Chapter 1
Chapter 1
Chapter 1
continuous change. Aside from that, it is also utilized in a comprehensive range of disciplines for
a various purposes. As a matter of fact it is considered to be a significant subject for senior high
In Grade 11, two branches of Calculus are being thought in all Science Technology
Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) students: the Pre-Calculus or the study of mathematical
prerequisites which includes algebra, trigonometry and analytical geometry and the Basic
Calculus which deals with the application of rules and formulas for differentiation and
integration.
Unlike Pre-Calculus, Basic calculus is generally concerned with calculating limits and
known as Differential Calculus and the summation of infinitely many small factors to determine
some whole, called Integral Calculus. In order to qualify in this subject, students must comply
with the requirements such as trigonometry, algebra and analytical geometry. In connection to
this, Basic Calculus is recognized as a gateway to more advanced courses in mathematics such as
System is being implemented by the virtue of Republic Act No. 10533, Basic Calculus is being
thought to Grade 11 senior high school STEM students during second semester of the school
year. During Basic Calculus class, it is perceptible that some students have necessary coping
mechanism that can handle the pressure and difficulties of the subject. However, many students
Parallel to this, a study by Ferrer (2016), stated that a number of students in colleges and
even in senior high schools are having a hard time in finding deeper insights in relation to the
course: They find Basic Calculus as a very hard and abstract subject. Furthermore, Ferrer (2016),
also stated that problems in Basic Calculus is not a new problem in the field of education.
Relative to this, Estonanto (2017), also stated that the major disputes students
encountered in Basic Calculus are the abstract concepts of the lesson, low analytical and
mathematical ability, fear of failing and most of all, the factors on how a teacher teaches.
Upon considering the significance of this subject in academic undertaking, the researcher
was promoted to conduct a study that aims to determine the difficulties encountered in Basic
This study aims to find out the difficulties encountered in Basic Calculus of Grade 11
1.1. Do you find it difficult to undesrtand the basic knowledge, theorems, formulas, and
1.3. Do you find it difficult to solve problems especially those that require complex
formulas? Why?
1.4. Do you find it difficult to express your ideas during the discussion of Basic
Calculus? Why?
2. What are the causes of the difficulties experienced by the student-participants in Basic
Calculus?
2.1. Did your teacher use different teaching approaches and methods to help you
2.2. Did your teacher make sure that you understand the topics in Basic Calculus?
2.3. Do you ask questions whenever you donot understand the topics in Baisc Calculus or
2.4. Do you have any access to different learning materials in Basic Calculus? What are
those?
3. What are the aftermaths of these difficulties experiences by the student-participants in Basic
Calculus?
3.1. In what way do learning difficulties in Basic Calculus affect your academic
performance?
3.2. To what extent do these difficulties affect your level of interest in Basic Calculus?
4. What are the means did the student –participants apply to address their learning difficulties in
Basic Calculus?
4.1. Did you ask for assistance to deal with your learning difficulties in Basic Calculus?
4.2. Do you exert more effort to overcome ypur learning difficulties in Basic Calculus?
School Heads. The findings that will be garnered in this investigation can serve as a basis for
crafting an action plan for a new method of teaching of the subject teachers to obtain good
Teachers. The findings will help the educators know the students’ thoughts with regard to their
subject. To have an application on various teaching styles which will be imparted to students so
they can overcome challenges they are experiencing in mastering different lessons in Basic
Calculus .
Parents. They are the foundation of all student’s knowledge that is why they will play a
significant role in supporting their children to outlast the dilemmas they are experiencing with
Students. It anticipates them to have a self-realization and to let them gain strength for them to
have the desire to pursue their studies even if they are going through difficulties in Basic
Calculus.
Future researchers. As immediate reference, the forthcoming researchers who are interested in
further studying the difficulties encountered by Grade 11 in Basic Calculus may use this study.
This study focused on the difficulties encountered in basic calculus of grade 11 STEM
students in Leuteboro National High School, Socorro, Oriental Mindoro. It was conducted on the
first quarter of the second semester of school year 2019-2020 This study was forestalled only for
Grade 11 students.
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
The following theories and conceptions bolstered this study such as Tinto's Integration
focuses on the evidences of dropouts brought about by the scarcity of assimilation in either the
Some variables that are also concomitant on this matter are classroom experience,
adjustment, difficulty, in congruence, isolation, finances, learning and external liabilities and/or
This theory is consequential to this study because if we will look on the worst-case
subjects. Aside from the personal factor, Tinto’s Integration Theory also tackles potential
external influences which are enumerated earlier that may be correlated in uncovering issues that
Bean’s Psychological Theory, that was also adapted by Jama et al. (2009) discusses that
the attitude and behavior of the students interpreted their degree of satisfaction which alters their
This theory also dealt with the deterioration of the students that is mostly affected by
encouragement. This theory is indeed necessary because it proves that a student requires to have
an optimistic stance towards Basic Calculus in order to have a higher level of fulfillment in
learning it, thus having an intense devotion and perseverance throughout the process. When this
that when a student becomes more self-conscious and confident of their academic capabilities,
comes more motivated, more organized in their approach to work, and continue on setting their
In addition, Wallberg’s Theory identified key variables that affect student outcomes
instruction, quality of instruction, classroom atmosphere, home environment, peer group, and
vulnerability to media outside of school. It further marks out that a student’s qualities are
indispensable for school learning, but they only comprise a limited portion of the determining
equation.
This theory is a key factor on this study because it looks on the ramifications of being
acquainted with and speculating on one’s proficiency in understanding the concepts of Basic
Calculus. Through this theory, an individual can have a self-realization that will further