
Analysis Statistical Tools
27. 1. The extent of student-related factors
in terms of:
1.1 Interest
1.2 Study habits
2. The level of students’ mathematics
performance.
3. Significant relationship between
students’ mathematics performance
and interest.
4. Significant relationship between
students’ mathematics performance
and study habit.
Tools Following tools were used to collect the data
for the study-
i. A standardized inventory to measure the pupil’s
attitude towards mathematics.
ii. A questionnaire constructed by the investigator to
asses the pupil’s study habit.
To asses the Achievement in Mathematics, the
marks attained by the pupil on mathematics in
annual examination from IX standard was collected.
Data collection The investigatorcollected data by
visiting the schools.Three tools were used for
analysis of data.
V. Data
Weighted Mean
Mean, median, mode, skewness and
kurtosis.
Pearson R, Spearman Rho, Regression
Pearson R, Spearman Rho, Regression
28. REFERENCES
Abdullahi,O. (2013). Interrelationship Between Personal Factor and Academic
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32. APPENDIX A: LETTER OF PERMISSION
May 24, 2017
Most. Rev. Precioso Cantillas
SJC President
We, the students of Graduate Department in your institution will conduct a study
entitled: “Factors affecting Mathematics Entrance Exam Performance of Freshmen at
Saint Joseph College School Year 2016-2017” in partial fulfilment of the requirements in
Research. .
In this connection, we would like to ask permission from your good office to
conduct a survey in the different departments of SJC to the randomly selected freshmen
on.
We are hoping for your kind consideration. Thank you and Godbless.
Respectfully yours,
RIGINO T. MACUNAY, JR.
Group Leader
Noted By:
ALMIRA LEONOR MIRAS
Teacher
26
34. SAINT JOSEPH COLLEGE
May 25, 2017
Dear respondent:
Good day.
Our group is conducting a survey in line with our research study entitled
“Factors affecting Mathematics Entrance Exam Performance of Freshmen at Saint Joseph
College School Year 2016-2017.”
This study aims to determine if there is a significant relationship between
Mathematics entrance exam performance and student-related factors as well as teacher
related factors.
We would like to ask your cooperation by answering the questionnaire honestly
and completely. Any information you will provide shall highly appreciated and we assure
that all information will be treated with utmost confidentiality.
Thank you.
RESEARCHERS:
RIGINO T. MACUNAY, JR.
Noted by: ____________________
MA. DULCE GONZALES
Thesis Adviser
Approved:
BEVERLY FERNANDEZ
SJC COLLEGE DEAN
Conforme: _____________________
36. QUESTIONNAIRE
Questionnaire On Factors Affecting Mathematics Entrance Exam
Performance of Freshmen at Saint Joseph College
NAME: ________________________________
(optional)
I. Student-related Factors
Direction: Please check (√) and rate yourself honestly based on what
you actually do given the statements using the following scales:
5 – always (at all times) (kanunay)
4 – often (Most of the time) (kasagaran)
3 – sometimes (occasionally) (usahay)
2 – rarely (seldom) (katagsa)
1 – never (not at all times) (dili)
A. Interest 5 4 3 2 1
1. I make myself prepared for the math subject
2. I listen attentively to the lecture of my math teacher.
3. I actively participate in the discussion, answering
exercises and/or clarifying things I did not understand.
4. I want to get good grades on tests, quizzes, assignments
and projects.
5. I get frustrated when the discussion is interrupted or the
teacher is absent.
B. Study Habits
1. I never miss a single homework everyday.
2. I exert more effort when I do difficult assignments.
3. I study math lessons during vacant time.
4. I study the lessons I missed if I was absent from the class
5. I study and prepared for quizzes and tests.
6. I study harder to improve my performance when I get low
grades.
7. I spend less time with my friends during school days to
concentrate more on my studies.
8. I consider studying and doing assignments my priorities
than playing computer games or watching television.
9. I study Mathematics with a high level of concentration.
10.I have a specific place of study at home which I keep
clean and orderly.
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