DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED BY SELECTED STEM 11 STUDENTS DURING EXAMINATION PROPER DUE TO SHORT TERM MEMORY AND THEIR COPING STRATEGIES.

Abstract

Short-term memory (STM) refers to the ability to temporarily store and recall information over a brief period. Difficulties in short-term memory may affect students’ ability to review lessons, memorize key terms, and recall information during examinations. This study was conducted to explore how STEM 11 students experience difficulties related to short-term memory during examination preparation and how they cope with these challenges through various strategies and techniques. This study employed a qualitative research approach using a phenomenological design. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews supported by audio recordings. A raise-hand method was also used to identify participants who experienced difficulties related to short-term memory. A total of twenty (20) participants were interviewed in this study. In terms of participant profiles, eleven out of twenty participants were female, while nine were male. The results revealed various difficulties encountered during examination preparation, particularly related to studying and memory retention. Common coping strategies reported by the participants included engaging in group study sessions and consuming comfort foods to help manage stress and improve focus. The findings showed that short-term memory difficulties among the selected students led to challenges such as reviewing and familiarizing themselves with terminologies, memorizing main ideas, being distracted by noise, experiencing mental blocks before and during examinations, and difficulty recalling lessons. These difficulties highlighted the importance of identifying effective coping strategies to help students manage memory-related challenges during examinations.