CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Financial difficulties throw a wide shadow that affects every aspect of life, even beyond

one's own finances. Students' academic endeavors are the one area where this influence is seen

the most acutely. This investigation delves into the strong obstacles that financial hardships

create, impeding a student's capacity to thrive academically and exposing the numerous

difficulties they face.

According to Dr. Emily Johnson(2015), a beacon in the realm of education. Dr.

Johnson's unwavering dedication revolves around unraveling the intricate connection between

financial issues and students' academic performance. With an intimate grasp of the educational

terrain and a passionate commitment to empowering students, Dr. Johnson emerges as a crucial

resource for educators, policymakers, and families grappling with the nuanced effects of

financial problems on academic success.

The palpable impact of financial strain on a student's academic journey is undeniable.

Faced with financial difficulties, students find their focus on studies compromised, burdened by

the weight of financial stress that leads to decreased motivation and overall performance. The

constant worry about unpaid bills and limited resources becomes a heavy mental load, impeding

their academic excellence.

Focus into the realm of senior high education, the profound effects of financial hurdles

on academic performance become even more pronounced. Scholars like Arthur (2012) highlight

the pivotal role of financial literacy education in shaping students' academic trajectory, while

insights from Sherry and Thomas (2010) shed light on the unique challenges faced by
international students, reflecting the broader implications of financial constraints on the overall

educational experience.

Moreover, financial problems not only obstruct academic focus but also limit a

student's access to vital educational resources. The costs associated with textbooks, study

materials, and technology transform into formidable barriers for those unable to afford these

essentials. Financial constraints may also curtail participation in extracurricular activities,

educational events, internships, and study abroad programs, all integral components of a holistic

academic experience.

Financial difficulties have a negative impact on a student's mental and emotional health

in addition to their academic performance. Academic achievement is further hampered by the

ongoing stress and anxiety brought on by financial difficulties, which also increases feelings of

shame, lowers self-esteem, and has a detrimental effect on mental health.

The goal of this study is to examine the complex relationships between financial

difficulties and students' academic achievement. The objective is to manage financial issues

while preserving academic goals by looking into ways to lessen these obstacles, provide

alternatives for financial support, and guiding students and their families. Regardless of their

financial situation, all students should be able to succeed academically in a supportive

atmosphere by recognizing the effects of financial difficulties on academic achievement. In light

of this, our research aims to clarify the complex relationships between financial difficulties and
senior high school students' academic achievement, adding important new information to the

continuing conversation on student welfare and academic achievement.

BACKGROUND OF STUDY

Many students are currently struggling with financial issues to cover their education

costs, while some also lack the necessary school supplies. Moreover, the extension of senior high

school by two more years creates challenges for students who want to work but are underage,

and their parents can't afford their education due to disability-related financial constraints. This

lack of financial support may result in these students receiving a lower quality education. In

today's world, it's increasingly difficult for them to earn money for essential school supplies,

food, and other basic needs, especially as of 2020.

Furthermore, although civic education and empowerment go beyond the classroom, this

book mainly focuses on the financial aspect, excluding adult financial literacy education, often

associated with credit counseling. The emphasis here is on financial and civic education in

schools, highlighting a consumer-oriented perspective derived from organizations like the

OECD, the Canadian Federal Government, the IEF, Junior Achievement, OISE, and the Ontario

Provincial Government (Arthur, 2012).

This research dives into the experiences of international students at the University of

Toledo, where they make up nearly 10% of the student body. It sheds light on the challenges

these international students face, such as adapting to a new culture, dealing with English
language difficulties, financial hardships, and a lack of understanding from the broader

university community (Sherry and Thomas, 2010).

It's important to note that previous research has mainly focused on global and national funding

and student issues, with limited attention to local studies. Therefore, our research aims to provide

a more in-depth exploration of the specific research problem at hand while putting a human face

on these challenges faced by students and international students’.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The purpose of this study is to ascertain how financial difficulties affect academic

achievement of senior high students' of Zamboanga City High School (ZCHS) class 2023.

1. Have you ever had to skip classes or lectures due to financial constraints?

2. Do you believe that your financial situation has negatively affected your ability to concentrate

and focus on your studies?

3. Have you ever been unable to participate in extracurricular activities or clubs because of

financial limitations?

4. Has your academic performance been affected by the stress caused by financial difficulties?
5. Have you ever had to choose between purchasing required textbooks or other course materials

and meeting other financial obligations?

6. Do you believe that your financial situation has hindered your access to educational resources

and opportunities?

7. Has your ability to complete assignments or projects been compromised due to financial

constraints?

8. Have you ever considered dropping out of school or taking a break from your studies because

of financial difficulties?

9. Do you believe that your financial situation has limited your ability to seek additional

educational support, such as tutoring or academic counseling?

10. Has your overall motivation and enthusiasm for learning been impacted by your financial

problems?

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

This study is supported by the theory of “Financial strain and Academic Achievement

Model” proposed by Sarah D. Sparks (2016) suggests that financial strain, characterized by

economic hardship and financial difficulties, can have a significant impact on students' academic

performance. According to Sparks, financial strain affects academic achievement through

various mechanisms, including increased stress, reduced access to educational resources, and

limited engagement in academic activities.

 In this model, financial strain is viewed as a chronic stressor that triggers psychological

and physiological responses, such as anxiety, depression, and decreased cognitive functioning.

These stress responses can impede students' ability to concentrate, learn, and perform

academically.

Furthermore, students' access to educational opportunities and resources may be

restricted by financial burden. For instance, it might make it more difficult for them to buy

technology, textbooks, or other educational supplies, which would put them at a disadvantage in

their coursework. Students who are struggling financially may also be forced to work longer

hours or take on numerous jobs, which will reduce the amount of time and energy they can

devote to their academic endeavors.

Sparks' model highlights the importance of considering the systemic factors that

contribute to financial strain, such as socioeconomic status, family income, and access to

financial aid and scholarships. These factors can exacerbate or alleviate the impact of financial

strain on academic performance.

While Sparks' Financial Strain and Academic Achievement Model was proposed in

2016, it remains relevant in the 2020s as financial challenges continue to have a profound impact

on students' academic experiences. Ongoing research in this area builds upon and expands the

model, further exploring the intricate relationship between financial strain and academic

outcomes in contemporary contexts.

 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWROK

In this conceptual framework the variables are Senior High students of Zamboanga City

High school ( ZCHS) , The independent variables is Financial Problem Financial Problems can

have a significant impact on students in many ways. Here are some examples:

1. Academic performance: Financial difficulties can cause stress and anxiety, which can lead to

poor academic performance. Students who struggle to pay for tuition or living expenses may

have to work longer hours or take on additional jobs, which can leave them with less time to

study and complete assignments.

2. Mental health: Financial problems can also take a toll on students' mental health. They may

feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, which can affect their mood and ability to concentrate

on their studies.
3. Health and well-being: Students who are struggling financially may not be able to afford

healthy food, medical care, or other basic necessities. This can impact their physical health and

overall well-being.

4. Social life: Financial difficulties can also affect students' social lives. They may not be able to

afford to participate in extracurricular activities or attend social events, which can lead to

feelings of isolation and loneliness.

 HYPOTHESIS

Examining how financial problem affects the academic performance is an interesting

project in the field of quantitative research. In order to identify possible links and clarify the

complex relationship between the financial problems and academic performance, this hypothesis

aims to logically evaluate possible numerical data that predicts the variable which is the effects

of financial problems to the academic performance, the questions in this research will be

answered by yes or no:

Have you ever had to skip classes or lectures due to financial constraints?

- in the total number of our respondents there will be a 60% who will answer a yes and the 40%

will be no.

2. Do you believe that your financial situation has negatively affected your ability to concentrate

and focus on your studies?

- in the total number of our respondents there will be a 80% who will answer a yes and the 20%

will be no.

3. Have you ever been unable to participate in extracurricular activities or clubs because of

financial limitations?

-in the total number of our respondents there will be a 50% who will answer a yes and the 50%

will be no.

4. Has your academic performance been affected by the stress caused by financial difficulties?
-in the total number of our respondents there will be a 60% who will answer a yes and the 40%

will be no.

5. Have you ever had to choose between purchasing required textbooks or other course materials

and meeting other financial obligations?

-in the total number of our respondents there will be a 70% who will answer a yes and the 30%

will be no.

6. Do you believe that your financial situation has hindered your access to educational resources

and opportunities?

-in the total number of our respondents there will be a 80% who will answer a yes and the 20%

will be no.

7. Has your ability to complete assignments or projects been compromised due to financial

constraints?

-in the total number of our respondents there will be a 50% who will answer a yes and the 50%

will be no.

8. Have you ever considered dropping out of school or taking a break from your studies because

of financial difficulties?

-in the total number of our respondents there will be a 60% who will answer a yes and the 40%

will be no.

9. Do you believe that your financial situation has limited your ability to seek additional

educational support, such as tutoring or academic counseling?

-in the total number of our respondents there will be a 90% who will answer a yes and the 10%

will be no.

10. Has your overall motivation and enthusiasm for learning been impacted by your financial

problems?

-in the total number of our respondents there will be a 80% who will answer a yes and the % will

be no.

This result are just predictions to the questions that we have created that connects to the

studies that we want to conduct which is the effect of financial problem on the academic

performance on the senior high school students the results may not be correct until proven

wronged based on the outcome after the survey

 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The result generated from this study will benefit the following.

Senior High School Students by offering them guidance on prudent money management to

avoid financial difficulties, as these would cause them a great deal of stress. Stressed-out senior

high school students tend to neglect their studies, which has an adverse effect on their GPA.

Additionally, they will understand how to find a solution to the financial issues they are currently

suffering.

Instructors/teachers directly benefit from students' academic success. One promising way to

improve financial literacy for today's youth is for teachers to incorporate lessons on wise

financial practices early in their cognitive development. Teachers can also encourage youth to

save money, promote family conversations, and give students the confidence to manage their

own finances.

Parents and Guardians by enlightening them about the potential impact that financial

difficulties may have on their children's academic achievement.

Future researchers this research will be useful reference for the researcher who would plan to

make any related study. This may serve as a source of information about the impact of financial

problem on academic performance of students.

 SCOPE AND DELIMITATION

The Zamboanga City High School Main (ZCHS) cohort 2023 - 2024 comprises 8000

pupils. We will utilize 50 respondents as a sample for our investigation. This study focuses

primarily on Senior High students at Zamboanga City High School Main (ZCHS). Its primary

goals are to identify common issues that arise and to suggest potential remedies.

This study takes into account all the personal information about students that affects their

academic achievement, including their gender, age, place of residence, parents' educational

history, and parents' income. The identical questionnaires are given to each respondent to

complete. Additionally, the current Zamboanga City High School Main (ZCHS) Senior High

students are the subject of this study.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Financial Problem: When a person or family cannot afford to satisfy their fundamental

requirements and commitments, including educational costs, they are said to be in a financial

dilemma. It may result from a number of things, including low income, unemployment,

expensive living expenditures, unforeseen costs, or poor financial preparation.

Academic Performance: Academic performance refers to the level of achievement and success

of a student in their educational pursuits. It encompasses various aspects, including grades, test

scores, class participation, completion of assignments, and overall knowledge and skills acquired

in academic subjects.

Impact: The impact of financial problems on academic performance refers to the influence and

consequences that financial difficulties have on a student's ability to succeed academically.

These impacts can be both direct and indirect, affecting various areas of a student's educational

experience and performance.

It is significant to remember that the effect that financial difficulties have on academic

achievement can differ from person to person and rely on the intensity and length of the financial

difficulties they encounter. Institutions and communities can also be extremely helpful in

supplying resources and support networks to lessen the negative effects that financial difficulties

have on students' academic performance.