Learning Difficulties 1 1 1 1

DOMINICAN COLLEGE OF TARLAC
LEARNING DIFFICULTIES IN MATHEMATICS OF GRADE 7 LEARNERS

AT DOMINICAN COLLEGE OF TARLAC, INC
A Research Proposal Presented to

The Senior High School Department
Dominican College of Tarlac
In Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements for the Subject
Quantitative Research in Daily Life 2
By
Dayrit, John Ryu V.
Estenzo, Jecylhane Ashlee
Ladrillo, Jhudiel A.
Liwanag, Aaron Carl C.
Manuel, Jerom C.
Panlican, Adrian Leonard G.
Perey, Roana Sofia C.
Pineda, Trisya Kate C.
Salazar, Ryza Mineth C.
Soriano, Mike Jiehanz T.
May 2023
CHAPTER 1
THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND
Introduction
Mathematics has become important in today’s society, especially among students.
Everything people do at their day-to-day basis has some mathematics that involves with it.
For instance, simply waking up in the morning and checking the clock, doing morning
routines while managing the time that would be spent, and etc. Technically, mathematics is
a broad topic to talk about because it has many branches. In addition, these branches of
mathematics are what a student study all throughout his or her school life. From nursery to
college, there is mathematics.
In line with this, mathematics deals with logical reasoning and critical analysis because
it encounters numbers, patterns, objects, computations, and problem solving. Hence,
certain students find it difficult to learn. Also, the application of mathematics in a daily basis
have been hard to achieve in today’s society. For the reason that, learning in mathematics
became difficult to understand.
Moreover, mathematics is a subject that requires a lot of mental effort and critical
thinking it is a critical subject for students as it is a fundamental part of our daily lives and
plays a vital role in various fields. Despite its importance, many students struggle to learn
mathematics effectively, leading to difficulties in comprehending mathematical concepts and
solving mathematical problems. The difficulties faced by these learners in comprehending
mathematical concepts can range from lack of motivation and inadequate teaching methods
to weak foundational skills and individual learning styles. This is particularly evident among
grade 7 learners, where students are introduced to more advanced mathematical concepts
that require a solid understanding of mathematical principles and problem-solving skills.
(Nasrin Akhter & Nasreen Akhter, 2018)
Additionally, learning mathematics involves various processes when it comes to solving
problems. Also, prior knowledge in mathematics lays the foundations in understanding
difficult and abstract yet obvious concepts. However, students which lack prior knowledge
have difficulties getting their grades up (Acharya, 2017). Moreover, students which have no
prior knowledge regarding previous lessons would easily struggle to upcoming topics
therefore; losing their interest in understanding the concepts of the lesson. This is where
the motivation and interest among students drop when they are trying to learn about the
new lessons in mathematics or just overall fail the subjects.
Also, under the K-12 education program in the Philippines, critical thinking and
problem-solving skills is what is being applied for learners. This is to achieve the goal of
accurate and relevant skills (Rodriguez and Abocejo, 2018). However, different types of
children have different types of learning capacity; one may learn things swiftly but the
others may need gradual teaching. This applies, especially, to mathematics knowing that it
needs comprehension, thinking skills and familiarity with numbers. Not every learner can
seek or rather adjust to higher education or even any lesson upfront.
In line with this, the learning capacity of learners are multifaceted because one may
have conflicts in analyzing a problem because of the lack of intellectual skills; Intellectual
skills have different types. comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation.
In lacking with this, learners will have a difficult time in adapting new knowledge everyday
resulting to education failure; Education failure may lead to an unstable future.
The future of every learner is the priority of education. However, the difficulties of
learners may cease the vital process of it. It is normal for a learner have difficulties
especially with the various learning capacity. The help that they could get is getting the
recognition they need; being able to understand that some learners may need gradual
learning and cannot keep up with the lessons that are being posed. Mathematics is one of
the toughest subjects for learners caused by low comprehension and analysis skills;
numbers with problems are not as simple as average smart people say with learners who
are having difficulties with it.

Early schedule with 4 or more subjects ahead can cause information overload that may
leave learners behind and will have a hard time absorbing new lessons from time to time.
This may also cause mental fatigue; mental fatigue links with low chances of productivity in
reason of stress and frustration that may lead to them comparing their performance with
their peers. Concentration within the classroom and their personal life may also be afflicted;
as well as learners behaving differently from normal.
Furthermore, the researchers chose the grade 7 students of Dominican College of
Tarlac, Inc, as their respondents in this study. For the reason that they have witnessed how
the students struggle in learning mathematics and they also believe that this is a problem
that needs to be solved and make solutions. For the students to cope up with their
difficulties.
As a result, the researchers have decided to conduct this study, for the purpose of
highlighting the 7th graders problem in learning mathematics and to help them to have a
better learning and understanding in mathematics.
Statement Of The Problem
This study aims to assess the learning difficulties in mathematics of the Grade 7
students in Dominican College of Tarlac, Inc. Academic year 2023-2024. Moreover, this
study seeks to answer the following questions:
1. Demographic Profile
1.1 Sex;
1.2 Age;
1.3 Grade and Section;
2. What are the common issues faced by the students in learning Mathematics?
3. What are the reasons why students encounter difficulties in learning Mathematics?
4. What programs/projects may be proposed to provide comprehensible learning for the
students?
5. What are the implications of the results of this study?
Scope And Delimitation
This research is only focused on the learning difficulties in mathematics of the Grade 7
learners at Dominican College of Tarlac, Inc. Aims to know what kind of mathematical
equation or problem they are struggling to solve, and other learners that are having
difficulty explaining or recognizing symbols in mathematics, and some of them are adapting
to the new set of math on their subject, and the difference with each learning capacity of
grade 7 learners.
The study will focus only on grade 7 learners in Dominican College of Tarlac, Inc. The
study will be conducted among a sample of grade 7 learners in Dominican College of Tarlac
throughout the academic year; This research will involve both the collection and analysis of
numerical data and the interpretation of data obtained through interviews. The data
collected will be analyzed using statistical methods, such as frequency distribution.
Significance Of The Study
The purpose of this study is to know the difficulties encountered by grade 7 learners in
learning Mathematics at Dominican College of Tarlac, Inc. The results of this study will
benefit the following:
Principal. If the results of this study stated that the learning difficulties of grade 7 students
is high, this study will help the principal to be informed by the problems and could provide
solutions by implementing activities and instructional materials in Mathematics.
Teachers. This study will help them in preparing appropriate strategies to be applied in
their teaching.
Students. This study will help the students by providing programs or projects that will give
the students a comprehensible learning in mathematics.
Future Researchers. This study may serve as their reference and guide on their research
work and related studies in Mathematics.
Definition Of Terms
These are terms used and are defined for a better understanding of readers; these
were defined operationally and theoretically;
Learning Difficulties. These are what students face when they are having a hard time in
learning. In addition, based from this study, it focuses on the subject mathematics,
particularly the learning difficulties that grade 7 students encounters.
Learning difficulties are a catch-all term for a variety of academic issues. It includes general
learning deficits and poor academic performance, as well as specific forms such as reading,
spelling, and arithmetic disorders in the context of disabilities.
Mathematics. The study of quality, structure, space, and change is what mathematics is
all about. By rigorous deduction from carefully selected axioms and definitions,
mathematicians look for patterns, develop novel hypotheses, and prove the veracity of their
findings. Moreover, it is a core subject and a common difficulty for learners. It is used to
educate mostly by numbers as well but also by science, space, change, problem solving,
etc.
Grade 7 students. The academic year that follows sixth grade and precedes eighth grade.
The seventh grade has students who range in age from 11 to 13 years old.
Mathematical concept. An underlying mathematical idea is known as a mathematical
concept. Basic math concepts include things like addition, multiplication, counting, and
equality. Additionally, these ideas are the cornerstones of mathematics that students always
study in math classes.
Critical Analysis. A struggle to understand the learners in mathematics; is the process of
forming an opinion by analyzing the available facts, evidence, observations, and arguments.
Critical thinking. The intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully
conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating data gleaned from, or
generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide
to belief and action, is known as critical thinking.
Problem-solving skills. These are certain skills of students that they particularly use in
solving mathematical problems. Hence, these skills are the fundamental skill that a student
need to have in order for her or him to cope up in the subject mathematics.
Identification, analysis, and implementation of the best solutions are all aspects of problem-
solving abilities. For example, in a group work, A worker who is good at solving problems is
both a self-starter and a cooperative team member; they are proactive in identifying the
source of a problem and collaborate with others to consider a variety of solutions before
deciding how to proceed.
Multifaceted. A multifaceted person has many abilities, or a personality with many sides
to it. It is also defined as having many aspects, or having many different parts or sides.
Chapter 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES
Related Literature
Difficulties are part of the process when learning; this is considered to be essential in
understanding the topics in mathematics. Learners may experience one or more learning
difficulties, wherein an estimated 15 to 20% of learners in every school and classroom will
experience difficulties. The negative approach toward the subject of mathematics may be
the reason why most learners dislike it. This negative attitude toward the subject of
mathematics stems from the culture's dislike for mathematics. Hence, this negative attitude
contributes to the results of the learners’ performance in mathematics. The difficulties in
understanding mathematics are associated with factors that include short-term memory,
long-term memory, the memorization of operations or processes, and the ability to grasp
certain concepts. Some students also lack the confidence to ask for clarifications from their
teachers, resulting in confusion about the topic at hand (Njoroge, 2022).
The subject has been dreaded by learners and it is perceptible of how teachers go
through a downside reality; in which learners are having the most difficulty in mathematics.
By trying to solve this issue, numerous studies have been conducted for decades; as a
result, some have been able to identify the causes (Arenillo, 2013).
Mathematics is considered to be confusing due to the number of symbols and
processes present in a given problem. Oftentimes, these symbols confuse the learners and
they may even misplace them in the process of solving for the answer. Topics like algebra,
where most of the problems are focused on examining the relationships between specific
problems, are considered difficult to comprehend due to the conversion of word problems
into numbers. Geometry is also regarded as difficult to comprehend in terms of problem-
solving which involves providing proof for the shape with the use of points, lines, curves,
and surfaces. Some difficulties are also experienced with the ability to tell apart the
difference between rational and irrational numbers, which may even confuse the learner
with simple operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. These
difficulties are mainly caused by a lack of prior knowledge and the inability to comprehend
the problem given. The vital part of algebra is converting word type problems into
mathematical equations, but unfortunately, it is hard for some learners to convert word
type to its calculation. (Tatlah et al., 2017)
A positive attitude toward mathematics can help the learner continue to want to
understand the given topic. A negative attitude, however, will severely affect the learner's
ability to understand the given topic. One of these negative attitudes is anxiety, in which a
learner may experience stress, tension, or fear about their performance in mathematics.
According to Akhtar (2018), it was due to the negative interpretation of mathematics they
received from their teachers, parents, and peers that made the learner feel anxious about
the subject. Akhtar (2018) added that having poor prior knowledge in mathematics is a
determining factor in a learner’s academic achievement in the subject. Furthermore, a lack
of parental support was also considered to affect the learner's progress in mathematics,
which made the subject complicated for the learners. Mathematics is required in the daily
life of a human.
In line with this, an individual that understands the concepts and basic purpose of
mathematics can easily recall and apply different problem-solving techniques in their day-
to-day lives. Additionally, learners may be embarrassed by certain previous instances that
link with mathematics and has to do with their teachers and peers; which causes a high
anxiety level and lack of interest in the subject and loss of motivation, negative view of
mathematics, and this causes poor study habits. (Ganal & Guiab, 2014)
The most basic knowledge in mathematics can be acquired outside the boundaries of
school; such as basic calculations. However, advanced skills require precise teaching;
beginning with calculating multi-digits, decimal numbers and rational number systems
gradually being introduced. Rational numbers may be presented as fractions. Although,
most researches had focused on fractions to achievers; learners with mathematics
difficulties are not well looked enough. Acquiring competence with solving is another aspect
of demand for pedagogy (Fritz et al, 2019); Pedagogy is a teaching style which focuses on
working with the learners as they learn or in theory and in practice.
One of the common problems that learners go through is being stuck with counting
by one technique in calculating; instead of having advanced strategies for easier calculation.
This may cause difficulty for counting takes a long time, it is not accurate at all times as
well and this damages the memory or learning capacity. Unfortunately, learners do not
represent numbers as sets which is a cardinal aspect; but they mentally note numbers as
an ordinal aspect which are a single number. For better understanding, it is crucial to
understand numbers as sets (Cardinal aspect) especially with basic calculations such as
addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. (Fritz et al, 2019) Mathematics has been
known to enhance learners’ way of thinking, organizing logical proof, and profitably
communicating in teaching-learning way programs. Thus, it is crucial to advance the
learning system in a way that learners will properly enhance and nurture their competence
or their capabilities. (Ganal & Guiab, 2014)
In accordance with the experts, low achievers have a narrow knowledge that cannot
be applied to every situation and can only be applied to certain situations that are familiar
or known to them. Mathematical literacy can be confusing to learners who are low
achievers and this will most probably hinder their position and function among society and
economic environment (Wisniowski, 2014). In addition, Learners may have struggled in
mathematics by not studying properly and only acquired a surface knowledge of the topic;
may as well found the concepts perplexing. Learners who are anxious with mathematics are
distressed with the likelihood of doing the subject; results in their poor academic
performance due to the built fear and nervousness. Some learners may also have
developed dyscalculia (Yayla & Bangir-Alpan, 2019).
Synthesis
As stated by the literature provided, mathematics has been one of the perplexing
subject for learners. Such learning difficulties hinders them on fully comprehending lessons
that results to low grades or even failing the subject itself. These literatures provided are
discussions of how learners go through learning difficulties. Though they may have low
grades, it does not entirely mean that their IQ is at its lowest. Some learners are better in
words rather than numbers and problem solving.
Related Studies
A. Foreign
In 2014, Ganal & Guiab presented the difficulties of their respondents in a table;
First to see is the school’s expenses with 19.17%, meaning it is the most common problem
for their respondents. Second is the negative view in mathematics and lack of interest that
impedes their motivation in the subject with 17.92%; Followed by poor studying habits in
17.50%; Being away from loved ones (Parents, Siblings, and Relatives) comes next with
8.33%; 6th is the lack of involvement in school with 7.50%; inadequate creativity follows
with 5.83% and lastly, grammar problems comes with 5.00%.
A teachers’ purpose is to educate their students. However, some teachers aim to
only complete the curriculum rather than guiding their students. Students in Turkey
acknowledged the belief that their teacher is only trying to finish the curriculum on time
rather than promoting the subject to be more understandable. The participants
encountered difficulties regarding mathematics being teacher-based (39.90%), content-
based (34.34%) and student-based (25.76%). In teacher based, the students exclaimed
that their teachers were not providing enough guidance wherein the teacher asks a
question and proceeds to answer it themselves. Furthermore, their lessons were rushed
from lesson to lesson before their students even mastered the different operations and
formulas. Content-based difficulties are based on the amounts of rules and formulas
needed to be memorized, wherein some students exclaimed the need to know on how to
actually apply these in real life to thoroughly understand them. Finally, student-based
difficulties are their own perspective and honest opinion of the dislike of the subject
mathematics among learners which is the reason for mathematics performance (Guner,
2020).
Learning difficulties of students may also arise from the experiences they have with
teachers as they are the figures that teach them. The teachers in this study expressed their
perspective regarding the problems encountered by their students being unable to analyze
word problems and have difficulty applying rules and formulas in a certain topic. Non-
mathematical factors of difficulties include the lack of focus, dislike for mathematics, not
applying any effort into the subject mathematics, anxiety of asking for clarifications, and
poor study habits. Furthermore, some of the teachers also stated that it may also be their
poor teaching techniques that result in their students having a bad performance in
mathematics. The aforementioned factors are the obstacles described by the teacher that
their students have problems with. It was suggested that parents also have a role in
supporting and guiding their children when they are studying in order to improve their
grades in mathematics (Febriyanti, et al., 2021).
In order for students to learn, equity is much more preferred than equality, however
most teachers do not realize this as it is difficult to achieve. Mathematics is considered to
be naturally abstract with its concepts making it difficult to understand among the average
people that lack the time to understand it. To some learners that are quick to adapt, they
find mathematics as an easy going subject. Learners would prefer to understand than to
memorize as this is a more effective approach in the application of mathematics

realistically. It was found in the study that students were not given enough time to review,
lack of prior knowledge, lack of interest, and poor teaching technique that lacks the
motivation to teach were considered to be factors that limit these students to learn (Bikash
BhusalL, 2021).
Acharya (2017) stated that a positive perspective on mathematics can help improve
the performance of a learner, on the other hand, a negative impression caused by teachers,
parents and peers can cause frustrations and anxiety in mathematics. This study listed the
possible factors that may affect the learners to have difficulties in mathematics. Lack of
prior knowledge can cause difficulties in understanding the current lesson at hand and may
even struggle with upcoming topics. Lack of parent intervention with guiding their children
can cause bad performance in mathematics whereas the learners that got support had
better results. Students with no motivation to understand the lessons in mathematics are
more likely to fail the subject as it becomes a reason for them to make it even more
difficult. In order to pass mathematics, effort exerted to maintain and achieve a passable
score.
B. Local
The brain is described to have issues regarding the processing of information. It is
described as the inability to learn as quickly as others, wherein some learning materials are
difficult to process which may be the reason that affects the learner to understand a certain
topic. Furthermore, alternative learning methods are advised to reduce the learning
difficulty of learners. This difficulty can create an impact on the learner’s overall academic
performance. The study conducted by Satira and Otero in 2020 had sixteen respondents in
which 25% of students had difficulties on graphing inverse function and graphing
exponential functions. There were also two students that had difficulties in solving rational
functions, equations and inequalities. Finally, the remaining respondents had difficulties
with evaluating functions, solving rational equations and inequalities, representing rational
functions, distinguishing exponential functions, and equations and inequalities.
The study that was conducted by Sanchez and Falle (2022) assessed the learner’s
difficulties in mathematics by giving them a 10-item question. The assessment planned on
checking the learner’s difficulties on the common factors present in the numerator and the
denominator by simplifying rational algebraic expressions. The data showed the there was
a clear difference in the difficulties of the students solving problems with simplifying
rational algebraic expressions considering that factoring problems only involve monomial
and simple binomial problems. In comparison to the latter, much more advanced and
complicated problems on algebraic expressions are considered to be difficult. As the study

was concluded, the students that were assessed were rated with a “very satisfactory” level
of academic performance.
The study conducted by Suan (2018) stated that there was a significant relationship
with mathematical performance and student factors. In particular, factors such as study
habits, attitude towards learning, and interest in the subject mathematics are considered as
predictors in affecting mathematics performance. Among the aforementioned factors,
attitude and interests in mathematics were the main reason for achieving low scores in the
subject. Reasons include, “I don’t like math subject, I have phobia in mathematics, I feel
that I don’t have intelligence in solving problems, and I feel bored with math.” These
reasons are what limit the actual capability of these students to learn and understand
mathematics. The learning difficulty in this study is student based wherein the learners’
motivation and dislike with the subject mathematics causes them to not see any
significance of the subject in regards to their life experiences.
Students in private schools and public schools are subjected to different learning
outcomes, especially in mathematics. The reading comprehension of a learner is a
determining factor in understanding word problems in mathematics. The study conducted

by Imam et al. in 2013 stated that private school students had better reading
comprehension in comparison to public schools. This further implies that the students with
more advanced learning materials and effective teaching methods of teachers in private
schools perform well. It is considered that poor reading comprehension skills directly affect
the performance of mathematics in learners. Although the findings of this study indicated
that poor performance of learners is not primarily caused by poor comprehension skills
which implies that there are more factors needed to be explored in determining the learner
difficulties in mathematics.
The behavior of students in their classes may very well affect their performance in
regards with their cognition and emotion. In the study conducted by Repuya (2021), it was
found that to tackle the difficulties of learners, learners also relied on different study
techniques. For instance, seeking peer support, self-study and behavioral responses were
significant in learning mathematics. Developing negative behavioral responses originated
from poor pedagogy in the discussion of topics. Having the wrong understanding of the
concepts taught to students can affect the learner to achieve a low performance in
mathematics. Additionally, the learners with poor understanding about basic operations,
signs and symbols can cause learners to feel stressed. The influence of peer support can
provide assistance to learners with poor understanding of mathematics that involves a

different teaching style from prior learning. Self-study was found to be the highest
accountability in predicting the performance in mathematics wherein good study habits lead
to good performance and bad study habits can lead to poor performance.
Synthesis
Based from all the studies that have been stated, they presented different types
factors of learning difficulties that the students encounter. For instance, the teachers’
teaching strategies and techniques, the students lack of prior knowledge, lack of interest,
lack of understanding, and lack of guidance by their parents. By this, it shows that the
students suffer learning difficulties with different reasons which affect their education and
mainly their learning in mathematics.
Figure 1 shows the simplified and visual flow of the study. Conceptual framework is the
representation of the inputs related to study which includes the demographic profile of the
respondents which are sex, age, grade and section. The impacts that affect the academic
performance of learners such as the common issues faced by the students in learning
Mathematics and reasons why students encounter difficulties in learning Mathematics are
the difficulties; along with the programs/projects may be proposed to provide
comprehensible learning for the students.
Common issues faced by the students in learning Mathematics is the negative impacts
of learners on the mathematical performance (Young, et. Al, 2012).
Reasons why students encounter difficulties in learning Mathematics are the difficulties
and challenges faced by learners which affects the mathematical performance (Alhasora, et.
Al, n.d)
Programs/projects may be proposed to provide comprehensible learning for the
students is the well-managed approach provided to learners to have a better learning
development created by professionals and departments (Darling-Hammond, 2012)
Process which will be thoroughly discussed in methodology contains; descriptive study
which is the design, Face-to-Face questionnaires which is the instrument, statistical
treatment and finally, data analysis.

To conclude, the causes that is affecting the academic performances of grade 7
learners will hypothetically show significance and relevance to the respondents which are
the grade 7 learners, consequently an implication will be organized and will be based on the
outcome from the study.
Chapter 3
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research Design
The researchers will use a descriptive research design for the study of learning
difficulties in mathematics of grade 7 learners. The researchers used this design for it aims
in describing the situation and population of the said study, and also to describe the
difficulties of the grade 7 students' experiences in their learning in mathematics. According
to Voxco (2021), descriptive research design objects in obtaining information and data to
describe a certain phenomenon, situation, and population. Also, it answers the what, when,
where, and how questions in regards to the research problem. Hence, after answering
these questions, the researchers can proceed in answering the why question. By that, the
study learning difficulties in mathematics of grade 7 learners will use a descriptive research
design all throughout the study.
Sampling, Respondents, and Locale
The participants of the study would be the grade 7 learners in Dominican College of
Tarlac, Inc. According to Bhandari (2020), a population consists of all the objects or events
of a certain type, which researchers aim to gather information or knowledge about, is
referred to as a population. Populations may have a wide or limited range. Although a
population may include only a small number of objects or events, it is frequently difficult to
collect data on each member of the population. Moreover, this approach enabled
researchers to draw dependable and statistical conclusions about the learning difficulties of
grade 7 learners in mathematics. Therefore, no sampling procedure will be used in this
study because the researchers have decided to consider the total population of the grade 7
learners to be the respondents of the study. Furthermore, this study will be conducted at
Dominican College of Tarlac, Inc, which is located in McArthur Highway, Poblacion (Sto.
Rosario) 2315 Capas, Tarlac. The researchers determined that this locale was appropriate
for this study because of the current curriculum the school applies on the students
particularly the grade 7 learners who study mathematics. Also, in this study the researchers
will gather data and information who possess the following criteria:
1. The respondents must be grade 7 learners.
2. The respondents must be officially enrolled as a grade 7 student at Dominican College of
Tarlac.
3. The respondents should be taking the subject mathematics.
4. The respondents must agree to participate voluntarily in conducting this study.
Research Instrument
This study will be making use of an adopted-10 item questionnaire. The questionnaires
will be answered by the respondents through a face-to-face setting. All the respondents will
be answering the same questions. To increase the validity of the answers, the researchers
will be able to get a more definite answer from the learning difficulties in mathematics of
grade 7 learners in Dominican College of Tarlac through the degree of level in which they
agree or disagree by the difficulties they face.
Data Gathering Procedure
A step-by-step procedure will be followed in order for the researchers to fulfill the data
gathering. First, they will conduct an informed consent to be approved by the principal of
the senior high school department, the principal of the junior high school department, and
the research facilitator of the researchers, which will be used in conducting the data
gathering in the academic year 2023-2024. Once everything is approved and settled, data
gathering will proceed; informed consent will be presented to the respondents, and after
they agree to answer the survey, the survey questionnaires will be distributed to 7th
graders. Additionally, researchers were well taught regarding the ethical considerations
which will be present all throughout the research progress.

Ethical Consideration
The researchers will take all necessary precautions to ensure the security and
credibility of this study for the benefit of everyone, especially the respondents' personal
information. Since maintaining the respondents' anonymity and confidentiality is one of the
study's specific goals, no personally identifiable information will be gathered. Additionally,
the researchers will respect the rights of the respondents by giving them the option to
agree or disagree to participate in the study. Any improper behavior and all problems
affecting the respondents will be the responsibility of the researchers, who will also be held
accountable. The integrity and honesty of all the data that will be gathered and reported
will also be upheld by the researchers.
Statistical Treatment
In conducting this study, the researchers will utilize different formulas especially since
it is quantitative research, and by that, the study of “learning difficulties in mathematics of
grade 7 learners at Dominican College of Tarlac” will use 2 formulas for the statistical
treatment of data. These formulas are, frequency distribution, and measurement of central
tendency; in which utilizes a 5-point Likert scale survey which was developed by Gafoor and
Kurukkan (2015). The Likert scale is a close-ended questionnaire which is used to measure
the opinion and attitudes of the respondents’ depending if they agree or disagree with the
topic of the given question. The Likert scale may also measure different variations of
agreement such as frequency, quality, importance, and likelihood, etc. (McLeod, 2019).
Scale Verbal Description Legend
1 Strongly Agree 1.00 – 1.79
2 Agree 1.80 – 2.59
3 Neutral 2.60 – 3.39
4 Disagree 3.40 – 4.19
5 Strongly Disagree 4.20 – 5.00
(Pajarillo-Aquino, 2019)
Moreover, each of these formulas will have a distinct role in computing, analyzing, and
summarizing data of this study, mainly on the respondents that are part of the research.
Nonetheless, frequency distribution will be used on describing the demographic profile of
the respondents. In order to solve the frequency distribution, divide the frequency by the
total number of results and multiply by 100. (Statistics Canada, 2021).
Frequency distribution is computed as follows:
% = (f/n) X 100
Where:
% = percentage
F = frequency
n = the total number
Then, measurement of central tendency will be used on computing the mean of the
obtained data from the 10-item survey questionnaire that will be distributed to the
respondents. To calculate the measurement of central tendency, the sum of all values will
be divided by the number of values in the subsequent data that will be provided. (Bhandari,
2022).
Measurement of central tendency is computed as follows:
x̄= Σx/n
Where:
x̄ = mean of x value
Σx = sum of all the x values
n = number of x values
Furthermore, these formulas are just assumed by the researchers to be use in the next
chapter of this study in the school year 2023-2024, basically it depends on the findings and
results of the data on what formulas will be used to interpret the data that will be gathered.
References
Abocejo Ferdinand Tesado, Dumlao Alyssa, and Jolejole-Caube (2019). Anxiety

Towards Mathematics And Mathematics Performance Of Grade 7 Learners.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332979326_ANXIETY_TOWARDS_MATHEMAT
ICS_AND_MATHEMATICS_PERFORMANCE_OF_GRADE_7_LEARNERS
Acharya Bed Raj (2017). Factors Affecting Difficulties in Learning Mathematics by

Mathematics Learners.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320424886_Factors_Affecting_Difficulties_in_L
earning_Mathematics_by_Mathematics_Learners
Akhtar M. , Saeed Ahmad (2018). Teaching of mathematics : A comparative analysis of

secondary school certificate ( grade x ) and general certificate of education ( o-level )
courses of studies in Karachi. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Teaching-of-
mathematics-%3A-A-comparative-analysis-of-Akhtar-Saeed/
d51c36ef1b9361de66147f04fd237787840a6b87
Akhtar, Shafqat Naeem, Iqbal, Muhammad, Tatlah, and Ijaz Ahmed (2017).
Relationship between Intrinsic Motivation and Students' Academic Achievement: A
Secondary Level Evidence. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1210159
Akhter Nasreen and Akhter Nasrin (2018).Learning in Mathematics: Difficulties and

Perceptions of Students.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328772457_Learning_in_Mathematics_Difficult
ies_and_Perceptions_of_Students
Alhasora N. S. A, M. S. Abu, and A. H. Abdullah (2017). Newman Error Analysis on

Evaluating and Creating Thinking Skill.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/350919231_Analysis_of_Student_Errors_in_So
lving_Analytic_Geometry_Questions_During_the_Covid_Pandemic_19
Arenillo Sonia and Arenillo Medel (2013). Academic Dimensions of Student

Performance across Class Size.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/312477245_Academic_Dimensions_of_Studen
t_Performance_across_Class_Size
Bhandari, (2020). An Introduction to Quantitative Research.

https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/quantitative-research
Bhandari Pritha (2020). Central Tendency | Understanding the Mean, Median & Mode.
https://www.scribbr.com/statistics/central-tendency/#:~:text=The%20arithmetic
%20mean%20of%20a,are%20used%20in%20the%20calculation
Bhusal bikash (2021). Students' Difficulties In Learning Mathematics: a Case Study.

https://www.bikashbhusal.com.np/2021/08/students-difficulties-in-learning.html
Darling-Hammond Linda,Hyler Maria E, Gardner Madelyn , and Danny Espinoza

(2017). Efective Teacher Professional Development.
https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/product-files/
Effective_Teacher_Professional_Development_REPORT.pdf
Febriyanti Ervina, Indrawati , Supeno , Sutarto and I Ketut Mahardika (2018). The
Effectiveness Of The Module-Based Stem (Science, Technology, Engineering,
Mathematics) To Study Physics At Vocational High School.
https://www.journalijar.com/article/23811/the-effectiveness-of-the-module-based-stem-
(science,-technology,-engineering,-mathematics)-to-study-physics-at-vocational-high-
school/
Fritz A, Haase V. G, and Rasanen, P (2019). International handbook of mathematical

learning difficulties.
https://stemeducationjournal.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40594-019-0197-9
Gafoor Abdul and Kurukkan Abidha (2015). Learner And Teacher Perception On
Difficulties In Learning And Teaching Mathematics: Some Implications
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/306400543_Learner_and_Teacher_perception
_on_Difficulties_in_Learning_and_Teaching_Mathematics_Some_Implications
Ganal Nicette and Guiab Marissa (2014). Problems and Difficulties Encounterd by
Students towards Mastering Learning Competencies in Mathematics.
https://www.scirp.org/(S(lz5mqp453edsnp55rrgjct55))/journal/paperinformation.aspx?
paperid=75168#ref6
Gunner, Necdet (2020). Difficulties Encountered by High School Students in

Mathematics. https://www.ijem.com/difficulties-encountered-by-high-school-
students-in-mathematics
Imam Ombra Jamil Hazri (2013). Correlation between Reading Comprehension Skills
and Students’ Performance in Mathematics.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/279747126_Correlation_between_Reading_Co
mprehension_Skills_and_Students'_Performance_in_Mathematics
Mcleod, Saul (2023). Likert Scale Definition, Examples And Analysis.

https://www.simplypsychology.org/likert-scale.html
Njoroge Gladys Gakenia (2022). Demystifying Mathematics: handling learning difficulties

in Mathematics among low achievers in Kenyan schools.
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jolte/article/view/227309
Pajarillo-Aquino Irene (2019). Perceived Effects Of Televiewing On The Academic

Performance Of The Students Of The College Of Teacher Education.
https://garph.co.uk/IJARMSS/Apr2019/G-2591.pdf
Research Action (n.d). Slovin’s Formula. https://prudencexd.weebly.com/#:~:text=%2D

%20is%20used%20to%20calculate%20the,margin%20of%20error%20(e).&text=%2DIt
%20is%20computed%20as%20n,%2F%20(1%2BNe2)
Voxco (2021). Descriptive Research Design. https://www.voxco.com/blog/descriptive-

research-design/#:~:text=What%20is%20Descriptive%20Research%20Design,problem
%20rather%20than%20the%20why
Yayla, O., & Bangir-Alpan, G. (2019). Teachers' and students' opinions on the causes of
student difficulties with mathematics. Journal of Research in Education and Society.
https://www.ijem.com/difficulties-encountered-by-high-school-students-in-mathematics

Learning Difficulties 1 1 1 1

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Learning Difficulties 1 1 1 1

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

DOMINICAN COLLEGE OF TARLAC

LEARNING DIFFICULTIES IN MATHEMATICS OF GRADE 7 LEARNERS

A Research Proposal Presented to

In Partial Fulfillment of the

Mathematics has become important in today’s society, especially among students.

college, there is mathematics.

it encounters numbers, patterns, objects, computations, and problem solving. Hence,

became difficult to understand.

mathematics effectively, leading to difficulties in comprehending mathematical concepts and

solving mathematical problems. The difficulties faced by these learners in comprehending

that require a solid understanding of mathematical principles and problem-solving skills.

(Nasrin Akhter & Nasreen Akhter, 2018)

Additionally, learning mathematics involves various processes when it comes to solving

problems. Also, prior knowledge in mathematics lays the foundations in understanding

new lessons in mathematics or just overall fail the subjects.

seek or rather adjust to higher education or even any lesson upfront.

resulting to education failure; Education failure may lead to an unstable future.

are having difficulties with it.

as well as learners behaving differently from normal.

Furthermore, the researchers chose the grade 7 students of Dominican College of

better learning and understanding in mathematics.

Statement Of The Problem

study seeks to answer the following questions:

1.3 Grade and Section;

4. What programs/projects may be proposed to provide comprehensible learning for the

5. What are the implications of the results of this study?

Scope And Delimitation

collected will be analyzed using statistical methods, such as frequency distribution.

Significance Of The Study

benefit the following:

solutions by implementing activities and instructional materials in Mathematics.

the students a comprehensible learning in mathematics.

work and related studies in Mathematics.

were defined operationally and theoretically;

particularly the learning difficulties that grade 7 students encounters.

spelling, and arithmetic disorders in the context of disabilities.

Mathematical concept. An underlying mathematical idea is known as a mathematical

study in math classes.

Critical Analysis. A struggle to understand the learners in mathematics; is the process of

Critical thinking. The intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully

conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating data gleaned from, or

generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide

to belief and action, is known as critical thinking.

deciding how to proceed.

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

contributes to the results of the learners’ performance in mathematics. The difficulties in

teachers, resulting in confusion about the topic at hand (Njoroge, 2022).

Mathematics is considered to be confusing due to the number of symbols and

into numbers. Geometry is also regarded as difficult to comprehend in terms of problem-

type to its calculation. (Tatlah et al., 2017)

determining factor in a learner’s academic achievement in the subject. Furthermore, a lack

gradually being introduced. Rational numbers may be presented as fractions. Although,

most researches had focused on fractions to achievers; learners with mathematics

working with the learners as they learn or in theory and in practice.

communicating in teaching-learning way programs. Thus, it is crucial to advance the

or their capabilities. (Ganal & Guiab, 2014)

economic environment (Wisniowski, 2014). In addition, Learners may have struggled in

developed dyscalculia (Yayla & Bangir-Alpan, 2019).

words rather than numbers and problem solving.

with 5.83% and lastly, grammar problems comes with 5.00%.

A teachers’ purpose is to educate their students. However, some teachers aim to

rather than promoting the subject to be more understandable. The participants