Download as docx, pdf, or txt
Download as docx, pdf, or txt
You are on page 1of 58

BAUTISTA, CHARMAINE O.

: INFLUENCE OF NON-INTELLECTIVE FACTORS


ON STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN MATHEMATICS

ABSTRACT

This study determined the influence of non-intelligence factors on the academic


performance of the students in public secondary schools in Bustos, Bulacan during the
fourth quarter of School Year 2021-2022. With explanatory sequential mixed methods as
research design and 594 junior high school students as respondents of the study, findings
showed that the public high school students assessed their motivation in terms of intrinsic
value, self-regulation, self-efficacy, and utility value as “sometimes true of me.” The
public high school students assessed their interest in Mathematics as “sometimes true of
me.” In similar vein, the public high school students assessed their emotion in
Mathematics as “sometimes true of me.” The academic performance of junior high
school students in Mathematics was described as “satisfactory.” Highly significant
relationship was found between non-intellective factors and junior high school students’
performance in Mathematics. Based on the findings of the study, this conclusion was
drawn: There is a significant relationship between the non-intellective factors and the
public junior high school students’ academic performance in Mathematics amidst
pandemic. The higher the level of students’ motivation, interest and emotions in
Mathematics, the higher their academic performance in the subject.
CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

Math teachers find their subject easy to teach but difficult to learn. Generally,

students consider math as the hardest subject. This is a universal truth. It’s the duty of

teachers to cure ignorance, help them as they learn and never drag students into

comparison, shame or failure so that they experience hardships in understanding the

lessons or topics. Teaching and learning math in the new normal is really tough and truly

challenging. There will be uncertainties, anxieties and fears. Misconceptions may arise

and hatred for the subject or the teacher may happen. Math teachers might fail in

developing the students toward the twin goals of the K-12 Math – critical thinking and

problem solving. The perennial notion that math is the hardest subject to learn should be

erased. The foundation in teaching and learning math in the basic education level needs

to be strong. Its applications in real life should be realistic and useful. Such should start

from the math teachers themselves, even in the new normal, so students will start or

continue to learn loving and to love learning the subject.

Non-intellective factors play a vital role in engaging people’s intelligence fully,

they are the key for students to form a good successful psychology, self-learning and self-

education ability, and are the core elements that help develop the personality of students.
Non-intellective factors include learning habits, motivation, interest, emotion, attitude

and
2

students’ characteristics. Cultivating a good habit in Mathematics learning is the basis of

Mathematics study; to stimulate students’ motivation to achieve and to cultivate their

sense of achievement are the necessary means of Mathematics teaching; to train and

improve students’ interest in learning is the effective approach to Mathematics teaching;

to give emotional education to students and to have a harmonious teacher-student

relationship is the guarantee of Mathematics teaching (Yu, 2015). However, in the study

only motivation, interest and emotion are considered.

Human being’s learning behaviors are caused by motivation. Motivation is

the necessary condition of cognitive learning, but also the internal impetus of study

behavior occurrence and maintenance. Canadians Gardner and Lambert divided foreign

language learning motivation into “integrative motivation” and “instrumental

motivation.” The former refers to a learner with a special interest in the target language

community, for example to participate in or integrate into the social life of community.

The latter refers to a learner with a particular purpose: tests, education, travel, etc.

Obviously, most people have instrumental motivation of learning English. But as long as

you have a strong motivation, it can promote the English learning effectively (Yu, 2015).

However, in the present study the concern is on Mathematics motivation.

‘Interest is the best teacher’ - as long as learners have great interest in the learning

objective, learning motivation can be produced to improve learning efficiently until the

completion of the task. Chinese great ancient educator Confucius puts forward “he who is
interested in something is better than he who knows something”. Russian educator

Ushinski once said, “If there is no interest, students’ intention to master knowledge will

be killed by the obligation to study.” Interest can fully arouse a learner’s enthusiasm for

learning participation, and improve learning efficiently (Yu, 2015).

In English learning, emotion mainly refers to learners’ feelings, attitudes and

emotions within the learning process. The learner’s emotion directly affects their learning

behavior and results. These emotions can be divided into positive and negative. Studies

by many psychologists and linguists show that self-confidence, surprise, empathy and

other positive emotions can create a favorable learning attitude, and improve learning

efficiency. The affective filter linguist Krashen’s theory has also presented that anxiety

emotion has certain influence on language input and output, and puts forward the

affective filter theory (Yu, 2015).

Although motivation is important across all disciplines, research suggests

mathematics imposes unique motivational barriers, including feelings of anxiety (Dowker

et al., 2016) and beliefs that mathematics is not personally interesting or valuable in one’s

life (Peterson & Hyde, 2017). Low motivation in mathematics is especially prevalent as

students transition to secondary school—a critical time during which students develop

their identities as learners (Hogheim & Reber, 2015).

Unfortunately, many secondary school students show declining mathematics

motivation and achievement, in part due to differences in the school context and

instructional practices, as well as the increased complexity of the learning material.

Motivating students to learn is critical because motivated students are more likely to

invest effort toward mastering the material, employ effective self-regulation strategies,
persist in the face of challenges, and demonstrate higher levels of achievement

(Renninger & Hidi, 2019). In contrast, unmotivated students tend not to engage in

challenging academic tasks or use effortful learning strategies, due to unproductive

beliefs they hold about their own capability or the value of the learning material

(Wigfield et al., 2016).

Motivation is an internal state that initiates and maintains goal-directed behavior.

According to expectancy-value theory, motivation depends on students’ beliefs about

themselves (expectancies) and about the task (values). Expectancies refer to students’

expectancies for success, or the belief in their ability to succeed within a domain.

Expectancies for success are closely related to what other theories of motivation refer to

as self-efficacy (Marsh et al., 2019). For example, self-efficacy items might ask students

how confident they are that can understand the concepts taught in a course or that they

can turn complete their assignments on time (Wigfield et al., 2016).

Meanwhile, Olivárez (2018) reported that a student with high individual interest

would be characterized by a consistently high cognitive commitment and emotional

attachment to a specific (scholastic) domain. In that sense, interest is considered as

domain-specific, cognitive and an affective component, that is built and nourished over

the school career, and is assumed to be relatively stable over a variety of situations and

over time. Mathematics interest is a complex behavioral aspect of Mathematics. It has so

many characteristics and it can be attributed to as many situations as we discuss in

Mathematics education. The key strategy of Mathematics teaching should focus on

keeping the students’ interest on Mathematics. If the students are interested in learning

Mathematics that should be helpful to their academic achievement and also teacher tasks
become easier. Therefore, interest is a very important factor to consider in the teaching

and learning process.

In a study, Anigbo (2016) associated factors of academic achievement among

secondary school students in Mathematics to lack of interest. Also, in a study on interest

in Mathematics and Academic achievement Mohamed and Charles (2017) found that

there is a significant difference in interest and academic achievement of secondary school

students in respect of the type of management. More so, the failure of students in

Mathematics achievement was also supported by some researchers to be associated with

lack of interest in studying the subject, (Goolsby, 2013). Specifically, Goolsby (2013)

attributed factors influencing students’ Mathematics interest to attitude towards success

in Mathematics, confidence in learning Mathematics, perception of teacher attitude,

Mathematics anxiety, and Locus of control. According to Anigbo, factors associated with

Mathematics interest include, students’ factor, teachers factor, Mathematics anxiety,

government, lack of infrastructural facilities, lack of instructional materials and problem

of large class size among several other factors. Therefore, researchers have continued to

investigate various factors that could influence the achievement of students in

Mathematics.

The result of the study conducted by Tembe (2020) shows that students

Mathematics interest has a positive relationship with students’ achievement in

Mathematics. The findings of this study agrees with the findings of Omototade, et al

(2016) confirming that there is a significant relationship between students’ interest and

students’ academic performance. Likewise, these findings corroborate with that of Essien,

et al (2015) which further confirms that there is a significant relationship between


students’ interest and achievement. The findings of this study also, agrees with that of

Mohamed and Charles, (2017) who reported that there was a significant difference in

interest and academic achievement of secondary school students. Also, Anigbo (2016)

attributed factors of academic achievement among secondary school students to be lack

of interest. Furthermore, some authors like Goolsby, (2013) supported that the failure in

Mathematics achievement was associated with lack of interest in studying the subject.

Consequently, emotions’ impact on academic achievement depends on the object

or focus to which they are directed. Task emotions (enjoyment, anger, tension,

frustration, relaxation and boredom) have a stronger impact on learning, performance and

achievement of the activity in which the student is engaged at that moment in time.

Students may experience anticipatory joy, if they know that they will face an academic

activity that has a positive value, either to achieve their goals or to improve their learning,

and over which they feel they have high control (Pekrun & Linnenbrink-Garcia, 2012).

According to Pekrun and Linnenbrink-Garcia (2012), the emotions most

associated with academic performance in mathematics are enthusiasm, enjoyment,

anxiety, frustration and boredom. Enthusiasm and enjoyment are considered positive

emotions, both inducing pleasurable somatic sensations; the former, with a higher level of

activation of the peripheral nervous system and bodily responses than the latter. Anxiety,

frustration and boredom are defined as negative emotions (associated with unpleasant

somatic sensations), with boredom being considered an emotion of low activation,

because it diminishes somatic responses and sensations (Pekrun, 2016).

Several studies have identified a wide range of emotions that have important

effects on academic performance, indicating that positive emotions tend to improve


academic performance as well as the reverse (Martínez-Sierra & García-González, 2017).

However, it has been found that negative emotions can have an ambivalent effect; for

example, shame can generate extrinsic motivation oriented to achievement and avoidance

of failure, improving academic performance in some instances, while anxiety might be

helpful in focusing attention (Grills-Taquechel et al., 2013).

Most research on emotions related to math focus on anxiety and the effect of other

negative emotions, while positive emotions have received little attention (Di Leo et al.,

2017). Most findings indicate that positive activating emotions, such as enjoyment and

pride, are positively associated with math achievement, and negative emotions such as

boredom, anxiety, anger and hopelessness are negatively related with math achievement

(Peixoto et al., 2015). Martínez-Sierra et al., (2019) examined the effect of motivational,

affective, and cognitive process factors on math achievement in an online mathematic

course. They found that anger, boredom, and enjoyment were the strongest predictors of

math achievement.

Based on the premise presented above, the researcher was motivated to undertake

this research with a hope that students’ Mathematics performance will improve through

non-intellective factors.

Statement of the Problem


This study determined the influence of non-intelligence factors on the academic

performance of the students in public secondary schools in Bustos, Bulacan during the

fourth quarter of School Year 2021-2022.

Specifically, it sought answers to the following questions:


1. How may the following non-intellective factors that may influence the students’

academic performance in Mathematics be described in terms of the following


8
domains:

1.1 motivation;

1.1.1 intrinsic value;

1.1.2 self-regulation;

1.1.3 self-efficacy;

1.1.4 utility value;

1.2 interest;

1.2.1 positive valence;

1.2.2 negative valence;

1.2.3 time;

1.2.4 knowledge;

1.3 emotion;

1.3.1 enthusiasm;

1.3.2 enjoyment;

1.3.3 boredom; and

1.3.4 frustration

2. How may the academic performance of the public junior high school students in

Mathematics amidst pandemic be described?

3. Is there a significant relationship between the non-intellective factors and the

public junior high school students’ academic performance in Mathematics amidst

pandemic?
4. What are the views and insights of the respondents as regards the importance of

non-intellective factors on academic performance in Mathematics amidst


9
pandemic?

5. What program of activities may be crafted from the results of the study?

Hypothesis

The hypothesis that follows was tested in the study:

There is no significant relationship between the non-intellective factors and the

public junior high school students’ academic performance in Mathematics amidst

pandemic.

Conceptual Framework

America psychologist W.P. Alexander first proposed the “non-intellective

factors” concept in Intelligence, Concrete and Abstract. Since then, many domestic and

foreign experts and scholars have given their own definitions. Professor Yan Guocai’s

definition has great influence. He thinks generalized non-intelligence factors refer to

psychological factors out of learning; the narrow sense of non-intellectual factors refers

to five psychological factors, they are: motivation, interest, emotion, will and personality.

Linguist Rod Ellis also considers the effect of non-intellectual factors of the second

language acquisition including age, talent (especially language), cognitive style,

motivation and personality (Manguilimotan, 2019). In the present study only motivation,

interest, and emotion were considered.


10

Expectancy-value theory also distinguishes among three types of values: intrinsic

value, utility value, and attainment value (Rosenzweig et al., 2019). Intrinsic value refers

to the enjoyment experienced by performing a particular academic task (e.g., “I enjoy

doing things in math”); utility value refers to the extent to which an academic task fits

within a person’s current or future goals (e.g., “Math is useful for my future”); and

attainment value refers to the importance to the individual of performing well on an

academic task (e.g., “For me, being good at math is important” (Weidinger et al., 2020).

Intrinsic value and utility value are somewhat related to aspects of what self-

determination theory refers to as intrinsic motivation (i.e., acting for internal or personal

reasons) and extrinsic motivation (i.e., acting to receive external rewards), respectively.

Despite some discrepancies across theoretical constructs, there is consensus that beliefs

about oneself and the task are fundamental components of academic motivation (Ryan &

Deci, 2017).

The emotions mentioned thus far have been widely studied, especially anxiety and

frustration, however, researchers have not distinguished them by the object to which they

are directed. Goetz et al. (2013) recommend considering the distinction between

anticipatory and prospective emotions to clarify the effect of these emotions on different

moments or situations related to learning and achievement. According to this distinction,

anxiety is considered an anticipatory emotion, and, as such, it would have to be included

in studies whose purpose is to understand how emotions that appear before the situation

occurs affect student’s achievement.

The effect of academic emotions on performance has also been approached from

broader conceptual frameworks, treating them as mediating variables. For example,


emotions mediate the effect of self-concept beliefs and attitudes towards mathematics,

over academic achievement in mathematics (Hannula, 2015). Furthermore, emotional

dispositions can influence the attitudes towards a mathematical task, depending on the

student’s perceived competence and interpretation of the academic situation (Di Martino

& Zan, 2015). Therefore, to better understand the impact of emotions on academic

performance, it would be necessary to relate emotions with other constructs, both

affective and cognitive, such as attitudes or self-efficacy beliefs. Relating emotions to

other constructs could lead to the development of comprehensive theoretical networks

and models to explain academic learning, performance and achievement by individual

variables that can be both measured and modified in order to develop better educational

strategies to improve student’s achievement (Zan et al., 2016).

From the theory, related studies and literature cited, presented and explained

above, the researcher came up with the paradigm that will serveds as guide in the conduct

of the study.

Independent Variable Dependent Variable

Students’ Academic

Non-Intellective Factors Performance in

Mathematics

Figure 1. Paradigm of the Study

Figure 1 shows that the independent variables are the students’ non-intellective

factors which consist of motivation, interest and emotion. These variables were
hypothesized to influence (as implied by the arrowhead) the dependent variable which is

the students’ academic achievement in Mathematics in the new normal.

Significance of the Study

This study would be beneficial and important in the educational arena. It would

help the educators understand the importance of non-intellective factors (motivation,

interest, emotion) on junior high school students’ academic performance in Mathematics,

and it will ultimately benefit the following:

Students. They are the primordial beneficiaries of the findings of this study. The

results of this study would be of great help for them to fully understand the impact of

non-intellective factors on their academic performance in Mathematics especially in this

new normal where most of the times they study on their own. They would be more

motivated and self-regulated in learning the Math lessons.

Mathematics Teachers. Results of the study could make the Mathematics teachers

aware of the contribution of non-intellective factors (motivation, interest, emotion) on

junior high school students’ academic performance in Mathematics. They would be able

to insert in their lessons how intellective factors could improve their students’

performance in the aforementioned subject.


12

School Administrators. Findings of the study could provide the school

administrators the baseline data about non-intellective factors which might serve as

reference in including these factors in their annual school plan. They could provide some
lecture series to their students on how to utilize and improve the aforementioned non-

intellective factors.

Parents. Results of the study could make the parents the knowledge on how to

properly motivate their children in doing Mathematics tasks.

Future Researchers. Results of the study would serve a reference for researchers

who have the same interests. The researcher ultimately believes that the findings of this

study would help the future researchers to fully understand the importance and

contribution of non-intellective factors on students’ academic performance in

Mathematics amidst pandemic.

Scope and Limitation of the Study

The main variable under study were non-intellective factors and students’

academic performance in Mathematics.

Non-intellective factors were limited to motivation, emotion and interest.

Meanwhile, motivation was focused only to intrinsic value, self-regulation, self-efficacy

and utility value. On the other hand, interest was limited only to positive valence,

negative valence, time and knowledge. The students’ emotion was dealt only to

enthusiasm, enjoyment, boredom and frustration. The students’ performance was

measured in terms of their grade in Mathematics. 13

The respondents of this study were be the selected junior high school students in

Bustos, Bulacan. This was be conducted in the 4th quarter of School Year 2021-2022.

Location of the Study


14

This study was conducted in public secondary schools in Bustos, Bulacan. The

schools that served as respondents of this research were: Alexis G. Santos National High

School, Dr. Pablito V. Mendoza Sr. High School, Aguinaldo J. Santos National High

School, and Cambaog National High School.

AGUINALDO J. SANTOS
NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

DR.PABLITO V. MENDOZA SR.


HIGH SCHOOL

CAMBAOG NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

ALEXIS G. SANTOS NATIONAL HIGH


SCHOOL

(Source: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Stretch-of-the-Angat-River-Network-in-Bustos-Bulacan-
where-Samples-were-retrieved_fig1_341453434)
15

Figure 2. Map of Bustos, Bulacan

Definition of Terms

To shed the light in understanding, the following operational definitions wre

hereby presented.

Academic Performance. This refers to junior high school students’ grade in

Mathematics in this new normal.

Boredom. This refers to the state of being weary and restless through lack of

interest in learning Mathematics.

Emotion. This refers to students’ appreciation and feelings in learning

Mathematics.

Enjoyment. This refers to students’ action or condition of getting pleasure or

satisfaction from Mathematics learning.

Enthusiasm. This refers to students’ strong excitement of feeling in learning

Mathematics.

Frustration. This refers to the feeling of being upset or annoyed, especially

because of inability to achieve higher grades in Math.

Interest. This refers to the feeling of students whose attention, concern, or

curiosity is particularly engaged to Mathematics learning.


16

Intrinsic Value. This refers to the students’ enjoyment experienced by performing

a particular academic task in Mathematics.

Knowledge. This refers to facts, information, and skills acquired by students

through Mathematics education.

Motivation. This refers to students’ internal state that initiates and maintains their

goal-directed behavior in Mathematics.

Negative Valence. This refers to students’ negative experiences associated with

Mathematics.

Non-Intellective Factors. This refers to non-intelligence factors such as

motivation, interest and emotions that may contribute in improving the students’

academic performance in Mathematics.

Positive Valence. This refers to the degree to which students report a positive

attraction toward Mathematics.

Self-Efficacy. This refers to a students’ belief in their capacity to execute

behaviors necessary to produce Mathematics performance attainments.

Self-Regulation. This refers to a metacognitive system that regulates students’

learning strategies in Mathematics.

Time. This refers to the amount of time and effort students commit to

Mathematics.

Utility Value. This refers to the extent to which an academic task fits within a

student current or future goals in Mathematics.


CHAPTER II

METHODOLOGY

The information about the research and sampling procedures that was utilized by

the researcher were provided in this chapter. The research design that will be employed,

as well as the data gathering techniques, and data analysis scheme were also discussed in

this chapter.

Research Design

This study utilized the explanatory sequential mixed methods research design in

determining the contribution of non-intellective factors on students’ academic

performance in Mathematics. The overall purpose of this design was to use a qualitative

strand to explain initial quantitative results. For example, the explanatory design was well

suited when the researcher needed qualitative data to explain quantitative significant (or

nonsignificant) results, positive-performing exemplars, outlier results, or surprising

results. This design could also be used when the researcher wanted to form groups based

on quantitative results and follow up with the groups through subsequent qualitative
research or to use quantitative results about participant characteristics to guide purposeful
18
sampling for a qualitative phase (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2018).

During the first step, the researcher designed and implemented a quantitative

strand that included collecting and analyzing quantitative data. In the second step, the

researcher connected to a second phase—the point of interface for mixing—by

identifying specific quantitative results that called for additional explanation and using

these results to guide the development of the qualitative strand. Specifically, the

researcher developed or refined the qualitative research questions, purposeful sampling

procedures, and data collection protocols so they followed from the quantitative results.

As such, the qualitative phase depended on the quantitative results. In the third step, the

researcher implemented the qualitative phase by collecting and analyzing qualitative data.

Finally, the researcher interpreted to what extent and in what ways the qualitative results

explained and added insight into the quantitative results and what overall was learned in

response to the study’s purpose.

Data Gathering Techniques

Prior to the conduct of the study, the researcher sought permission from the

Schools Division Superintendent of Bulacan to allow her to conduct this study in

secondary schools in Bustos such as Alexis G. Santos National High School, Dr. Pablito

V. Mendoza Sr. High School, Aguinaldo J. Santos National High School, and Cambaog

National High School. Upon receiving the approved permit, the researcher coordinated to

the principal of the said school for the schedule of data collection. Due to the pandemic

times, the researcher administered the questionnaire and conducted the interview to the
target respondents by means of face to face and social media platforms such as Facebook

or email and through phone call.

The researcher decided to use only 10% of the population of four secondary

schools in Bustos, Bulacan which was equal to 594 students. The researcher employed

simple random technique in choosing these respondents. The lottery method was utilized
19
in selecting the 594 students.

There were two types of data that collected in the study, the quantitative and the

qualitative data. Quantitative data were gathered through the use of closed-ended

questionnaire. On the other hand, qualitative data were gathered by means of semi-

structured interviews. Open-ended questions which were personally made by the

researcher in conjunction with the problems raised in the preceding chapter were asked

during the face to face interview..

In the quantitative data gathering, the questionnaire utilized was composed of

three (3) parts. Part I of the questionnaire is the Mathematics Motivation Scale which was

adapted from Fiorella (2021). This part of the questionnaire was used to describe the

junior high school students’ motivation towards Mathematics learning. Meanwhile, Part

II is the Mathematics Interest Scale which was adapted from Wei (2014). This was used

to gauge the students’ interest in Mathematics amidst pandemic. On the other hand, Part

III is the Math Emotion Scale, which was adapted from Gomez (2020). This was utilized

to determine the level of Math emotion of the students in this new normal. Some

modifications were made to this questionnaire to fit the situation and conditions of

education in the country amidst pandemic.


For the academic performance of the students in Mathematics, the researcher got

their grades in the fourth grading period from their respective teachers in the said subject.

For security purpose, all collected data were kept in one folder in the researcher’s

laptop. Further, she made it sure that these data were used only for the completion of the

study. After passing the final defense, all stored data were permanently deleted.

20

Sampling Procedures

Since the population of 5949 students was too large, the researcher decided to use

only ten percent of it which was equal to 594 students. According to Gay & Diehl,

(1992), generally the number of respondents acceptable for a study depended upon the

type of research involved - descriptive, correlational or experimental. For descriptive

research, the sample should be 10% of the population for a larger population as large as

1000.

The lottery method was utilized in selecting the 594 students. The researcher

randomly picked numbers, with each number corresponding to students’ name, in order

to create the sample. To create a sample this way, the researcher ensured that the numbers

were well mixed before selecting the sample population.

For the qualitative part, 3 students per grade level were selected at random and

were requested to participate in the conduct of semi-structured interviews.

Table 1. Distribution of Respondents of the Study

School Population Sample


1. Alexis G. Santos National High School 2379 238
2. Dr. Pablito V. Mendoza Sr. High School 1104 110
3. Aguinaldo J. Santos National High School 1393 139
4. Cambaog National High School 1073 107
21

Total 5949 594

Data Analysis Scheme

After collecting all the questionnaires, these were organized, tallied, tabulated,

and analyzed using some statistical tools.

Descriptive statistics such as range, mean and standard deviation were computed

to describe the students’ academic performance in Mathematics.

Meanwhile, weighted mean was computed to describe the non-intellective factors

(motivation, interest, emotion).

Correlation analysis was performed to determine if significant relationship existed

between the independent variables (s non-intellective factors) and dependent variables

(students’ academic performance in Mathematics).

Meanwhile, the gathered qualitative data were analyzed using the content

analysis. Content analysis is a research tool used to determine the presence of certain

words, themes, or concepts within some given qualitative data (i.e. text). Using content

analysis, researchers could quantify and analyze the presence, meanings and relationships

of such certain words, themes, or concepts (Elo et al., (2014).


CHAPTER III

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

This chapter deals with the presentation, analysis and interpretation of the data

collected and the results of the statistical treatment employed in the study with the

purpose of determining the influence of non-intelligence factors such as motivation,

interest and emotion on the academic performance of the junior high school students in

Mathematics.

Non-Intellective Factors

Academic performance is associated with both intellective factors and non-

intellective factors: the importance of considering the role of non-intellective factors is

that they are more modifiable, giving a chance to the professionals, school counselors

and/or

tutoring services to work on them to promote the school’s success and well-being of the

students. Non-intellective factors play a vital role in engaging people’s intelligence fully.
23

They are the key for students to form a good successful psychology, self-learning and

self-education ability, and are the core elements that help develop the personality of

students.

The assessments of the public high school students with regard to non-intellective

factors such as motivation (intrinsic value, self-regulation, self-efficacy, utility value)

interest (positive valence, negative valence, time, knowledge) and emotion (enthusiasm,

enjoyment, boredom, frustration) are summarized in Tables 2 to 13.

Motivation

Student motivation is defined as a process where the learners' attention becomes

focused on meeting their scholastic objectives and their energies are directed towards

realizing their academic potential.

The assessments of the public high school students as regards their motivation in

terms of intrinsic value, self-regulation, self-efficacy, and utility value are presented in

Tables 2 to 5.

Intrinsic Value
Intrinsic value refers to the interest and enjoyment that students experience when

engaging in an activity. When students enjoy scholastic tasks, they are intrinsically

motivated to do well. Both interests and personal relevance produce intrinsic value for a

student.

Table 2. Non-Intellective Factors in terms of Motivation


as to Intrinsic Value

Item Statement Responses = 594 Mean VD


24

5 4 3 2 1
15
1. I enjoy learning math. 119 148 86 83 3.24 STM
8
13
2. I find learning math interesting. 116 128 112 100 3.10 STM
8
11
3. I like math that challenges me. 101 128 131 118 2.92 STM
6
4. I feel good when it comes to working 11
79 108 136 158 2.70 STM
on math. 3
12
5. I am interested in math. STM
86 1 98 127 162 2.73
Overall Mean 2.94 STM

Legend:

Scale Verbal Description


4.21 – 5.00 Always True of Me (AT)
3.41 – 4.20 Frequently True of me (FT)
2.61 – 3.40 Sometimes True of Me (STM)
1.81 – 2.60 Seldom True of Me (ST)
1.00 – 1.80 Never True of Me (NT)

Table 2 displays the assessments of the public junior high school students

regarding their motivation in terms of intrinsic value.

Evidently, all items in the table, including the calculated overall mean of 2.94,

received the same verbal description of "sometimes true of me" as shown in the table. A

close examination of the table reveals that item “I find learning Math interesting” yielded

the highest computed weighted mean of 3.10. On the other hand, item “I feel good when

it comes to working on Math” obtained the lowest computed weighted mean of 2.70.

These results imply that the junior high school students have an average level of

interest and enjoyment when engaging in Math activities. When students enjoy scholastic

tasks in Mathematics, they are intrinsically motivated to do well in the said subject.

In contrast to the findings of the present study, Ernest (2015) asserted that

Mathematics has intrinsic value. Mathematics is a powerful exploration of pure thought,

truth and ideas for their intrinsic beauty, intellectual power and interest. In its

development Mathematics creates and describes a wondrous world of beautiful


25

crystalline forms that stretch off to infinity in richly etched exquisiteness. Part of the

intrinsic value of pure Mathematics is its widely appreciated beauty. “Like painting and

poetry Mathematics has permanent aesthetic value”. “Mathematics possesses not only

truth, but supreme beauty – a beauty cold and austere, like that of sculpture”.

Mathematics should be appreciated for its importance and value in our daily

undertakings.

In the conducted interview, the students were asked about their perception of

Mathematics subject and its importance in affecting their motivation to learn it. Many of

these students stated that Mathematics is something they are eager to learn even though it

is difficult for them. Others mentioned that they are uncomfortable in Math which gives

them anxiety whenever they hear it. In addition, several responded that Math is important

to learn, which they look forward to in every Math class.

Self-Regulation

Self-regulation is the ability to understand and manage students’ behavior and

their reactions to feelings and things happening around them. It includes being able to:

regulate reactions to strong emotions like frustration, excitement, anger, and

embarrassment. Children develop self-regulation through warm and responsive

relationships. They also develop it by watching the adults around them.

Table 3. Non-Intellective Factors in terms of Motivation


as to Self-Regulation

Responses = 594
Item Statement Mean VD
5 4 3 2 1
1. If I am having trouble learning math,
68 89 136 185 116 2.68 STM
I try to figure out why.
2. I put enough effort into learning 11
124 108 126 122 2.99 STM
math. 4
26

3. I use strategies that ensure I learn


136 86 138 133 101 3.04 STM
math well.
4. I prepare well for math tests and 12
146 78 127 122 3.07 STM
quizzes. 1
5. I continue solving difficult Math
13
problems until I finally get the correct 136 81 117 129 3.05 STM
1
answer.
Overall Mean 2.97 STM

Legend:

Scale Verbal Description


4.21 – 5.00 Always True of Me (AT)
3.41 – 4.20 Frequently True of me (FT)
2.61 – 3.40 Sometimes True of Me (STM)
1.81 – 2.60 Seldom True of Me (ST)
1.00 – 1.80 Never True of Me (NT)

Table 3 shows the assessments of the public junior high school students regarding

their motivation in terms of self-regulation.

In a close examination of all items in Table 3, an overall mean was calculated at

2.97, wherein all are verbally described as "sometimes true of me". Further examination

of the table shows that item "I prepare well for math tests and quizzes" received the

highest computed weighted mean of 3.07. Meanwhile, the item "If I am having trouble

learning Math, I try to figure out why" got the lowest computed weighted mean of 2.68.

These results imply that the junior high school students do not have enough

ability to monitor and manage their energy states, emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in

ways that are acceptable and produce positive results such as well-being, loving

relationships, and learning Mathematics.

Following the present study's findings, Renniger & Hidi (2019) state that the

motivation and achievement of many secondary school students in Mathematics are

declining, partly due to differences in school context and instructional practices, as well

as the increased complexity of the learning material. Motivating students to learn is


27

important because they are more likely to put in an effort to learn the material, use the

right self-regulation skills, keep going even when things get hard, and show higher levels

of achievement.

In the conducted interview, the students were asked about their ability to

understand and manage learning Math in the factors that affect their motivation about it.

Many of these students stated that they try to stay focused when reviewing the Math to

ensure that they learn and apply it in solving Math problems. Others mentioned that they

gradually practice their Math skills to broaden their knowledge about it. In addition,

several responded that they watch an online tutorial on Mathematics whenever they have

difficulty understanding a certain Math problem.

Self-Efficacy

Bandura (2008) expresses that self-efficacy refers to a person's confidence in their

ability to execute the actions necessary to create particular performance outcomes. Also,

it is the belief that one can exert control over their motivation, conduct, and social

environment.

Table 4. Non-Intellective Factors in terms of Motivation


as to Self-Efficacy

Responses = 594
Item Statement Mean VD
5 4 3 2 1
1. I am confident I will do well on math
108 95 121 172 98 2.90 STM
assignments and projects.
2. I believe I can master the knowledge
121 98 121 128 126 2.93 STM
and skills in math.
28

3. I am confident I will do well on math


99 87 141 142 125 2.82 STM
tests.
4. I believe I can earn a grade of
78 89 78 187 162 2.55 ST
“outstanding” in math.
5. I believe that when I try hard enough, 12
185 121 89 78 3.41 FT
I will pass math subject. 1
Overall Mean 2.92 STM

Legend:

Scale Verbal Description


4.21 – 5.00 Always True of Me (AT)
3.41 – 4.20 Frequently True of me (FT)
2.61 – 3.40 Sometimes True of Me (STM)
1.81 – 2.60 Seldom True of Me (ST)
1.00 – 1.80 Never True of Me (NT)

Table 4 shows the assessments of the public junior high school students regarding

their motivation in terms of self-efficacy.

Examining the data indicates that the item "I believe that when I try hard enough,

I will pass Math subject" has the highest computed weighted mean of 3.41 with a verbal

description of "frequently true of me." In contrast, the item "I believe I can earn a grade

of "outstanding" in math" received the lowest calculated weighted mean of 2.55 with a

verbal description of "seldom true of me." The overall mean was calculated at 2.92 which

is verbally described as "sometimes true of me."

The results show that the junior high school students are still not accustomed to

answering mathematical questions and equations with confidence and having a clear

mindset. However, there is a glimmer of hope that if they are appropriately motivated and

have an achievement-oriented mindset, they will be able to accomplish their goals,

especially since they feel that perseverance can produce positive outcomes.

In comparison with the present study's findings, Marsh et al. (2019) state that

motivation is an internal state that initiates and maintains goal-directed behavior.


29

According to the expectancy-value theory, motivation depends on students’ beliefs about

themselves (expectancies) and the task (values). Expectancies refer to students’

expectations for success or the belief in their ability to succeed within a domain. Self-

efficacy is a term used in other theories of motivation that is related to expectations of

success. 

In the conducted interview, the students were asked about their confidence in their

mathematical abilities. Many of these students stated that they are somehow confident

because Math is something they have knowledge of. Others mentioned that they have low

confidence when it comes to Math because they find it very challenging. In addition,

several responded that they have a positive feeling in Math, depending on the topic given.

Utility Value

Utility value is the task's relationship to desired outcomes. Although students may

dislike a particular assignment, they may value the result or outcome it produces. The

activity must be essential to their vision of the future, or it must facilitate their pursuit of

other objectives. Because objectives can play a crucial role in achieving subsequent

results, parents and teachers should assist students in recognizing the long-term benefits

of their current actions.

Table 5. Non-Intellective Factors in terms of Motivation


as to Utility Value

Item Statement Responses = 594 Mean VD


30

5 4 3 2 1
1. I think about how learning math can 15
141 121 87 89 3.29 FT
help me get a good job. 6
2. I think about how the math I learn 24
188 63 56 39 3.82 FT
will be helpful to me. 8
3. I think about how learning math can 20
111 83 93 106 3.20 STM
help my future career. 1
4. I think about how I will use math I
99 88 141 124 142 2.79 STM
learn.
5. I think about how learning math can
12
help me choose the course that I want in 252 81 78 62 3.71 FT
1
college.
Overall Mean 3.36 STM

Legend:

Scale Verbal Description


4.21 – 5.00 Always True of Me (AT)
3.41 – 4.20 Frequently True of me (FT)
2.61 – 3.40 Sometimes True of Me (STM)
1.81 – 2.60 Seldom True of Me (ST)
1.00 – 1.80 Never True of Me (NT)

Table 5 shows the assessments of the public junior high school students regarding

their motivation in terms of utility value.

A close examination of the data reveals that the item "I think about how the math

I learn will be helpful to me" has the highest computed weighted mean of 3.82 with a

verbal description of "frequently true of me." The lowest calculated weighted mean was

2.79 for the statement, "I think about how I will use math I learn," receiving a verbal

description of "sometimes true of me." The overall mean was calculated at 3.36, which is

verbally described as "sometimes true of me."

The results indicate that junior high school students are not yet attuned to

appreciating the significance of why they study mathematics and are focused on the

current work. Meanwhile, there is still hope that if they understand its usefulness,

particularly its applicability to their life and future objectives, they will be able to

persevere and see its positive aspects.


31

In contradiction to the current study's findings, Ryan & Deci (2017) assert that

intrinsic value and utility value are tied to components of what self-determination theory

refers to as intrinsic motivation (i.e., acting for internal or personal reasons) and extrinsic

motivation (i.e., acting for external benefits). There is unanimity that attitudes about

oneself and the job are fundamental components of academic motivation, despite

significant discrepancies across theoretical theories.

In the conducted interview, the students were asked about what they think of the

practical application of mathematics in Math. Many of these students stated that they

visualize the practical use of Mathematics in life by managing finances and solving

numbers, not only in a mathematical approach. Others mentioned that they could apply

their knowledge of Math in their future career. In addition, several responded that they

think that Math is too complicated and that they don't see how they can practically apply

it in their life.

Interest

Interest is a significant motivator that invigorates learning, leads educational and

career directions, and is essential for academic achievement. Additionally, it is a

psychological state of attention and affect toward a certain object or topic, as well as the

urge to reengage throughout time.

The assessments of the public high school students as regards their interest in

terms of positive valence, negative valence, time, and knowledge are presented in Tables

6 to 9.

Positive Valence
Positive Valence Systems are primarily responsible for how students react to

situations or contexts that make them feel good, such as seeking rewards, acting in ways

that make them feel good and learning from rewards and habits. Students are interested as

when they act to feel good or by receiving rewards on feeling good. They are thought to

learn from the rewards and habit of the things that makes them feel good.

Table 6 shows the assessments of the public junior high school students regarding

their motivation in terms of positive valence.

32

Table 6. Non-Intellective Factors in terms of Interest as


to Positive Valence

Responses = 594
Item Statement Mean VD
5 4 3 2 1
1. I like to answer questions in math 15
58 132 121 131 2.81 STM
modules. 2
15
2. Knowing a lot about math is helpful. 219 68 85 66 3.63 FT
6
3. I want to know all about how to do 17
124 121 86 85 3.29 STM
math problems. 8
13
4. I want to learn more about math. 123 142 97 96 3.16 STM
6
5. I choose to work on math. 80 72 125 141 176 2.56 ST
Overall Mean 3.10 STM

Legend:

Scale Verbal Description


4.21 – 5.00 Always True of Me (AT)
3.41 – 4.20 Frequently True of me (FT)
33

2.61 – 3.40 Sometimes True of Me (STM)


1.81 – 2.60 Seldom True of Me (ST)
1.00 – 1.80 Never True of Me (NT)

Examination of the data reveals that the item "knowing a lot about math is

helpful" has the highest computed weighted mean of 3.63 with a verbal description of

"frequently true of me". The lowest calculated weighted mean was 2.56 for the statement,

"I choose to work on math," having a verbal description of "seldom true of me". The

overall mean was calculated at 3.10, which is verbally described as "sometimes true of

me".

The results indicate that junior high school students are still not used to feel good

in their accomplishments, particularly in their Mathematics class. It thus affects their

interest because later, they know that completing the task would make them eager to test

their ability further. There is a possibility that they perceive Mathematics to be helpful,

particularly when they are expected to perform it and will receive positive valence.

The findings of this study do not coincide with those of Martinez-Sierra and

Garca-González (2017). They state that various studies have identified a wide range of

emotions that affect academic performance. According to these studies, having positive

emotions makes you do better in school, while having negative emotions makes you do

worse. 

In the conducted interview, the students were asked about having an interest in

Mathematics makes them enjoy the subject. Many of these students stated that they liked

Math and wanted to explore more about it. Others mentioned that they find Math an

interesting subject and enjoy learning it in their math. In addition, several responded that

they prefer another subject more than Math.


34

Negative Valence

The Negative Valence System is primarily responsible for responses of the

students to adverse circumstances or situations, such as fear, anxiety, and loss. Students

lose interest when they feel bad or when they receive demerits. They are believed to learn

less from situations that make them uneasy and feel embarrassed about themselves.

Table 7. Non-Intellective Factors in terms of Interest


as to Negative Valence

Responses = 594
Item Statement Mean VD
5 4 3 2 1
23
1. I am wasting my time on math. 128 88 75 72 3.45 FT
1
2. I would rather be working on 12
369 45 36 23 4.31 AT
something else besides math. 1
3. I give up easily when working on 11
358 42 51 28 4.22 AT
math. 5
4. I am always thinking of other things 21
241 43 58 37 3.95 FT
when working on math. 5
5. I have difficulty paying attention 12
321 66 42 41 4.08 FT
when working on math. 4
Overall Mean 4.00 FT

Legend:

Scale Verbal Description


4.21 – 5.00 Always True of Me (AT)
3.41 – 4.20 Frequently True of me (FT)
2.61 – 3.40 Sometimes True of Me (STM)
1.81 – 2.60 Seldom True of Me (ST)
1.00 – 1.80 Never True of Me (NT)

Table 7 shows the assessments of the public junior high school students regarding

their motivation in terms of negative valence.

The data shows that the item "I would rather be working on something else

besides Math" has the highest computed weighted mean of 4.31 with a verbal description

of "always true of me". The statement "I am wasting my time on Math" had the lowest
35

weighted mean of 3.45 with a verbal description of "frequently true of me". The overall

mean was calculated at 4.00, which is verbally described as "frequently true of me".

The results indicate that junior high school students show negative valence

whenever they work on Mathematics. They tend to look out for any possible ways that

would let them escape from studying Mathematics. It thus confirms that they are not used

to having the positive valence that can improve their interest in the subject.

The present study somewhat contradicts Grills-Taquechel et al. (2013), as they

found that negative emotions can have both positive and negative effects. For example,

shame can motivate people to achieve and avoid failure, which can sometimes improve

their academic performance. Anxiety, on the other hand, can help people pay attention.

Accordingly, the present study contrasted it as it is more geared towards negative than

positive emotions.

In the conducted interview, the students were asked about the influence of

negative feelings in Mathematics on their interests. Many of these students stated that

they think that mathematics should be less complicated because it is boresome to them.

Others mentioned that even though they try hard to focus, their mind easily goes blank,

and they feel impatient towards Math. In addition, several responded that during Math

class, they feel sleepy and have no interest in learning long formulas and Math problems.

Time

Time engagement is one of the factors that will measure a student's interest,

particularly whether or not they take part in the overall learning experience. It is

important to note that a student's degree of interest in a subject increase when they allot
36

and take the time to make sense of the subject and decreases otherwise. It is hoped that

their allotment of time will demonstrate their interest and appreciation.

Table 8. Non-Intellective Factors in terms of Interest as to Time

Responses = 594
Item Statement Mean VD
5 4 3 2 1
1. I work more math problems than what
56 48 182 163 145 2.51 ST
I have to.
2. I work on math in my spare time. 36 48 125 188 197 2.22 ST
3. I want to talk about math with my
90 56 107 189 152 2.57 ST
friends.
4. I spend more time than most of my
66 89 123 127 189 2.52 ST
classmates working on math.
5. I am too involved in math. 64 82 134 148 166 2.55 ST
Overall Mean 2.47 ST

Legend:

Scale Verbal Description


4.21 – 5.00 Always True of Me (AT)
3.41 – 4.20 Frequently True of me (FT)
2.61 – 3.40 Sometimes True of Me (STM)
1.81 – 2.60 Seldom True of Me (ST)
1.00 – 1.80 Never True of Me (NT)

Table 8 shows the assessments of the public junior high school students regarding

their motivation in terms of time.

Manifestly, all entries in the table, including the calculated overall mean of 2.47,

received the same vocal description of "sometimes true of me" as displayed in the table.

Further examination of the data reveals that the item “I want to talk about math with my

friends " has the highest computed weighted mean of 2.57. The lowest calculated

weighted mean was 2.22 for the statement, " I work on math in my spare time."

The results reveal that junior high school students spend little to a significant

amount of time on their Mathematics subjects. This suggests that they spend more time

on other activities or studies than Mathematics. Notably, it appears that they will do it

with their friends whenever they spend time on Math reviews and discussions. However,
37

time management concerns indicate that if students have the option to forego

Mathematics and allocate time to other subjects, they will do so.

In addition to the findings provided here, Nguyen et al. (2018) found a mismatch

between how teachers intended to learn and how students actually studied. Students

spent, on average, fewer hours per week studying the materials that were assigned to

them in the virtual learning environment (VLE) than the number of hours that their

teachers recommended. The timing of involvement also varied, with patterns ranging

from being involved ahead of time to playing catch-up. Students who did well

academically spent a more significant proportion of their time studying ahead of time,

while students who did poorly spent a more significant proportion of their time engaging

in activities that helped them catch up.

In the conducted interview, the students were asked about the importance of time

commitment can affect their mathematical interest. Many of these students stated that

they spent all their time on Math until they mastered it and were confident enough to

answer Math problems. Others mentioned that they allotted only a short time amount of

time to what time their mind could handle Math. In addition, several responded that they

put Math most priority in their time schedule.

Knowledge

Their level of knowledge significantly influences students' interest in a specific

subject. Due to their confidence in doing a particular task, they are more willing to

participate as their understanding of a subject expands. Thus, students are interested in


38

and spend a great deal more time on topics on which they want to learn more about the

subject matter. It is believed that their acquisition of knowledge will express their

appreciation and interest.

Table 9. Non-Intellective Factors in terms of Interest as to Knowledge

Responses = 594
Item Statement Mean VD
5 4 3 2 1
1. I know all kinds of things about math. 58 56 174 163 143 2.53 ST
2. I am expert in math. 41 46 121 192 194 2.24 ST
3. I can answer all kinds of questions
98 86 87 163 160 2.66 STM
that teachers ask in math.
4. I have a lot of things to say about
76 92 114 118 194 2.56 ST
math topics.
5. I have a lot of knowledge about math. 78 98 111 136 171 2.62 STM
Overall Mean 2.52 ST

Legend:

Scale Verbal Description


4.21 – 5.00 Always True of Me (AT)
3.41 – 4.20 Frequently True of me (FT)
2.61 – 3.40 Sometimes True of Me (STM)
1.81 – 2.60 Seldom True of Me (ST)
1.00 – 1.80 Never True of Me (NT)

Table 9 shows the assessments of the public junior high school students regarding

their motivation in terms of knowledge.

A close analysis of the data reveals that the item "I can answer all kinds of

questions that teachers ask in Math" has the highest computed weighted mean of 2.66

with a verbal description of "sometimes true of me". The lowest calculated weighted

mean was 2.24 for the statement, "I am expert in Math," receiving a verbal description of

"seldom true of me". The overall mean was registered at 2.52, which is verbally described

as "seldom true of me".

The results indicate that junior high school students are not yet proficient in

Mathematics, mainly in their communication and perception. As students' knowledge of


39

Mathematics expands, their interest in the subject will also increase. In addition, they

were aware that they had a great deal to learn about the subject, which, viewed in a

positive light, would be a challenge to increase their interest in the topic.

The result of the study links to the study of Rotgans and Schmidt (2017), as

commonly held beliefs are proven to differ when broadly shared standard assumptions

about the relationship between individual interest and knowledge are made. The notion

that the greater a person's interest in a topic, the greater their willingness to engage in

learning is only partially accurate. In addition, it differs from the notion that knowledge

and interest influence each other reciprocally. On the other hand, individual interest is

both the cause of learning and the result of it. Individual interest as an effect of learning is

therefore recognized.

In the conducted interview, the students were asked about what they think about

their own level of understanding affecting their enthusiasm and attitude towards math.

Many of these students stated that they only have neutral knowledge of math, which does

not really affect their enthusiasm for it. Others mentioned that they have more things to

learn in math and are eager to explore it. In addition, several responded that they are not

knowledgeable in math and only have basic knowledge of it and are not so excited

whenever they are to do it.

Emotion

Emotions are intrinsically linked to and influence cognitive abilities such as

attention, memory, executive function, decision-making, critical thinking, problem-

solving, and regulation, which all play a crucial part in learning. Emotions and learning
40

go hand in hand. Depending on whatever emotions are driving or coloring the experience,

it can both facilitate and hinder learning. Strong positive or negative emotional states

might infect others in the learning environment.

The assessments of the public high school students as regards their motivation in

terms of enthusiasm, enjoyment, boredom, and frustration are presented in Tables 10 to

13.

Enthusiasm

Enthusiasm as an emotion assisting learning plays a vital role in the overall

learning process of a student. It is a strong desire to do a task or learn more about

something you are very interested in. Students would most likely engage if they felt

enthusiastic about a particular subject.

Table 10. Non-Intellective Factors in terms of Emotion


as to Enthusiasm

Responses = 594
Item Statement Mean VD
5 4 3 2 1
1. I love the tasks in math. 62 69 159 156 148 2.56 ST
2. I feel very happy while solving the
78 81 122 145 168 2.59 ST
tasks in math.
3. I experience a lot of energy while 21
145 89 88 61 3.49 FT
solving the tasks in math. 1
4. I want more time to continue solving 12
111 109 108 145 2.91 STM
the tasks in math. 1
5. I want to make a great effort to solve
189 88 115 89 113 3.25 STM
the tasks in math.
Overall Mean 2.96 STM
Legend:
Scale Verbal Description
4.21 – 5.00 Always True of Me (AT) 1.81 – 2.60 Seldom True of Me (ST)

3.41 – 4.20 Frequently True of me (FT) 1.00 – 1.80 Never True of Me (NT)
2.61 – 3.40 Sometimes True of Me (STM)
Table 10 shows the assessments of the public junior high school students

regarding their emotion in terms of enthusiasm.


41

The data reveals that the item "I experience a lot of energy while solving the tasks

in math" has the highest computed weighted mean of 3.49 with a verbal description of

"frequently true of me". The lowest calculated weighted mean was 2.56 for the statement,

"I love the tasks in math," having a verbal description of "seldom true of me". The overall

mean was registered at 2.96, which is verbally described as "sometimes true of me".

The results imply that junior high school students are not accustomed to being

enthusiastic about Mathematics studies. When solving mathematical equations, it is

evident that students are leaning toward a more active approach. However, their liking for

the subjects is still in the development stage.

The present study somewhat undermines the study of Yu (2015) regarding

whether interest is the best teacher. As long as students have a strong interest in the

learning objective, learning motivation can be generated to increase learning efficiency

until the work is completed. Thus, a student's interest can fully get them excited about

learning, push them to participate actively, and improve how well they learn.

In the conducted interview, the students were asked about their willingness to

learn math influences their feelings about learning math. Many of these students stated

that they are more than willing to learn, and they are excited to learn beyond their

knowledge in math. Others mentioned that since math is a difficult subject, they strive

hard to learn it. In addition, several responded that they love how challenging math is and

they are willing to take on that challenge.

Enjoyment
42

Enjoyment alongside fun has been recognized as an effective strategy for creating

a socially connected learning environment. It reveals that feeling good emotions, such as

fun and enjoyment, is associated with successful learning and an enhanced sense of well-

being. Therefore, their motivation to learn will improve when students are happy and

satisfied.

Table 11. Non-Intellective Factors in terms of Emotion as to Enjoyment

Responses = 594
Item Statement Mean VD
5 4 3 2 1
1. I realize I am enjoying solving the
78 98 148 142 128 2.76 STM
tasks in math.
2. The tasks in math make me feel good. 67 78 125 148 176 2.52 ST
3. I want to solve the tasks in math 20
294 56 27 16 4.23 AT
correctly. 1
4. I experience enough energy to solve 13
128 136 111 84 3.19 STM
the tasks in math. 5
21
5. The tasks in math catch my attention. 208 68 56 43 3.83 FT
9
Overall Mean 3.30 STM

Legend:

Scale Verbal Description


4.21 – 5.00 Always True of Me (AT)
3.41 – 4.20 Frequently True of me (FT)
2.61 – 3.40 Sometimes True of Me (STM)
1.81 – 2.60 Seldom True of Me (ST)
1.00 – 1.80 Never True of Me (NT)

Table 11 shows the assessments of the public junior high school students

regarding their emotion in terms of enthusiasm.

The data shows that the item "I want to solve the tasks in math correctly" has the

highest computed weighted mean of 4.23 with a verbal description of "always true of

me". The lowest calculated weighted mean was 2.52 for the statement, "the tasks in math

make me feel good," receiving a verbal description of "seldom true of me". The overall

mean was registered at 3.30, which is verbally described as "sometimes true of me".
The results indicate that junior high school students like examining and solving

mathematical equations and problems, mainly when they are successful. It is essential to

note that students feel happy when they perform the task correctly. However, they must

also enjoy the process of answering questions, not just when they receive the correct

answers.

Peixoto et al.'s (2015) findings contrast the findings presented here, which

indicate that positive-activating emotions are positively associated with math

achievement. Their results suggest that positive-activating emotions, such as enjoyment

and pride, are positively associated with math achievement, whereas negative emotions,

such as boredom, anxiety, anger, and hopelessness, are negatively related to math

achievement.

In the conducted interview, the students were asked about how they think the

excitement of learning math might change their emotions in learning it.

Many of these students stated that they only enjoy and experience excitement when the

topic in mathematics is easy to understand and memorize. Others mentioned that they

experience somewhat excitement, but only for a while because, for them, math is

draining. In addition, several responded that math is something they do not look forward

to taking.

Boredom

An empty feeling and a sense of annoyance with that emptiness characterize

boredom. When students are bored, they may lose interest and have short attention spans

in what is happening around them. They may also experience apathy, weariness, anxiety,
or agitation. As they get bored, they tend to lose focus on what is at hand and unwillingly

take the task they need to accomplish.

Table 12 shows the assessments of the public junior high school students

regarding their emotion in terms of boredom.

Table 12. Non-Intellective Factors in terms of Emotion as to Boredom

Responses = 594
Item Statement Mean VD
5 4 3 2 1
1. I feel bored while solving exercises in 10
88 142 136 126 2.79 STM
math. 2
2. Solving the tasks in math make me 13
86 185 101 86 3.06 STM
feel weak. 6
3. I want to leave the tasks in math
14 21 52 201 306 1.71 NT
incomplete.
4. I feel really tired while solving the 14
113 158 81 94 3.18 STM
tasks in math. 8
5. I feel completely without energy 13
89 111 156 103 2.92 STM
while doing math tasks. 5
Overall Mean 2.73 STM

Legend:

Scale Verbal Description


4.21 – 5.00 Always True of Me (AT)
3.41 – 4.20 Frequently True of me (FT)
2.61 – 3.40 Sometimes True of Me (STM)
1.81 – 2.60 Seldom True of Me (ST)
1.00 – 1.80 Never True of Me (NT)

A close examination of the data shows that the item "I feel really tired while

solving the tasks in math" has the highest computed weighted mean of 3.18 with a verbal

description of "sometimes true of me". The lowest calculated weighted mean was 1.71,

with a verbal description of "not true of me" for the statement, "I want to leave the tasks

in math incomplete." The overall mean was registered at 2.73, which is verbally

described as "sometimes true of me".


44
45
4

The results indicate that junior high school students tend to get bored whenever

they engage in learning mathematics. Thus, they feel remarkably exhausted when they

finish their tasks in mathematics. However, as they are anxious about it, there is still a

glimpse of willingness that they might finish even though they are uninterested to do it.

In contrast to the study's conclusion, Galla et al. (2020) assert that focusing

persistently on academic assignments despite boredom is essential for achieving long-

term learning objectives. However, little is known about the characteristics that increase

students' resistance to boredom. In all research, students with a higher level of

mindfulness reported a higher tolerance for boredom, which indicated a higher level of

academic diligence.

In the conducted interview, the students were asked about how they think

boredom influences their emotions in learning mathematics. Many of these students

stated that they try to avoid feeling boredom whenever there is a math problem or math

class so that they can focus and understand math. Others mentioned that they don't let

boredom take over their emotions because that means failure to them. In addition, several

responded that the word math itself makes them feel bored and tired.

Frustration

Frustration is an emotional stress response. It is normal for students to feel it,

especially when confronted with family, school, work, and interpersonal challenges. The

perception is that they are not grasping anything, that a concept or technique is just out of

reach and challengingly so, or that it is simply not arriving quickly enough. Additionally,

this frustration is a fundamental and natural component of the learning process. However,

it can cause them to lose motivation over time. Remarkably, it can make you worry more,
lose confidence, feel bad about yourself, and have a bad attitude about school and

learning.

Table 13 shows the assessments of the public junior high school students

regarding their emotion in terms of frustration.

Table 13. Non-Intellective Factors in terms of Emotion as to Frustration

Responses = 594
Item Statement Mean VD
5 4 3 2 1
1. I feel tension while solving the tasks 20
198 78 68 42 3.02 STM
in math. 8
2. I wish I am solving an easier task in
526 35 16 8 9 4.79 AT
math.
3. I feel the urge to hit or throw
something while solving the tasks in 8 6 7 56 517 1.20 NT
math.
4. The tasks in math make me feel 10
208 114 38 132 3.36 STM
frustration. 2
5. I have the urge of doing something to
18
stop feeling so bad while accomplishing 276 58 36 35 4.07 FT
9
math tasks.
Overall Mean 3.29 STM

Legend:

Scale Verbal Description


4.21 – 5.00 Always True of Me (AT)
3.41 – 4.20 Frequently True of me (FT)
2.61 – 3.40 Sometimes True of Me (STM)
1.81 – 2.60 Seldom True of Me (ST)
1.00 – 1.80 Never True of Me (NT)

The data shows that the item "I wish I am solving an easier task in math" has the

highest computed weighted mean of 4.79 with a verbal description of "always true of

me". The lowest calculated weighted mean was 1.20 with a verbal description of "never

true of me" for the statement, "I feel the urge to hit or throw something while solving the

tasks in math." The overall mean was registered at 3.29 which is verbally described as

"sometimes true of me".


46

According to the results, junior high school students face frustration anytime they

are required to complete a task or learn mathematics. Notably, they want to seek an

escape route that will allow them to choose whatever they please. However, the amount

of frustration is still bearable because not everyone exhibits physical aggression as an

indicator of total frustration.

Similar to the present study's findings, Leo et al. (2019) found that emotion-to-

emotion transition analyses revealed that students' frustration transitioned to negative

emotions, and confusion transitioned primarily to negative emotions (i.e., frustration,

boredom, and anxiety) but to positive emotions when confusion was resolved. Thus, they

expressed the theoretical implications and the kinds of interventions that should be used

to help students learn how to deal with anger and confusion to improve learning

outcomes.

In the conducted interview, the students were asked about how their frustration

about math influences their emotions in learning mathematics. Many of these students

stated that whenever they are frustrated for not understanding and solving the problem

right is the more eager, they are to learn math. Others mentioned that their frustration has

positively influenced their emotions which this frustration has become their motivation to

learn more about math. In addition, several responded that once they feel frustrated, they

easily give up and try again another time.


47

The Academic Performance of the Public Junior High School Students in


Mathematics amidst Pandemic

In this part of the study, the learning performance of the junior high school

students in mathematics in the time of pandemic which was measured in terms of their

average grades in the fourth grading period are shown in Table 14.

Table 14. Distribution of the Junior High School Students


According to Academic Performance in Mathematics

f
Grade Percent Verbal Description
(N=594)
90 and above 101 17.00 Outstanding (O)
85 – 89 145 24.41 Very Satisfactory (VS)
80 – 84 171 28.79 Satisfactory (S)
75 – 79 177 29.80 Fairly Satisfactory (FS)
74 and below 0 0.00 Did Not Meet Expectations (DNE)
Range 75 – 96
Mean 83.42
Verbal Description Satisfactory
Standard Deviation 5.80

It can be examined in the table that 29.80 percent of the junior high school

students registered grades that ranged from 75 to 79 (fairly satisfactory). A considerable

portion, 28.79 percent obtained grades that lie within the bracket of 80 to 84

(satisfactory). On the other hand, 24.41 percent of the respondents yielded grades that

ranged from 85 to 89 (very satisfactory). Interestingly, the remaining 17.00 percent got

grades that lie within the bracket of 90 and above (outstanding).

A close examination of the table reveals that the grades of the junior high school

students ranged from 75 to 96. The mean was recorded at 83.42 (satisfactory) while the
48

standard deviation which measures the spread of the students’ grades from the mean was

registered at 5.80.

These results disclosed that 404 junior high school students obtained grades that

lie within the bracket of 78 to 89. Additionally, these findings imply that students have

satisfactory performance in Mathematics.

The Relationship between Non-Intellective Factors and the Public Junior High
School Students’ Academic Performance in Mathematics amidst Pandemic

Table 15 exhibits the results of the correlation analysis which was done to

determine if significant relationship existed between non-intellective factors of junior

high school students and their academic performance in mathematics.

Table 15. Results of Correlation Analysis on the Relationship


between Non-Intellective Factors and the Public
Junior High School Students’ Academic Performance
in Mathematics amidst Pandemic

Academic Performance in Mathematics


Non-Intellective Factors
r-value p-value
motivation 0.887** 0.000
interest 0.746** 0.000
emotion 0.621** 0.000

Legend: ** = highly significant (p≤0.01)

It can be noted from the table that highly significant relationship was found

between non-intellective factors and junior high school students’ performance in

Mathematics. This highly significant relationship was brought about by the fact that the

computed probability value (p=0.000) for these variables is less than the 0.01 level of

significance. Further perusal of the tabulated results reveals that direct relationship (as

implied by the positive sign of the correlation values that ranged from 0.621 to 0.887)
49

existed between the aforementioned variables. This indicates that as the level of non-

intellective factors increases, the level of their academic performance in this new normal

also increases.

These results imply that when the junior high school students have the capacities

and positive traits towards Mathematics, they would be able to obtain higher grades in the

subject.

In conjunction with the present findings, academic adjustment is affected by

cognitive and non-intellective factors and is related to academic satisfaction. Magnano et

al. (2020) presented the understanding of whether and how non-intellective factors

related to academic performance affect college satisfaction directly and with the

mediation of academic performance. It showed that each area of a person's non-

intellectual competence affects at least one area of satisfaction in a specific domain

without affecting the performance indicators.

In the conducted interview, the students were asked about how they think that the

non-cognitive elements influence their performance in mathematics. Many of these

students stated that the non-cognitive elements influence their performance in the aspect

that these elements are push factors of their actions toward mathematics. Others

mentioned that these non-cognitive elements, which are interest, motivation, and

emotion, are the things that affect their performance positively in a way that these are

advantage to have better performance in math.

Program of Activities could be Created from the Results of the Study


50

Results of the study revealed that students’ non-intellective factors such as

motivation, interest and emotions in Mathematics yielded lower assessments. This only

shows that Math teachers need to review and make some innovations in their ways of

presenting their lessons in the subject. Hence, the researcher offers the Program of

Activities which is presented in Table 16.

Table 16. Proposed Program of Activities to Improve Pupils


Techniques in Studying their Lessons

Objectives Action Timeline Persons Expected


Involved Outcome
To improve Observe and take 4th Researcher, The students
students’ study note of students’ Quarter of Students improved their
and learning varied study and S.Y. 2021- study and
habits. learning habits. 2022 learning habits.

To develop Excelling 4th Quarter Researcher, The students


collaborative students in of S.Y. Students developed
learning among Mathematics 2021-2022 collaborative
students. mentor their learning among
peers to catch-up themselves.
with the different
lessons.
CHAPTER IV

FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter presents the summary of the major findings, the conclusions arrived

at based on the findings, and the recommendations given in accordance with the

conclusions.

Findings

This study determined the influence of non-intelligence factors on the academic

performance of the students in public secondary schools in Bustos, Bulacan during the

fourth quarter of School Year 2021-2022.

Using the procedures described in the preceding chapter, the answers to the

problems raised in this study were ascertained and summarized as follows: Findings

revealed that the public high school students assessed their motivation in terms of

intrinsic value, self-regulation, self-efficacy, and utility value as “sometimes true of me”.

The public high school students assessed their interest in Mathematics as

“sometimes true of me”.

In similar vein, the public high school students assessed their emotion in

Mathematics as “sometimes true of me”.


The academic performance of junior high school students in Mathematics was
52
described as “satisfactory”.

Highly significant relationship was found between non-intellective factors and


junior high school students’ performance in Mathematics.

Conclusions

Based on the findings of the study, the following conclusions were drawn: There

is a significant relationship between the non-intellective factors and the public junior high

school students’ academic performance in Mathematics amidst pandemic. The higher the

level of students’ motivation, interest and emotions in Mathematics, the higher their

academic performance in the subject.

Recommendations

In light of the findings and conclusions of the study, the following

recommendations were drawn:

1. Since enjoyment and enthusiasm in math are items that yielded the lowest

computed weighted mean, the teachers may use variety of techniques and use

different activities wherein the students could enjoy the subject.

2. It was found that students had less interest in Math, hence the teachers may

think of ways and means on how to make his discussions interesting to

students.

3. The school may adapt the program of activities offered by the researcher.

4. For future researchers, further research along this line could be conducted.

The same study may be conducted to senior high school to further validate
53

and understand the significance of non-intelligence factors on students’

academic performance in Mathematics.

REFERENCES

Anigbo, L.C. (2016). Factors affecting Students’ interest in mathematics in secondary


schools in Enugu State. International Journal of Education and Evaluation. 2(1),
22-28.

Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2018). Designing and conducting mixed methods
research. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE.

Di Leo, I., Muis, K., Singh, C., & Psaradellis, C. (2019). Curiosity… Confusion?
Frustration! The roela and sequencing of emotions during mathematics problem
solving. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 58, 121−137.

Di Martino, P., & Zan, R. (2015). Attitude towards mathematics: a bridge between beliefs
and emotions. ZDM Mathematics Education, 43(4), 471−482.

Dowker, A., Sarkar, A., & Looi, C. Y. (2016). Mathematics anxiety: What have we
learned in 60 years? Frontiers in Psychology, 7, 508.

Elo S, Kaarianinen M, Kanste O, Polkki R, Utriainen K, & Kyngas H. (2014). Qualitative


Content Analysis: A focus on trustworthiness. Sage Open. 4:1-10.

Essien, E. E., Akpan, O.E. & Obot, I. M. (2015). Students’ interest in social studies and
academic achievement in Tertiary institutions. European Journal of Training and
Development studies 2(2), pp. 35-40.

Fiorella, L. (2021). Mathematics Motivation Questionnaire (MMQ) for secondary school


students. International Journal of STEM Education, 2(4), 1-14.

Goetz, T., Zirngibl, A., Pekrun, R., & Hall, N. (2013). Emotions, Learning and
Achievement from an Educational-Psychological Perspective. In P. En Mayring &
C. von Rhoeneck (Eds.), Learning emotions: the influence of affective factor son
classroom learning (pp. 9−28).
54
54

Gomez, O. (2020). Achievement Emotions in Mathematics: Design and Evidence of


Validity of a Self-Report Scale. Journal of Education and Learning; Vol. 9, No. 5;
233-247.

Grills-Taquechel, A., Fletcher, J., Vaughn, S., Denton, C., & Taylor, P. (2013). Anxiety
and inattention as predictors of achievement in early elementary school children.
Anxiety, Stress & Coping: An International Journal, 26(4), 391−410.

Hannula, M. (2015). Attitude towards mathematics: emotions, expectations and values.


Educational Studies in Mathematics, 49(1), 25, 46.

Hogheim, S., & Reber, R. (2015). Supporting interest of middle school students in
mathematics through context personalization and example choice. Contemporary
Educational Psychology, 42, 17–25.

Manguilimotan, R. (2019). Attitudes, Study Habits, and Academic Performance of Junior


High School Students in Mathematics. International Electronic Journal of
Mathematics Education, 14(3), 547-561.

Marsh, H. W., Pekrun, R., Parker, P. D., Murayama, K., Guo, J., Dicke, T., & Arens, A.
K. (2019). The murky distinction between self-concept and self-efficacy. Beware
the lurking jingle-jangle fallacies. Journal of Educational Psychology, 111(2), 331–
353.

Martínez-Sierra, G., Arellano-García, Y., Hernández-Moreno, A., & Nava-Guzmán, C.


(2019). Daily Emotional Experiences of a High School Mathematics Teacher in the
Classroom: A Qualitative Experience-Sampling Method. International Journal of
Science and Mathematics Education, 17(3), 591−611.

Martínez-Sierra, G., & García-González, M. (2017). Students’ Emotions in the High


School mathematics Class: Appraisals in Terms of a Structure of Goals.
International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 2(15), 349−369.

Mohamed, I. B, & Charles, M. A. (2017). Interest in Mathematics and academic


achievement of high school students in Chennai district. International Journal of
innovative science and research Technology. 2(8), 261-265.

Olivárez, A. (2018). Evaluating the Mathematics Interest Inventory Using Item Response
Theory: Differential Item Functioning Across Gender and Ethnicities. Journal of
Psychoeducational Assessment, Vol. 32(8) 747–761 .
55

Omototade, A. A, Funke, A. R, & Oyewumi, F.-A. K.(2016) Students Attitude and


Interest as correlates of Students Academic Performance in Biology in Senior
Secondary School. International journal for innovation Education and
Research,4(3).

Pekrun, R. (2016). The Control-Value Theory of Achievement Emotions: Assumptions,


Corollaries, and Implications for Educational Research and Practice. Educational
Psychology Review, 18(4), 315, 341.

Pekrun, R., & Linnenbrink-Garcia, L. (2012). Academic Emotions and Student


Engagement. In S. Christenson, A. Reschly & C. Wylie (Eds.), Handbook of
research on student engagement (pp. 259−282).

Peterson, J. L., & Hyde, J. S. (2017). Trajectories of self-perceived math ability, utility
value and interest across middle school as predictors of high school math
performance. Educational Psychology, 37(4), 438–456.

Peixoto, F., Mata, L., Monteiro, V., Sanches, C., & Pekrun, R. (2015). The Achievement
Emotions Questionnaire: Validation for pre-adolescent students. European Journal
of Developmental Psychology, 12(4), 472−481.

Renninger, K. A., & Hidi, S. (Eds.). (2019). The Cambridge handbook of motivation and
learning. Cambridge University Press.

Rosenzweig, E. Q., Wigfield, A., & Eccles, J. (2019). Expectancies, values, and its
relevance for student motivation and learning. In K. A. Renninger & S. Hidi (Eds.),
The Cambridge handbook of motivation and learning (pp. 617–644). Cambridge
University Press.

Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2017). Self-determination theory: Basic psychological needs
in motivation, development, and wellness. Guilford Press.

Tembe, N. (2020). Students Mathematics Interest as Correlate of Achievement in


Mathematics: Evidence from a Sub-Saharan Student Sample. Journal of innovative
math and science and research. 2(8), 161-165.

Wei, T. (2014). Evaluating the Mathematics Interest Inventory Using Item Response
Theory. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment 2014 32: 747.
56

Weidinger, A. F., Spinath, B., & Steinmayr, R. (2020). The value of valuing math:
Longitudinal links between students’ intrinsic, attainment, and utility values and
grades in math. Motivation Science, 6(4), 413–422.

Wigfield, A., Tonks, S. M., & Klauda, S. L. (2016). Expectancy-value theory. In K. R.


Wentzel & D. B. Miele (Eds.), Handbook of motivation of school (2nd ed., pp. 55–
74). Routledge.

Yu, L. (2015). The Functions of Non-intelligence Factors on University English


Teaching. Journal of Design and Contemporary Education, 3(5), 58-65.

Zan, R., Brown, L., Evans, J., & Hannula, M. (2016). Affect in Mathematics Education:
An Introduction. Educational Studies in Mathematics, 63(2), 113−121.

Brian, G. M., Michael, E. V., & Hannah, F. M. (2020). Mindfulness predicts academic
diligence in the face of boredom. Learning and Individual Differences, Vol. 81.

Leo, I. D., Muis, K. R., Signh, C. A., & Psaradellis, C. (2019). Curiosity… Confusion?
Frustration! The role and sequencing of emotions during mathematics problem
solving. Contemporary Educational Psychology, Vol. 58, pp. 121-137.
Mcllroy, D., Palmer-Conn, S., Lawler, B., Poole, K., & Ursavas, Ö. F. (2017). Secondary
level achievement: non-intellective factors implicated in the process and product
of performance. Journal of Individual Differences, Vol. 38, No. 2, pp. 102–112.

Nguyen, Q., Huptych, M., & Rienties, B. (2018). Proceedings of the 8th International
Conference on Learning Analytics and Knowledge. Association for Computing
Machinery, New York, NY, USA.

Purpura, D. J., Napoli, A. R., Wehrspann, E. A., & Gold, Z. S. (2017). Causal
Connections Between Mathematical Language and Mathematical Knowledge: A
Dialogic Reading Intervention. Journal of Research on Educational Effectiveness,
Vol. 10, No. 1, pp. 116-137.

Rotgans, J. I., & Schmidt, H. G. (2017). The Relation between Individual Interest and
Knowledge Acquisition. British Educational Research Journal, Vol. 43, No. 2, pp.
350-371.

You might also like