The Relationship between Skipping Breakfast and Engagement in Mathematics of Grade 12 Students of Emiliano Tria Tirona Memorial National High School, S.Y. 2018-2019

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

It is known that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. In skipping breakfast, it is possible that a person might experience negative effects such as a decline in energy and poor physical and mental performance. Students' performance has long been a point of study in the field of education and even in the field of educational psychology. It really affects the performance of the students and looking at it on a long-term perspective, it could really provide considerable outcomes to students especially in their academic achievements and productivity.

METHODS

For the purpose of this study, the researchers used a descriptive-comparative research design to determine whether there is a significant difference between the mathematics engagement levels of students who skip breakfast and those who do not. Using purposive quota sampling by the use of questionnaires, a sample of 50 grade 12 students of Emiliano Tria Tirona Memorial National High School in Kawit, Cavite was chosen for the purpose of the study.

RESULTS

Results showed that most of the respondents are female students, with a frequency of 35 or 70.0% of the total respondents while the remaining 15 or 30.0% are male students. Most respondents, a frequency of 38 or 76.0% are 18 years old while least is found to be 19years old, a frequency of 2 or 4.0%. In terms of academic strand, most respondents, a frequency of 35 or 70.0% are found to be under the General Academic Strand while least is found to be under the Technical-Vocational Strand, with a frequency of 15 or 30.0%. It is found out that there is a highly significant difference between the engagement in mathematics class of students who comes to school with breakfast and without taking a breakfast. This further implies that taking breakfast could significantly improve students' engagement in Mathematics class.

DISCUSSIONS

Further actions should be undertaken by key persons in order to address problems presented in this paper. Several campaigns could be undertaken by schools in order to raise awareness about the possible risks of having a habit of skipping breakfast. Teachers and other school personnel should also work hand in hand in order to foster a culture of taking breakfast not just to improve students’ engagement in their mathematics class, but more importantly, to increase the productivity of students inside and outside the school.