Attitude and Challenges in Learning Mathematics in the Modern Word (MMW): Basis for Intervention Program

Abstract

Difficulty in learning mathematics is a common and significant problem throughout the school years. It was identified that only 19% of Filipino students met the Low benchmark, meaning they had “some basic mathematical knowledge,” while 81% did not reach this level. Filipino students also lagged behind other countries in the international assessment for mathematics as mentioned in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study 2019 (TIMSS).To address this; a researcher conducted a study to explore students’ attitudes and challenges in learning Mathematics in the Modern World (MMW). The data gathered were used in formulating intervention programs. The study utilized the descriptive method of research and employed a survey questionnaire as the main data-gathering instrument. It involved the participation of all college students from the University of Batangas who were taking Mathematics in the Modern World (MMW) during the school year 2022-2023 using a purposive sampling technique. Furthermore, the responses of the respondents were computed using frequency count, percentage, weighted mean, ranking, and chi-square as the main statistical treatments of data. Ethical guidelines were highly considered to maintain the confidentiality of the study. Key findings include that the majority of the students are 19-21 years old, male, and enrolled in Criminology courses. Students strongly agreed and exhibited a positive attitude toward wanting to develop their mathematical skills. It was observed that there is a positive and moderate correlation between the attitude and the challenges encountered by the students in learning Mathematics in the Modern World (MMW). The main challenge identified is the difficulty in remembering math facts, concepts, rules, formulas, sequences, and procedures. The researcher proposed different intervention programs to address the challenges encountered by students in learning Mathematics in the Modern World (MMW).