CLASSROOM SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT AND STUDENT ENGAGEMENT IN MATHEMATICS: A CORRELATIONAL STUDY

Angelo C. Gutierrez Jr., Romulo G. Doronio

Abstract


This study investigated the association between classroom social environment and student engagement in mathematics. It utilized the descriptive correlational and causal-comparative research design and applied the following statistical tools: mean, Pearson-r, independent T-test, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). This investigation used an adapted, content-validated, and reliability-tested survey questionnaire. A proportional stratified random sampling technique was used to obtain a sample of 282 respondents from Manat National High School – Junior High School. The result of the study revealed that students often show high engagement with mathematics in emotional, social, and cognitive domains, with cognitive engagement peaking. The classroom social environment is favorable, with teachers providing support and mutual respect, even when performance goals are not as important. Moreover, the study revealed a significant correlation between engagement dimensions and classroom social environment, with a minor association between social environment quality and emotional and social engagement and a moderate correlation with cognitive engagement. The study found no significant differences in engagement based on sex and age, but observed substantial variation in engagement across different grade levels, suggesting that grade level significantly influences students’ mathematics engagement. Based on the findings, it was highly recommended that teachers use techniques like acknowledging student accomplishments, offering constructive criticism, and creating a friendly learning environment to promote healthy mathematical learning. They should also encourage group projects, peer tutoring, and engaging mathematical tasks to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills. A respectful classroom culture and tailored engagement strategies were also suggested. School administrators should also conduct professional development workshops for teachers.

 

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Keywords


classroom social environment, emotional engagement, social engagement, cognitive engagement, mathematics, descriptive correlational and causal-comparative study, Philippines

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v11i8.5471

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