Difficulties in Solving Mathematical Problems in General Mathematics Subject and its Impact on Academic Performance of SelectedGrade 11 Humanities and Social Sciences Students

Abstract

Mathematics has been a part of our daily lives. Solving mathematical problems stimulate the mind of a person to get a possible solution. Nowadays, most students cannot bring meaning to the problems and do not know how to plan and apply problem-solving strategies. Students should know the possible factors that hinder them in solving mathematical problems correctly. Knowing these strategies will let us know the possible effects of these factors and how they can affect the academic performance of the students. The students can find solutions to avoid these problems and be more equipped with knowledge that they can also use in real-life problems. Qualitative research and descriptive methods were used in this study. A survey questionnaire was administered to gather data from the respondents. To determine the difficulties in solving mathematical problems in the General Mathematics subject of students, the researchers used three variables, namely, (1) student-related factors, (2) teacher-related factors, and (3) lack of resources. To know how these difficulties affect the student’s academic performance, the researchers also used three variables, that is, (1) attendance, (2) examination, and (3) activities. The study revealed that grade 11 Humanities and Social Sciences Strand students in Bestlink College of the Philippines have difficulties in solving mathematical problems in General Mathematics subjects. The primary difficulties of students include the inability to analyze the problem, problems with visual aids, and teachers not diagnosing the learning capability of students. Hence, the student’s academic performance can be affected by these difficulties. If students cannot solve mathematical problems, then they cannot understand the problems in the examination and become unable to express themselves and lose their confidence, which can result in frequent absences. Nowadays, most students are experiencing difficulties in solving mathematical problems; this trend is alarming because it affects their academic performance. Teachers and students have accountability for these difficulties and should do their part to resolve these issues.