Philippine E-Journals

THE MATHDEMIC: REIMAGINING MATHEMATICS LEARNING FOR TERTIARY STUDENTS DURING THE PANDEMIC

Gideon D. Oray

Discipline: Higher Education Research

 

Abstract:

The COVID-19, nearly disrupted everyone's normal routine as public transit, companies, factories, and schools were forced to close. As a result, schools in various areas of the Philippines have devised other methods of continuing education for all learners. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the major experiences of students learning mathematical topics throughout the pandemic. It specifically attempted to elicit possibilities afforded by the new learning strategy for the student; identify challenges faced by the students; and explore the students' coping mechanisms. The descriptive technique was used in the qualitative study design. It was conducted at Quirino State University, Cabarroguis Campus, and participants were college students enrolled at Quirino State University, Cabarroguis Campus for the first semester of Academic Year 2020-2021. The study's findings revealed that studying in a novel method during the COVID-19 pandemic allowed students to collaborate with their classmates and learn through online alternatives. They were stymied, however, by the increase of expenditures, the digital divide, and the adjustment to the new technique, which demonstrated that they prefer the face-to-face approach to studying mathematics. Nonetheless, they remained interested in learning by maintaining a positive attitude based on their personal goals.