Challenges and Learning Strategies in General Mathematics: Analyzing Student Competency Development and Effective Approaches
Keywords:
General Mathematics, Independent learning, Learning strategies, Peer tutoring, Challenges, Video tutorialAbstract
This study examined the challenges students face in learning General Mathematics and the strategies used to address them. Using a descriptive correlational design and one-stage cluster sampling, the study involved 136 Grade 11 students from two public schools in Valencia, Negros Oriental. Validated questionnaires were administered, and data were analyzed using the mean, Spearman’s Rank Order Correlation, and the Kruskal-Wallis Test. Findings revealed that students experience moderate difficulty in solving problems involving functions, rational functions, and rational inequalities, but face high difficulty when applying these concepts to real-life situations. Approximately 42.6 percent of students reported high to very high difficulty in real-life applications. Students reported a high level of use of learning strategies such as peer tutoring, collaborative learning, independent learning, and video tutorials, while the use of technological tools remains moderate. Results showed a positive, significant relationship (p < .001) between challenges and the use of learning strategies. A significant difference was found in the use of video tutorials (p = 0.004), with outstanding students utilizing this strategy more frequently.
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