DEALING
WITH PRESSURE FROM MATH PROFESSORS AMONG FIRST YEAR CIVIL ENGINEERING STUDENTS
A Research Paper
Presented to the
Faculty and Staff of College of Arts and Sciences
In Partial Fulfillment for the Requirements in English
II (Writing in the Discipline)
in the A.Y.
2015-2016
Submitted
by:
Amimita,
Mark John
Cloma,
Jon Paul
Dinsay,
Riamieh
Jabillo,
Shejie Olever
Paynandos,
Cleo Alyka
Submitted to:
Sajed
S. Ingilan
Instructor
Abstract
Mathematics is truly a complicated
subject. It is mostly the problem of young civil engineering students when
added with an extra pressure from their Math professors. This qualitative study
aims to present the effects and to provide alternatives in dealing with
pressure from their Math professors. Anthropological tools such as face-to-face
interview and focus group discussion are used to gather data. This study
revealed the effects of pressure from Math professors like mental block,
eustress, anxiety, distress, cramming, loss of focus, depression, and coyness. The
ways in dealing pressure from Math professors are relaxing, approaching family
and friends, finding leisure, setting lower goals, talking to or approaching
Math professors, eating, drawing or writing down thoughts, and having group
study. It is therefore significant to study this gap between civil engineering
students and their learning state towards their Math professors. This paper
will help first year civil engineering students lessen the effects of pressure
they feel from their Math professors and to provide a mini-survival kit in
handling the pressure effectively.
Keywords:
pressure, Math professors, civil
engineering students, effects, alternative
Introduction
Pressure,
as defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary,
is the stress or urgency of matters demanding attention. Pressure is the act of
realizing that something at stake is relying on the results of the performance
of a person. Usually, anxious and fearful feelings are involved in pressure
(Weisinger, 2015). More often than not, students feel pressured academically.
As for Bisht (1989), academic pressure is a state wherein a student is feeling
a heavy demand of time and energy to reach academic goals.
Civil
engineering is labeled to as one of the most difficult programs among degree
courses offered in the university. Technical skills and knowledge in planning,
design, construction, supervision, and maintenance of civil engineering works
are catered by this program. It requires a lot of time, energy, and effort to
thrive in this program. It does not only provide skills, but it also requires
skills to survive. Top of it all is the mathematical skills.
The
University of Southeastern Philippines is well-known for its high standards
when it comes to the quality of education. It is also known for its engineering
department which produces board passers in the licensure examination
particularly civil engineering. This department holds the most exceptional Math
professors in the university.
Due
to the high standard of education in the university and the known professors in
Mathematics, students feel academically pressured. The study of Beilock (2011)
and her colleagues have shown that distinct set of phenomena such as
stereotyping that women can’t do Math (termed stereotype threat; Steele, 1997), taking college admission tests,
chronic fear in of Math experience when sitting in Math class show common
effects they have on cognitive functioning. The availability of working-memory
to meet to a task’s information processing requirements and to manage its
execution is being reduced by these stressful academic situations (Beilock,
2008).
Most of the time, first
year engineering students feel this kind of pressure since they are new to the
environment and are still coping up to the teaching style of their professors.
In the previous semester, many engineering students failed in their Math
subjects, College Algebra and Plane and Spherical Trigonometry. Most of these
students are under professors who are known to imply pressure on their
students. This is one of the situation where the coping efforts of the students
are on high demands which leads to negative emotional states or creates strains
on other areas of life functioning. But the individual’s inner personality is
still where the impression of such situation depends on (Conopio, 1993).
The researchers aim to
present documentation of how first year Civil Engineering deal with pressure
from Math professors. It also investigates and analyzes the effects of why
students experience this kind of pressure. This paper will help future
engineering students to be knowledgeable and prepared when they will be
undergoing to such situations.
Research Questions
1.
What are the effects of pressure dealt by
first year civil engineering students from Math professors?
2.
How do first year civil engineering students
deal with pressure from Math professors?
Methodology
This study is a
qualitative research on how to deal pressure from Math professors among
University of Southeastern Philippines’ Civil Engineering Freshmen day students
by integrating the theories from mySahana organization (2011) and of Beilock
(2011) and Stiffelman (2014).
Studies
about pressure from professors were taken from electronic journals, books,
articles of scholars, and from the libraries.
Anthropological tools
such as face-to-face interview and focus group discussion were used in
collecting and gathering the data. The questions in the face-to-face interview
and focus group discussion were validated by Mr. Sajed S. Ingilan before giving
it to the informants.
A letter of approval was
sent to the Dean of the College of Engineering, Dr. Angel de Vera, Jr. to
conduct the study. Letters of permission were also given to the respondents
asking for their time to be interviewed.
Afterwards,
the interviews were conducted to the 10 informants coming from the CE Freshmen
Day students, ages 15-18 years old who suffer academic pressure from their
professors. To establish a valid corpora, the informants should have a minimum
number of 10 (Creswell, 2000). The informants were examined as to why and how
they feel this kind of pressure and what are their ways in lessening it. For
the focus group discussion, the number of informants were five. Clarifications
of the answers were conducted. Questions were structured and the respondents
could utter their answers in English, Filipino, or Bisaya.
In
the documentation, the researchers used cameras, pens, recorders, and papers.
The
collected and gathered data were interpreted and analyzed by the researchers that
is used in this study. The researchers used thematic analysis in interpreting
the gathered data. The analyzed and interpreted data were validated by Ms.
Princess Nel-an Olo.
Effects of Pressure from Math Professors among First
Year Civil Engineering Students
Pressure
comes in many forms. An article from mySahana organization stated that pressure
from parents causes children to experience various symptoms of depression,
anxiety and also numerous ailments that keeps them out of school instead of
thriving under pressure for the betterment of oneself.
As
teachers of professors being the second parents of the students, they as well
impart certain kind of pressure. This study revealed that there are various
effects of pressure from Math professors among first year civil engineering
students namely mental block, eustress,
anxiety, distress, cramming, loss of focus, depression, and coyness.
Mental Block
Mental
block is common among students especially in quiz and exam hours. 6 out of 10
respondents stated that mental block is caused by pressure from their Math
professors. Mental block is described as a psychological obstacle that hinders
one to do or perform a certain skill or activity (Rew, 2014).
Respondent 2
described what she feels in times of exams when she is having mental block. She
stated that she’s like a blank space, wherein it indicates a state of feeling
nothing, cannot figure out something, or cannot clearly imagine something in
the head.
Respondent 9 stated that she felt shy
when she is having mental block. This indicates that she cannot do well on
communication wherein it is a part of asking questions for clarifying
instructions that is mostly needed when taking exams.
Respondent 3 stated that
she is having mental block not only in exams but also in lectures. She cannot
catch up with the topic which causes her to misunderstand everything and to see
things in a complicated manner that will indicate a problem in her learning
state.
Eustress
‘Eustress’ means the positive
characteristics of stress which is also in contrast with ‘distress’ which depicts its negative characteristics (Selye,
1974). During the interview, 6 out of 10 participants view or take pressure as
somehow what pushes or causes them to study. This is called eustress. This is
somehow a good effect to the students. Pressure from Math professors makes the
students feel that they need to focus and study hard.
According
to Respondent 1, she felt that the pressure she gets from Math professors
pushed her to be more serious and focused to the things she must take on,
especially on studying. The respondent is forced to do actions that will cause
good effects such as doing better on exams or heightening their grades, which
is pertaining to eustress.
Anxiety
Pressure
from Math professors makes the students feel nervous especially during
discussions and exams. Of the 10 respondents, 4 of them said that they have
experienced anxiety as a result of pressure from their Math professors. This
results to constant worries and fears that can distract the students in their
learning.
Respondent 10 elaborated what he felt
when pressure hits him. He explained that his nerves are cracking and the
pressure is really getting into his bones which indicates something that is a
very bad feeling yet he cannot explain the discomfort. It is a state of being
anxious or having anxiety wherein you feel uncertainty or discomfort that you
cannot define or explain.
Respondent
4 clearly stated that when she felt anxiety, she knew that pressure already hit
her. She cannot define it but she felt that she is in the state of being
anxious.
Distress
The
presence of negative psychological states indicates a negative psychological
response to a stressor, known as distress (Simmons and Nelson, 2001). The common
stressor among students is the pressure from Math professors. This kind of
stress is considered as the opposite of eustress. 3 out of 10 respondents said
that distress is acting upon them. The students’ ability to perform schoolwork
efficiently, their mental and physical health are greatly affected by academic
stress (Clark and Rieker, 1986; Felsten and Wilcox, 1992).
Respondent 5 stated that when
pressure had hit him, he felt stressed which caused him to feel nervous. The
nervousness caused a discomfort on his mental state.
Respondent 3 clearly
stated the effects that he gets when he feels pressured from his Math
professors. He indicated that the pressure caused him to struggle for it
distracts his study rhythm.
Other effects that
result from pressure from Math professors which are experienced by first year
civil engineering students are cramming, loss of focus, depression, and
coyness. These effects are minimal but are still being undergone by
students. Pressure can impact different people with different outcomes. As
pressure from Math professors being the main stressor among civil engineering
students accumulate, their coping ability is being strained and their physical
and psychological resources diminishing. The probability of having physical
illness and psychological distress will follow (Lazarus & Folkman, 1994; Pearlin, 1999)
Respondent 3 stated that losing of focus on exams is also from
the result of the intimidation or distraction he sees when his Math professors
appear. This makes him unconfident with his learning as the effect of the
pressure from Math professors.
Ways
of Dealing Pressure from Math Professors among First Year Civil Engineering
Students
This study also revealed that there are eight ways to
deal pressure from Math professors among first year civil engineering students.
These ways are relaxing, approaching
family and friends, finding leisure, setting lower goals, talking or
approaching Math professors, eating, drawing or writing down thoughts, and
having group study.
Relaxing
Relaxing, as
defined by Oxford Dictionary, is to
become less anxious and be free from work. This study revealed that relaxing is
the most common and effective way in dealing pressure from Math professors. Setting
a schedule for having fun and doing what is being loved most is quite necessary
(O, 2014). Sleeping and eating healthy food are some of the basics that should
be started (Stiffelman, 2014). This study showed that most of the respondents do
have a time for themselves, relaxing, shaking things off before their
examinations.
Respondent 2 stated that she is
already using this way as an alternative in coping up with this kind of
pressure. She studies for a short period of time yet she schedules a relaxing
time that lasts for hours in order for her to be refreshed on starting a new
learning state that will help her to understand things better.
Respondent 4 accepts this
way as a good alternative in coping up with this pressure supported by a study
she already knew: ‘The maximum capacity of the brain is only for 45 minutes’.
This indicates that she follows what she learned about the study and scheduled
a relaxing time or breaks during studying.
Approaching Family
and Friends
Approaching family
and friends comes right next to relaxing as most effective way to deal
pressure. 9 out of 10 respondents said that talking or having time with their
family and friends help them cope with the pressure from their Math professors.
Worrying about the ability to succeed no matter what reason it is, is being
buffered by claiming important values like family and friends (Beilock, 2011).
The
respondents stated that they are getting contact with their friends and
families about the situation they are in due to the pressure they feel from
their Math professors. They can clearly express what they feel about this
pressure and this indicates a feeling of comfort and a reaction of their
friends and families by giving positive compliments, advices and cheers that
helped them in coping or facing this kind of pressure.
Finding Leisure
Leisure is
considered as one of the escapes of the respondents from all their academic
stress. Of the 10 participants, 7 of them tend to find leisure to deal with
pressure from their Math professors. Trying to engage in leisure would never
hurt. Spending time in enjoyable activities is called recreation. It is very
important to have recreations and leisure to improve health, boost confidence,
have a chance of showing talents, improve interpersonal skills, socialize,
broaden horizon, and of course, to be set free (Oak, 2016). 
Respondent 6
stated that playing DOTA 2 with this friends has helped him cope up with this
pressure. DOTA 2 is an online game that needs teamwork and cooperation that
will result in enjoyment and satisfaction. This is a kind of recreation wherein
he sets himself free from the pressure and focusing on enjoyment wherein
considered as a form of leisure.
Respondent 4 elaborated
what she does to get enjoyed. She considered these things as a form of leisure
and it serves as an escape on her problems like the pressure she felt from her
Math professors.
Setting Lower
Goals
Stiffelman
(2014) suggested that students should lower their goals. It does not mean that
it is a state of being a slacker, but instead, by doing so, students will achieve
more. This concept will help relieve stress and boost academic success. This
goal must be set in order to feel satisfied in your performance. 6 of the 10
respondents had set their goals to the standards that they can achieve easily.
Results also show
that students who aim higher goals mostly does not reach it, but instead fails
and causes disappointments.
Respondent 2
stated that she is disappointed with the fact that she failed on a Math subject
because she set a high goal on it. She explained that setting a higher goal
caused her disappointment when the outcome was not what she really expected.
Respondent
3 stated that he wanted to be a Dean’s Lister yet was disappointed when he
found out that the Math subjects of this university are very difficult, so he was
indulged in the idea wherein he must be contented on having a passing grade
rather.
Talking to /
Approaching Math Professors
To
deal with the pressure coming from Math professors, students need to get to
know them. They could be the greatest factor why students are feeling this
pressure, but they are also the greatest asset students have in reducing this
pressure. Professors can help students figure out on what materials to focus on
and work with what concept students have been struggling about (Lucier, 2016).
5 out of 10 respondents considered talking or approaching their Math professors
as a way to deal the pressure which also came from them.
Respondent 8 said
that it was really a good choice to approach your professors in order to
clarify some topics and get a clear way on confusing parts of the lesson. It
helped him understand well the lectures.
Fear
of Math professors hinders one’s capability of learning. Respondent 9 stated
that she have been approaching her Math professors, and she can already
understand their topics.
Eating
Eating
has always been an escape from all the problems; financially, emotionally, or
even from pressure. The most recommended foods to eat are high-fibered,
carbohydrate-rich foods and fruits and vegetables. Foods to avoid include
caffeine, sugar, and high-fat foods.
This study
revealed that 5 of the 10 participants are pressure-eaters. One of their ways
to deal with pressure from professors is to eat.
Respondent 9
clearly explained that when she felt the pressure, she seeks relief in eating. She
thinks that eating really helped her a lot.
Respondent
10 explained that when he is taking a break, eating is one of the options he
wanted to do. Eating makes him enjoy the time and it helps him a lot in coping
the pressure he is feeling.
Drawing / Writing
Down Thoughts
Beilock
(2011) has found out that writing down or drawing thoughts before the exam in a
blank paper lessens the pressure. Beilock (2011) and her colleagues conducted a
test instructing their respondents to write down their thoughts before taking
an exam. Their findings revealed that those students who followed them have got
higher scores than those who did not.
3 of the 10
respondents did use this way as an escape for the pressure he is feeling.
Respondent 3 found a way
in expressing his feelings by drawing his thoughts. He considered drawing as a
form of comfort and thus helped him in coping with the pressure from his Math
professors.
Having Group Study
Joining
a study group will help students get things be done on time. This will also
help students to study effectively, let them understand their reference
material, and let them integrate with social time with their homework (Lucier,
2016).
2 out of the 10 respondents
find this way as an effective one as it helps them understand the topic clearer
and better.
Respondent
3 explained that when his classmates get pressured, they conduct a group study
to make things done faster. Group study is considered a form of question-answer
time wherein they tend to understand things better by questioning each other and
mixing their ideas to form a good concept on the things they are taking on.
This is a good way on coping pressure from Math professors as well as to strengthen
everyone’s socialization.
Pressure from Math professors causes a number of
effects to the first year students of Civil Engineering. It is composed of
several negative effects and a few positive effects. Even though it is not a
simple problem that can be easily coped up, there are still several ways or
alternatives that can help the students lessen the pressure they feel from
their Math professors.
Conclusion
The
focal point of this qualitative research approaches the effects and ways of
dealing with pressure from Math professors.
As studied, there are effects on pressure from Math professors and ways
on how to deal with it. This pressure causes students to experience mental
block, feel both eustress and distress, feel anxiety, experience cramming, lose
their focus, feel depression, and trigger coyness.
With these alarming effects, there
are some effective ways on how to deal with this kind of pressure. The most
effective way is to find relaxation. The other ways are as follows: approaching
family and friends, finding leisure, setting goals, talking to Math professors,
eating, participating in Math classes, drawing or writing down thoughts, and
conducting a group study.
The effects and ways of dealing
pressure from Math professors were analyzed based on face to face interviews
and focus group discussion. The ability of this paper to help future civil
engineering students to deal with pressure from their Math professors is what
makes it significant. It is of this importance that we need to study the nature
of this pressure and come up with other ways on how to deal with it.
As
college engineering students, it is in need to conduct further studies about
this matter to lessen the circumstances of failing Math subjects for years to
come.
REFERENCES
Academic Pressure: 5 Tips
From An Expert On Coping With School Stress (2014). In www.huffingtonpost.com/. Accessed on January 18, 2016. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/27/academic-pressure-5-tips
_n_2774106.html
Beilock,
S. (2011). Back to School: Dealing with academic stress. Accessed on January
15, 2016. http://www.apa.org/science/about/psa/2011/09/academic-stress.aspx
Bisht, A.R. (1980) A study of stress in relation to school climate and
academic achievement (age group 13 -17). Unpublished doctoral thesis,
Education, Kumaon University.
Clark,
E.L., & Rieker P.P. (1986). Differences in relationships and stress in
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Medical Foundation, 61, 32-40.
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vs. Distress (2010). In www.brocku.ca. Accessed on March 6, 2016. https://www.brocku.ca/health-services/health-education/stress/eustress-distress
Felsten,
G., & Wilcox, K. (1992). Influences of stress, situation-specific mastery
beliefs and satisfaction with social support on well-being and academic
performance.
How to Eat
Right to Reduce Stress (2015). In www.pcrm.org. Accessed on March 8, 2016. http://www.pcrm.org/health/health-topics/how-to-eat-right-to-reduce-stress. Psychological Reports, 70, 219-303.
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R. S., & Folkman, S. (1994). Stress, appraising, and coping. New
York: Springer.
Lucier,
K. L. (2016). How to Reduce Academic Stress.
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(2016). Importance of Recreation. Accessed on March 7, 2016. http://www.buzzle.com/articles/importance-of-recreation.html
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L. I. (1999). Stress and mental health: A conceptual overview. In T. L. Scheid
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Simmons,
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Pressure: The Science of Doing Your Best When It Matters Most. Accessed on February
2, 2016. http://www.amazon.com/Performing-Under-Pressure-Science-Matters/dp/0804136726
APPENDIX A.1
Republic
of the Philippines
University of
Southeastern Philippines
College of
Engineering
F. Iñigo St., Bo.
Obrero, Davao City
February
18, 2016
DR. ANGEL V. DE
VERA, JR.
Dean,
College of Engineering
This
University
Dear
Dr. De Vera:
We, the first year civil engineering
students of this University, would like to inform you that we will be
conducting a study entitled DEALING WITH
PRESSURE FROM MATH PROFESSORS AMONG FIRST YEAR CIVIL ENGINEERING STUDENTS
as partial fulfillment for the requirements in English 2.
In this regard, we would to ask for your
approval to conduct the said study for collection of data. Rest assured that no
classes will be disturbed during the said activity.
We are hoping for your favorable response.
Thank you very much.
Respectfully
yours,
CLEO ALYKA PAYNANDOS
JON PAUL CLOMA
MARK JOHN AMIMITA
RIAMIEH DINSAY
SHEJIE OLEVER JABILLO
Noted
by:
SAJED S. INGILAN
Instructor
APPENDIX A.2
Republic
of the Philippines
University of
Southeastern Philippines
College of
Engineering
F. Iñigo St., Bo.
Obrero, Davao City
February
18, 2016
Dear
Respondents:
We, the first year civil engineering
students of this University would be conducting a research study entitled DEALING WITH PRESSURE FROM MATH PROFESSORS
AMONG FIRST YEAR CIVIL ENGINEERING STUDENTS as part of our requirements in
English 2.
In line with this, we would like to ask
your help by Participanting the questions about our topic.
Rest assured that all your responses will
be kept confidential.
Your favorable response is highly
appreciated.
Respectfully
yours,
CLEO ALYKA PAYNANDOS
JON PAUL CLOMA
MARK JOHN AMIMITA
RIAMIEH DINSAY
SHEJIE OLEVER JABILLO
Noted
by:
SAJED S. INGILAN
Instructor
APPENDIX
B
Questions:
(Face to Face Interview)
1. What
is your perception about Math subjects? How about your Math professors? Why do
think it this way?
2. Do
you feel pressured in your Math subjects? How about your Math professors? Why?
3. What
are the effects on you if you feel pressured by your professors?
4. Do
you have any backgrounds about your professors? Did it help you cope with the
pressure he/she is giving?
5. Have
you tried writing down your thoughts in a blank paper when you are pressured
(e.g. before the exam)? If yes, did it help? In what way?
6. Do
you take a break when you are studying for a Math exam? Why or why not?
7. Do
you participate during Math class discussions? Did it help you feel less
pressured? Why?
8. Have
you tried to approach your professor when you don’t understand a certain topic?
Why? Why not?
9. In
what way do you take school works like assignments in your Math subjects?
10. Have
you tried setting a goal in your academic performance? Did you feel satisfied?
11. Do
you unwind yourself from all the stress and pressure you feel from school
especially from your professors? Did it help? How?
12. Have
you tried to approach your friends and family when you feel pressured? If yes,
did it help? How?
Focus
Group Discussion Questions
1. How
does pressure from professors affects your studies?
2. What
do you usually do when you are feeling pressured from math subjects and
professors?
3. When
you are feeling pressured, do you try to find solutions by yourself or ask help
from other people? Why?
4. How
does getting used to with this kind of pressure help you deal with it?
5. Why
do you think it is important to deal with this kind of pressure?
APPENDIX
C.1
TRANSCRIPTION
OF THE FACE-TO-FACE INTERVIEW WITH PARTICIPANT 1
Date
Interviewed: February 18, 2016
Venue:
Fraternity Area, USeP-Obrero
Time
Started: 1:58 P.M.
Time
Ended: 2:04 P.M.
Interviewer:
What
is your perception about Math subjects? How about your Math professors? Why do
think it this way?
Participant:
Uhm, para sa ako ang Math subject kay, mm,
subject nga lisod siya pero kaya man basta mag tinarong lang. Then ang mga
professors nako, uhm okay ra man sila, sayon lang man sila mutudlo tas
makasabot man pud ko, tas kato okay lang sila.
Interviewer:
Do
you feel pressured in your Math subjects? How about your Math professors? Why?
Participant:
Oo gamay kay, pag ano kanang, pag mag
start ang klase kay makahuna huna ko nga basig ano ba kanang, di na pud nako ni
masabtan, unsa na pud ni, tapos kadto. Ay di man, di man ko ma pressure sa
akong mga ano, professor. Kuan lang, kanang, uhmm, pag ano kanang musulod lang
sila nga suko tapos murag badtrip ang dagway mao to ma pressure gyud ko, gamay.
Interviewer:
What
are the effects on you if you feel pressured by your professors?
Participant: Mmmm, kanang maka huna huna ko nga mag
tinarong jud ko.
Interviewer:
Do
you have any backgrounds about your professors? Did it help you cope with the
pressure he/she is giving?
Participant: Mmm, kanang ano, tagsa kay mag storya storya
pud ko sa akong mga professors sa Math nako nga subject para kanang, pag naa
koy questions nagapangutana ko sa ilaha. O kay, pag ano kanang murag, ma feel
nako nga naga bond, naga bond bond mi then di na nako ma feel ang pressure pag
ano naga start na among klase.
Interviewer:
Have
you tried writing down your thoughts in a blank paper when you are pressured
(e.g. before the exam)? If yes, did it help? In what way?
Participant: Uhmm, murag dili naman kailangan, wala na
nako ginahimo.
Interviewer:
Do
you take a break when you are studying for a Math exam? Why or why not?
Participant: O alangan unsaon man nako pag huna huna ug
tarong kung gigutom ko (chuckles).
Interviewer:
Do
you participate during Math class discussions? Did it help you feel less
pressured? Why?
Participant: Ano pag masabtan nako tapos kanang ano,
uhmm, o naga participate ko pag naga ask si Maam nga kailangan mag Participant
sa board then naga kuan pud ko, naga participate ko para mas masabtan jud nako
ang subject. Mmm, gamay, kay ano kanang dili na nako ma-feel gud nga kanang,
murag, ma-behind ba ko, kay ma - murag matabangan nako ani para mas maka-think
positive jud ko nga makaya nako ang subject.
Interviewer:
Have
you tried to approach your professor when you don’t understand a certain topic?
Why? Why not?
Participant: O, alangan. Para ano kanang, para inig mag
self-study nako kay makasabot ko unsaon nako pag Participant sa is aka ano,
problem.
Interviewer:
In
what way do you take school works like assignments in your Math subjects?
Participant: Kuan, uhmm, tagsa kay mag managad ko sa
akong mga classmate nga mag ano, uhmm, mag group study then mag ano, mag sabay
mi mag Participant para pag naa koy mga dili masabtan kay mapangutana nako sila
tapos murag di nako ma feel nga ako ra isa ba. Kanang naa koy katabang gud.
Interviewer:
Have
you tried setting a goal in your academic performance? Did you feel satisfied?
Participant: O, kanang ano, kanang feel nako nga ma down
na ko nga mabagsak jud ko ani, GG, so maka huna huna jud ko nga magtinarong ko
tapos mabutang jud nako akong goal nga kailangan nako ni ipasa. Uhmm, hapit na
jud. Alangan, para maka proceed jud ko sa akong pag eskwela.
Interviewer:
Do
you unwind yourself from all the stress and pressure you feel from school
especially from your professors? Did it help? How?
Participant: Tagsa mag laag laag ko tapos para
maka huna huna kog tarong tas mag lingaw lingaw. Tagsa gani bago mag exam kay
mag party party sa ko ana para pagka ugma inig exam na kay okay na akong huna
huna.
Interviewer:
Have
you tried to approach your friends and family when you feel pressured? If yes,
did it help? How?
Participant: Uhmm, tagsa kay muingon ko na kanang feel
nako kay mabagsak na pud ko ani pero gina ingnan man ko nila nga think positive
lang tapos tarongon lang gyud nako, i-give lang nako akong best. Mm, para maka
ano, murag ma realize gyud nako na tabangan ko nga maka realize nga mag
tinarong jud ko.
APPENDIX
C.2
TRANSCRIPTION
OF THE FACE-TO-FACE INTERVIEW WITH PARTICIPANT 2
Date
Interviewed: February 18, 2016
Venue:
Gazebo, USeP - Obrero Campus
Time
Started: 4:20 P.M.
Time
Ended: 4:27 P.M.
Interviewer:
What
is your perception about Math subjects? How about your Math professors? Why do
think it this way?
Participant: My perception about Math subjects, before,
for me, Math was easy but then when I entered this university, I felt that Math
is really difficult but I can handle it, I know I can handle it, uhm, by giving
time and by giving effort. So my perception about my Math professors that they
are really experts in the field that they are in, because I know that they have
gone this very well, yeah, gone through this very well. Uh, what do you mean?
Uh why is my perception like this like that? Um, my perception, I think that
way because I’ve experienced it and also I have a knowledge that those
professors that I’ve said a while ago for their description, I know that they
have graduated upon this, they have mastered this kind of field.
Interviewer:
Do
you feel pressured in your Math subjects? How about your Math professors? Why?
Participant: Yes, before, but for now I’m not really
pressured because I’m confidently beautiful with a heart. Hahahahaha, chos!
Before yes I was really pressured about my Math professors especially the first
one because he was the first one to give me a failing grade, and then, as of
now my second sem, I’m not really pressured ‘coz my – I can really, what you
call this, uh, I can talk to my professors regarding this regarding that, so,
there’s no like, parang harang between us.
Interviewer:
What
are the effects on you if you feel pressured by your professors?
Participant: So, of course, pressure has either positive
or negative effects, so yung positive na side is, parang, maka study jud ko,
but for the negative side, kanang mag-cram ko and yung times of exam na jud is
makalimutan ko yung mga na-study-han ko like ma blank space baby.
Interviewer:
Do
you have any backgrounds about your professors? Did it help you cope with the
pressure he/she is giving?
Participant: So, yung alam ko lang about my professors is
that they are licensed engineers, so on and so forth. Mmmm, not really
(chuckles). Not really, their title didn’t help me at all.
Interviewer:
Have
you tried writing down your thoughts in a blank paper when you are pressured
(e.g. before the exam)? If yes, did it help? In what way?
Participant: No, I didn’t put anything on paper. It
didn’t help because I did not so.
Interviewer:
Do
you take a break when you are studying for a Math exam? Why or why not?
Participant: (chuckles) Yes, uh, I study for 15 minutes
then take a break for 3 hours. That’s it. So that my mind will be refreshed
then I’ll continue. Yes, for 3 hours my mind will be refreshed.
Interviewer:
Do
you participate during Math class discussions? Did it help you feel less pressured?
Why?
Participant: Yes, I participate during Math class
discussions. And, somehow it helped me lessen the pressure around me, because
somehow, parang may alam na ako regarding this topic and parang confident ako
kasi, because I help or parang may, murag nagatabang ko in a sense na mag ani
ani, like five times five, twenty-five Maam! Mga ing-ana.
Interviewer:
Have
you tried to approach your professor when you don’t understand a certain topic?
Why? Why not?
Participant: Uhm, in my mind, I want to try but since I’m
a little bit ashamed or something like that, I don’t really approach them.
Because somehow, yeah, that’s what I’ve said, I feel ashamed.
Interviewer:
In
what way do you take school works like assignments in your Math subjects?
Participant:
In what way? Way do you
take school works? In what way do you take? What do you mean? Ah, okay, like
that? So, I make my assignments by scanning, little by little, and scanning
books, opening some other references or sources that might help me about my subject
or assignment.
Interviewer:
Have
you tried setting a goal in your academic performance? Did you feel satisfied?
Participant: Before yes (chuckles). Yes, some, in other
parts or in the other subject matters that I had but in my Math subjects I
don’t think so.
Interviewer:
Do
you unwind yourself from all the stress and pressure you feel from school
especially from your professors? Did it help? How?
Participant: Yes, I unwind myself, with eating
and relaxing, or from yung mga stroll stroll, pahangin hangin sa beach, ay
chos! Somehow it helped me because I feel, uh I felt relaxed during those times
so parang nalilimutan ko yung stress and that’s all. Pero bumabalik din sya pag
tapak ko ng school.
Interviewer:
Have
you tried to approach your friends and family when you feel pressured? If yes,
did it help? How?
Participant: Yes, I especially approach my brother
because I know he knows what, what does it feel to be pressured because, uh
dumaan din siya. He experienced the travail. Yes, because he gives me advices
like do this, don’t do that, yung mga ganun, so somehow, he really had a great
help maintaining my balanced situation in the school. So yun lang, that’s it.
Thank you so much.
APPENDIX
C.3
TRANSRIPTION
OF THE FACE-TO-FACE INTERVIEW WITH
PARTICIPANT
3
Date
Interviewed: February 19, 2016
Venue:
Frat Area, USeP Obrero Campus
Time
Started: 1:39 P.M.
Time
Ended: 1:45 P.M.
Interviewer:
What
is your perception about Math subjects? How about your Math professors? Why do
think it this way?
Participant: Uh, about Math, I think it’s a very hard
subject. And about our Math professors in civil engineering, or in the
engineering, some professors are good at teaching but some are parang ano lang,
medyo, okay lang. Then meron din yung mga teachers na hindi talaga
maintindihan. Siguro, siguro ganun lang talaga ‘yon. Di ko talaga ma-explain
bakit ganun.
Interviewer:
Do
you feel pressured in your Math subjects? How about your Math professors? Why?
Participant: Sa Math subjects, uh, medyo pressured talaga
lalo na yung mga professors natin na medyo, parang, uh, yung hindi masyadong
magaling magturo and then mahirap yung mga exams. Sobrang hirap talaga as
in.
Interviewer:
What
are the effects on you if you feel pressured by your professors?
Participant: Siyempre, pag na-pressure ka, parang
masisira talaga yung diskarte mo or yung parang rhythm mo sa pag-aaral. So yun,
nahihirapan talaga.
Interviewer:
Do
you have any backgrounds about your professors? Did it help you cope with the
pressure he/she is giving?
Participant: Hindi ko talaga sila masayadong kilala.
Medyo nakikilala ko lang sila the way sila magturo. Hindi talaga (chuckles).
Interviewer:
Have
you tried writing down your thoughts in a blank paper when you are pressured
(e.g. before the exam)? If yes, did it help? In what way?
Participant: Uh, hindi ko sinusulat pero dinaw-drawing ko
sila (chuckles). Yung parang feeling ng isang estudyanteng naghihirap, yun
dinaw-drawing ko lang, hindi ko sinusulat. Uh, medyo parang nae-express mo yung
feelings mo gud, yun.
Interviewer:
Do
you take a break when you are studying for a Math exam? Why or why not?
Participant: Medyo, pag nag-stu-study ka ng Math,
kailangan talaga sigurong magka-break ka ng konti kasi parang ang hirap hirap
ng subject na yan and parang kung hindi ka magbe-break parang pinapahirapan mo
yung sarili mo.
Interviewer:
Do
you participate during Math class discussions? Did it help you feel less
pressured? Why?
Participant: Sa Math naming ngayon, hindi talaga ako
nagpa-participate. Kasi hindi ko naman talaga maintindihan yung sinasabi nila.
(chuckles) So yun.
Interviewer:
Have
you tried to approach your professor when you don’t understand a certain topic?
Why? Why not?
Participant: Hindi ko sila ma-approach kasi yung ibang
professors kasi parang iba yung dating nila eh, yung pag tinatanong mo sila
parang babagsakin ka agad, yun.
Interviewer:
In
what way do you take school works like assignments in your Math subjects?
Participant: Depende talaga sa mga professor. Meron
talagang mga professor kasi na chine-check talaga yung mga assignments. And
then meron in naman akong kilalang professor na hindi naga-check ng assignments
kaya minsan hindi na lang ako nag-a-assignment or nangongopya na lang ako sa
iba, yun.
Interviewer:
Have
you tried setting a goal in your academic performance? Did you feel satisfied?
Participant:
Uh, nung una nagta-try
talaga ako na maging DL, pero nung na-experience ko na yung hirap ng Math,
parang wala na, hindi talaga, hindi ko kaya, so yun. Okay na ako sa pasa.
Interviewer:
Do
you unwind yourself from all the stress and pressure you feel from school
especially from your professors? Did it help? How?
Participant: Mmm, oo. Yung parang dinadaan ko na
lang sa laro yung mga nararamdaman ko, especially DOTA, yun naga-DOTA na lang
ako. O yun, parang gumagaan yung, yung feeling mo at that time, pero pagkatapos
parang wala, nandyan pa rin yung problema eh.
Interviewer:
Have
you tried to approach your friends and family when you feel pressured? If yes,
did it help? How?
Participant: Yun, ah, always naman talaga ako
nagshe-share, lalo na sa mga friends, pero hindi sa family, yun. Yung parang,
yun, napag-uusapan talaga naming kasi iisa lang kami ng teacher. Parang
nakakatulong na rin kasi yung parang matatawanan mo yung problema mo. Or
matatawanan mo yung mga professor mo. So yun na yun.
APPENDIX
C.4
TRANSCRIPTION
OF THE FACE-TO-FACE INTERVIEW WITH PARTICIPANT 4
Date
Interviewed: February 19, 2016
Venue:
Frat Area, USeP Obrero Campus
Time
Started: 1:48 P.M.
Time
Ended: 1:55 P.M.
Interviewer:
What
is your perception about Math subjects? How about your Math professors? Why do
think it this way?
Participant: Well, some time, there are really times that
it’s easy to understand and there are times that it’s so hard, like hard hard.
My previous professors, the two of them, I don’t really get them because, you
know I both failed in their subjects, and it sucks, so, hah, they’re so hard.
Well, the way they teach I can’t catch up, I can’t understand so easily that’s
why, I think, I think that’s why I think it that way.
Interviewer:
Do
you feel pressured in your Math subjects? How about your Math professors? Why?
Participant: Well, if you’re referring to pressure as
being, uh, what do you call this, struggling to this subject and for your
professors, they are the ones who are giving us, ano, mga lessons, so yeah I
feel pressured to the two of them, the Math and the professors because
professors are the, yeah.
Interviewer:
What
are the effects on you if you feel pressured by your professors?
Participant: Well, uhm, that’s it, I can’t catch up.
It’s, it’s too hard to understand, everything’s so complicated. We’re running
in circles here.
Interviewer:
Do
you have any backgrounds about your professors? Did it help you cope with the
pressure he/she is giving?
Participant: I didn’t have any idea before, but now that
I’ve gone through them for like one semester, my background is not really that
good. No I did not, I was caught off-guard, totally off-guard!
Interviewer:
Have
you tried writing down your thoughts in a blank paper when you are pressured
(e.g. before the exam)? If yes, did it help? In what way?
Participant: Before the exam, well, all I do is study so
I don’t think I have any time to taking everything down and everything I’m
thinking, everything I’m feeling, so, if there is time, maybe my me time, I’d
write things down but usually my thoughts, just my thoughts, they don’t become
any words on a notebook or being spoken. Since I don’t usually, I don’t usually
do it, I’m not sure but, my Participant is no.
Interviewer:
Do
you take a break when you are studying for a Math exam? Why or why not?
Participant:
Of course, I think I’ve
heard that, I’ve read that 45 minutes is the maximum, ano, time na mag-study
ang atong brain, mag work atong brain as, yeah, okay, you know what I mean, you
know, yeah.
Interviewer:
Do
you participate during Math class discussions? Did it help you feel less
pressured? Why?
Participant: I don’t participate Math discussions,
because I’m too busy trying everything to sink in so, no.
Interviewer:
Have
you tried to approach your professor when you don’t understand a certain topic?
Why? Why not?
Participant: I’m like too scared to do that, I’m too
chickened out so, I usually ask some of my classmates.
Interviewer:
In
what way do you take school works like assignments in your Math subjects?
Participant: What do you mean? Oh, of course, I take it
one step at a time, because most of them are not really that easy. Each of them
should be focused to yeah, to get them.
Interviewer:
Have
you tried setting a goal in your academic performance? Did you feel satisfied?
Participant: Of course, why would I be here if I don’t
have any goal but then, the last question, “Did you feel satisfied?” I think I,
I’m still on my way there so I don’t think I feel anything near being
satisfied.
Interviewer:
Do
you unwind yourself from all the stress and pressure you feel from school
especially from your professors? Did it help? How?
Participant: Oh my God, I talk a lot with other
people about celebrities, movies. I go to cinema house, I read, I sleep, and
yeah that’s how I do it. And of course, all of them helped, because they’re,
they’re like my escape from every pressure I’ve had.
Interviewer:
Have
you tried to approach your friends and family when you feel pressured? If yes,
did it help? How?
Participant: Well, I’ve tried to approach them when I
feel pressured but I don’t think they know that I’m pressured that time. So,
yes of course it helps, because they’re family, they’re friends, they make you
feel better, but sometimes, you just wanna kill them.
APPENDIX
C.5
TRANSCRIPTION
OF THE FACE-TO-FACE INTERVIEW WITH PARTICIPANT 5
Date
Interviewed: February 22, 2016
Venue:
4th Floor Engineering Building Corridor, USeP Obrero Campus
Time
Started: 4:06 P.M.
Time
Ended: 4:10 P.M.
Interviewer:
What
is your perception about Math subjects? How about your Math professors? Why do
think it this way?
Participant: Uhm, difficult? Yes, so difficult, and
that’s all. Uhm, also difficult. Because they are engineers.
Interviewer:
Do
you feel pressured in your Math subjects? How about your Math professors? Why?
Participant: Yes. Yes, because the subjects are so hard
and the professors are engineers.
Interviewer:
What
are the effects on you if you feel pressured by your professors?
Participant: Uhm, I feel stressed. I get stressed, I feel
nervous and yeah, etcetera.
Interviewer:
Do
you have any backgrounds about your professors? Did it help you cope with the
pressure he/she is giving?
Participant: Uhm, no. Honestly no. Uhm, uhmm, no.
Interviewer:
Have
you tried writing down your thoughts in a blank paper when you are pressured
(e.g. before the exam)? If yes, did it help? In what way?
Participant: Yes. Yes, uhmm, I suddenly remembered what I
had studied, the lessons that I studied last night.
Interviewer:
Do
you take a break when you are studying for a Math exam? Why or why not?
Participant:
Yes. So that my brain will not get
blasted (chuckles).
Interviewer:
Do
you participate during Math class discussions? Did it help you feel less
pressured? Why?
Participant:
No. Because I’m ashamed.
Interviewer:
Have
you tried to approach your professor when you don’t understand a certain topic?
Why? Why not?
Participant: Yes, so that I can understand it.
Interviewer:
In
what way do you take school works like assignments in your Math subjects?
Participant:
Uhmm, I, take it seriously.
Interviewer:
Have
you tried setting a goal in your academic performance? Did you feel satisfied?
Participant: Yes, yes!
Interviewer:
Do
you unwind yourself from all the stress and pressure you feel from school
especially from your professors? Did it help? How?
Participant: Yes,
yes. In making me stay calm, that’s all.
Interviewer:
Have
you tried to approach your friends and family when you feel pressured? If yes,
did it help? How?
Participant: Yes, I build, because of them, I build
courage. Courage builds inside upon me.
APPENDIX
C.6
TRANSCRIPTION
OF THE FACE-TO-FACE INTERVIEW WITH PARTICIPANT 6
Date
Interviewed: February 22, 2016
Venue:
4th Floor Engineering Building Corridor, USeP Obrero Campus
Time
Started: 4:10 P.M.
Time
Ended: 4:13 P.M.
Interviewer:
What
is your perception about Math subjects? How about your Math professors? Why do
think it this way?
Participant: Para sa akoa okay lang siya, pero sa mga
professor, depende ra sa ila kung pasaron mi nila o dili. Kay ing ana man pud
akong na experience atong first sem.
Interviewer:
Do
you feel pressured in your Math subjects? How about your Math professors? Why?
Participant: Sa College Algebra, pressure pud. Utro pud.
Kay dili man masabtan ilang tinudlo-an.
Interviewer:
What
are the effects on you if you feel pressured by your professors?
Participant: Di ko kahuna-huna ug tarong, nya di
ko mahimutang.
Interviewer:
Do
you have any backgrounds about your professors? Did it help you cope with the
pressure he/she is giving?
Participant:
Wala lagi, wala gyud ko
kaila nila sugod pa lang. Wala pud.
Interviewer:
Have
you tried writing down your thoughts in a blank paper when you are pressured
(e.g. before the exam)? If yes, did it help? In what way?
Participant:
Wala pud. Ma-pressure ko
panington lang, mao lang.
Interviewer:
Do
you take a break when you are studying for a Math exam? Why or why not?
Participant:
Dili. Kay gina apas nako makabalo ko daan
usa ko magpahuway.
Interviewer:
Do
you participate during Math class discussions? Did it help you feel less
pressured? Why?
Participant: Usahay pag kabalo ko. O kay machallenge man
ko usahay, so mag participate gyud ko.
Interviewer:
Have
you tried to approach your professor when you don’t understand a certain topic?
Why? Why not?
Participant: O, kay siya may nakabalo ato.
Interviewer:
In
what way do you take school works like assignments in your Math subjects?
Participant: Didto ko magpondo sa library para daghag
libro, daghag reference.
Interviewer:
Have
you tried setting a goal in your academic performance? Did you feel satisfied?
Participant: O, wa lagi. Fail man gud, epic fail.
Interviewer:
Do
you unwind yourself from all the stress and pressure you feel from school
especially from your professors? Did it help? How?
Participant: Wala gyud, walay time anang ing ana,
study sa gyud. Wala may time.
Interviewer:
Have
you tried to approach your friends and family when you feel pressured? If yes,
did it help? How?
Participant:
O, o gitabangan ko nila ****** nag DOTA 2
mi. Nalingaw ko nya nakalimtan nako akong problema.
APPENDIX
C.7
TRANSCRIPTION
OF THE FACE-TO-FACE INERVIEW WITH PARTICIPANT 7
Date
Interviewed: February 22, 2016
Venue:
4th Floor Engineering Building Corridor, USeP Obrero Campus
Time
Started: 4:14 P.M.
Time
Ended: 4:18 P.M.
Interviewer:
What
is your perception about Math subjects? How about your Math professors? Why do
think it this way?
Participant: Difficult. Even more so. Math professors and
Math subjects are really intimidating.
Interviewer:
Do
you feel pressured in your Math subjects? How about your Math professors? Why?
Participant: All the time. Even more so. The way they
look and they talk, they’re very intimidating.
Interviewer:
What
are the effects on you if you feel pressured by your professors?
Participant: Depression.
Interviewer:
Do
you have any backgrounds about your professors? Did it help you cope with the
pressure he/she is giving?
Participant:
Not at all. Not at all.
Interviewer:
Have
you tried writing down your thoughts in a blank paper when you are pressured
(e.g. before the exam)? If yes, did it help? In what way?
Participant: Not even once. Because it depresses me even
more.
Interviewer:
Do
you take a break when you are studying for a Math exam? Why or why not?
Participant: All the time. Because I can’t think of
anything else.
Interviewer:
Do
you participate during Math class discussions? Did it help you feel less
pressured? Why?
Participant:
Not at all, because I
don’t understand.
Interviewer:
Have
you tried to approach your professor when you don’t understand a certain topic?
Why? Why not?
Participant: No, and I’d rather not. They freak me out.
Interviewer:
In
what way do you take school works like assignments in your Math subjects?
Participant:
I try and try until I
cry.
Interviewer:
Have
you tried setting a goal in your academic performance? Did you feel satisfied?
Participant: For the first semester in college not at
all. After seeing how the Math is in the engineering building, I gave up.
Interviewer:
Do
you unwind yourself from all the stress and pressure you feel from school
especially from your professors? Did it help? How?
Participant: Yes, mostly, sometimes. I talk my mind off
the pressure and problems that professors were giving me.
Interviewer:
Have
you tried to approach your friends and family when you feel pressured? If yes,
did it help? How?
Participant: No. I’m rather isolated from other people.
Sometimes I’d rather be like to be alone with my problems.
APPENDIX
C.8
TRANSCRIPTION
OF THE FACE-TO-FACE INTERVIEW WITH PARTICIPANT 8
Date
Interviewed: February 22, 2016
Venue:
Frat Area, USeP Obrero Campus
Time
Started: 4:43 P.M.
Time
Ended: 4:47 P.M.
Interviewer:
What
is your perception about Math subjects? How about your Math professors? Why do
think it this way?
Participant:
Ah, lisod siya, lisod.
Hmmmm, diha pud mag differ ang kalisod sa subject. Ahh, experience (chuckles).
Interviewer:
Do
you feel pressured in your Math subjects? How about your Math professors? Why?
Participant: Yes. Also. Kanang, basta kay kanang, naa pud
silay expectation sa imo ba nga estudyante nga makakat-on dayun ka pero lisod
man jud siya.
Interviewer:
What
are the effects on you if you feel pressured by your professors?
Participant: Murag kanang mag lisod ko ug Participant
nuon, or participate sa iyang klase ana.
Interviewer:
Do
you have any backgrounds about your professors? Did it help you cope with the
pressure he/she is giving?
Participant:
Wala. Ah wala jud.
(chuckles)
Interviewer:
Have
you tried writing down your thoughts in a blank paper when you are pressured
(e.g. before the exam)? If yes, did it help? In what way?
Participant: Ah, no. Kanang, kanang murag gina ako-ako
lang nako.
Interviewer:
Do
you take a break when you are studying for a Math exam? Why or why not?
Participant: Yes. Ah, kanang kapuyon man gud ka mag sige
ug huna huna ug numbers gud.
Interviewer:Do
you participate during Math class discussions? Did it help you feel less
pressured? Why?
Participant: Ah, sometimes. Hmm, murag kay pag mag apil
apil ko feeling nako nakasabot ko.
Interviewer:
Have
you tried to approach your professor when you don’t understand a certain topic?
Why? Why not?
Participant: Hmm, yes, na-try na nako. Kay naa may uban
gyud na, topics na, maglisod gyud ko ug, o kaya malibog ko, mao to.
Interviewer:
In
what way do you take school works like assignments in your Math subjects?
Participant: One step at a time. Kay para, dili ko ma-,
kanang, overload gani, nang sabay tanan kapoy kayo.
Interviewer:
Have
you tried setting a goal in your academic performance? Did you feel satisfied?
Participant: Yes, uhh, karon yes. Yes yes. Very.
Interviewer:
Do
you unwind yourself from all the stress and pressure you feel from school
especially from your professors? Did it help? How?
Participant: Yes, yes. Tabang kayo. Kanang,
murag, makalimot ka kadali sa kanang, ka-pressure. Murag naa kay time sa imong
sarili pud ba. Kana lang.
Interviewer:
Have
you tried to approach your friends and family when you feel pressured? If yes,
did it help? How?
Participant: Family, dili kaayo, pero friends yes. Hmm,
makatabang siya kay pare-pareha ra man pud mi ug kahimtang.
APPENDIX
C.9
TRANSCRITION
OF THE FACE-TO-FACE INTERVIEW WITH PARTICIPANT 9
Date
Interviewed: February 22, 2016
Venue:
Room 409 Engineering Building, USeP Obrero Campus
Time
Started: 5:00 P.M.
Time
Ended: 5:05 P.M.
Interviewer:
What
is your perception about Math subjects? How about your Math professors? Why do
think it this way?
Participant: As usual, Math is difficult. More difficult
especially when you don’t know the topic. They’ll make it less difficult,
easier for you. Because they want you to be challenged, or they just want to
pressure you, I think.
Interviewer:
Do
you feel pressured in your Math subjects? How about your Math professors? Why?
Participant: Yes. Samot. Hahaha. Uhm, lisod man gud
kanang murag, lisod i-attain ilang gina expect sa imoha as nakapasa ka dinhia
nga eskwelahan as Civil Engineering, so ma pressure jud.
Interviewer:
What
are the effects on you if you feel pressured by your professors?
Participant: Sometimes, uhm, mental block.
Sometimes, uhm, maulaw na ka. Maulaw na ka magpagawas sa imong gibati or gusto
nimo ipangutana. And mao lang.
Interviewer:
Do
you have any backgrounds about your professors? Did it help you cope with the
pressure he/she is giving?
Participant: Some, some of them. No, hahaha. Because one
of our professors, ang iyahang murag history kay nabagsak siya, so murag
nagabagsak na pud siya. Mao na mas ma pressure jud ka.
Interviewer:
Have
you tried writing down your thoughts in a blank paper when you are pressured
(e.g. before the exam)? If yes, did it help? In what way?
Participant:
Yes, uhm, usahay. Usahay pud mas, murag
mas makulbaan jud ka pero usahay dako jud siyag matabang especially pag God
imong gina sulatan sa imong ka pressure. Uhm, ipagawas nimo imong gibati nga
lisod. Hinumduman nimo imong gipang study-han and mao lang.
Interviewer:
Do
you take a break when you are studying for a Math exam? Why or why not?
Participant: Yes. Because I’m a pressure eating woman.
Pag ma pressure, mukaon. Mao lang.
Interviewer:
Do
you participate during Math class discussions? Did it help you feel less
pressured? Why?
Participant: No. Makulbaan ko, basig mali akong ma-answer,
ana.
Interviewer:
Have
you tried to approach your professor when you don’t understand a certain topic?
Why? Why not?
Participant: Uhm, sa karon yes. But last sem no. Sa karon
kay mas makasabot na jud ko. Sauna kay makulbaan jud ko sa professor.
Interviewer: In what way do you take
school works like assignments in your Math subjects?
Participant: I take it seriously. Maga study
najud ko day before the exam.
Interviewer: Have you tried setting a
goal in your academic performance? Did you feel satisfied?
Participant:
Yes. For now, I can say yes. Very
satisfied.
Interviewer:
Do
you unwind yourself from all the stress and pressure you feel from school
especially from your professors? Did it help? How?
Participant: Yes, very much. Very much. We go
laag-laag, bonding bonding with friends, eating, mao lang.
Interviewer:
Have
you tried to approach your friends and family when you feel pressured? If yes,
did it help? How?
Participant: Yes. Very much. I always say to my parents,
all kanang my problema, kanang mabagsak ka, imong kasakit, nya nagatabang pud
sila nga mucomfort sa imoha.
APPENDIX
C.10
TRANSCRIPTION
OF THE FACE-TO-FACE INTERVIEW WITH PARTICIPANT 10
Date
Interviewed: February 22, 2016
Venue:
Room 409 Engineering Building, USeP Obrero Campus
Time
Started: 5:08 P.M.
Time
Ended: 5:15 P.M.
Interviewer:
What
is your perception about Math subjects? How about your Math professors? Why do
think it this way?
Participant: I think, the first expectation that
I had during my first semester is that Math subject is very difficult since I’m
not that inclined to Math subjects even when I am still in uhm, high school
because I’m not a Math enthusiast so I think it would be tough, uh a tough
subject for me. Of course I feel pressured because by looking at his figure,
he’s very strict. I just think that way because it is based on what I have
seen.
Interviewer:
Do
you feel pressured in your Math subjects? How about your Math professors? Why?
Participant: Yes, absolutely. Yeah. Because as what I’ve
said earlier when uhm, by just looking at the figure of Sir *mmm*, he’s very
strict and a very serious type of person.
Interviewer:
What
are the effects on you if you feel pressured by your professors?
Participant: I think the very effect on me when I
feel pressured with my professors is that I think my nerves are cracking and
it’s really getting into my bones. I just can’t explain.
Interviewer:
Do
you have any backgrounds about your professors? Did it help you cope with the
pressure he/she is giving?
Participant: None. I don’t think so because I failed.
Interviewer:
Have
you tried writing down your thoughts in a blank paper when you are pressured
(e.g. before the exam)? If yes, did it help? In what way?
Participant: Uhm, actually I, in my boarding house I have
a journal notebook. Yes I write down all my, my feelings that I wanted to
express by writing even though I cannot express it verbally. Yes. In the sense
that I uhm, my outburst that I felt from within is being taken out.
Interviewer:
Do
you take a break when you are studying for a Math exam? Why or why not?
Participant:
Of course, because based
on a research that I’ve found, it’s not good that you are going to be serious
and study for, especially when you are studying a Math subject. Yes, you really
need a break by eating a lot of food and enjoying other things because it helps
a lot.
Interviewer:
Do
you participate during Math class discussions? Did it help you feel less pressured?
Why?
Participant: No. Because I’m a shy type of person.
(Budinggggggg!) Hahahahahahaha. No, but somehow, haha.
Interviewer:
Have
you tried to approach your professor when you don’t understand a certain topic?
Why? Why not?
Participant: I just approach my classmates.
Because my professor in strict in figure and I don’t think that I can express
my thoughts about the subject or about the topic that he is discussing.
Interviewer:
In
what way do you take school works like assignments in your Math subjects?
Participant:
Uhm, I take it seriously
of course in order to pass.
Interviewer:
Have
you tried setting a goal in your academic performance? Did you feel satisfied?
Participant: Yes of course. Goal setting is very
important for you to have a pattern on what are he dreams that you wanted to
achieve. Maybe as of these days, yeah.
Interviewer:
Do
you unwind yourself from all the stress and pressure you feel from school
especially from your professors? Did it help? How?
Participant: Of course, I’m unwinding myself from
all the pressure that I’ve felt from school because if you’re going to take it
even if you are in your present home you had now, you might die because it’s
not a good thing that you keep it in yourself. You have to take it out.
Interviewer:
Have
you tried to approach your friends and family when you feel pressured? If yes,
did it help? How?
Participant:
Yes. A lot. Because if
I’m going to tell them that I’m pressured, for example in the present situation
that I am in, they are giving me advices that truly help on coping this kind of
pressure.
APPENDIX
C.11
FOCUS
GROUP DISCUSSION
Date
Interviewed: February 28, 2016
Venue:
Gazebo, USeP Obrero Campus
Time
Started: 5:42 P.M.
Time
Ended: 5:53 P.M.
Interviewer:
How
does pressure from professors affects your studies?
Participant
#1:
Nakaapekto siya sa akoa sa pamaagi nga,
ay in a way na kailangan nako study-han ang mga lessons nga na-discuss ug
kailangan ko mag focus ato kung unsa akong wala nasabtan for me to fully understand
and Participant if ever nay quizzes or exams nga muabot.
Participant
#2:
Good afternoon. Ang pressure gud no,
kabalo ka pag ma-pressure gud ko sa akong mga professors pirmente lang ko
anxious [engk-shous]. I don’t know how to say that, anxious [engk-shous]. But
anxiety is one of the effects of the pressure from Math prfoessors.
Participant
#3:
Para sa ako, kanang ano, uhm, mapugos jud
ko nga magtinarong pag maayo then kanang, maka, murag kailangan pa nako
mu-focus gud tungod sa ka-pressure nako sa ilaha.
Participant
#4: Para sa ako,
kanang, kanang, mura ganig, kuntahay mag lesson na, feel nimo nakasabot naka
pero tungod sa pressure kay ma force kag study ug balik imbes, mag study naka
ug balik balik, kanang murag wala kay, kuan ba, kasiguraduhan sa imong natun-an
ba.
Participant
#5:
O kadto. Murag tama bitaw to. Dili ka
ma-confident sa imong learnings tungod sa pressure nga gina-apply sa imohang,
ginahatg sa imong mga professors. Then usahay kanang mag-exam, inig makita nimo
imong professor kay murag mawala ka, ma-distract ka sa imohang
gina-Participantan, something like that. Labi nag makatapad nimo siya sa exam,
waa.
Interviewer:
What
do you usually do when you are feeling pressured from Math subjects and
professors?
Participant
#1:
Akong ginabuhat pag maka-feel ko ug
pressure sa akong Math subjects and professors, I eat a lot kay ingon sila,
food is the best partner especially kung maka-kuan ka ug depression,
maka-experience kag depression from a particular source.
Participant
#2:
Siyempre, pag ma-pressure ka, kailangan
nimo maningkamot kay kabalo na gud ka kay nahadlok gud ka. Pero if you’re
smart, you wouldn’t get, let pressure get into your skin that much. So akong
ginabuhat is I sleep, because it’s an escape.
Participant
#3:
Ako ginapagawas nako akong pressure, then
pareha atong giingon ni ano, Participant #1, nga kuan, sige ra tag kaon, mao,
ilhan man jud, kato lang.
Participant
#4:
Ako, kaon sad. Tapos, kanang mag-lingaw
lingaw, maggitara ana. O tapos, hangout with friends.
Participant
#5:
Ako kay gina-DOTA nako. Unya pag naa pay
kwarta ikaon siyempre. Pero usahay mahurot man jud akong kuwarta sa DOTA basta
kadto, DOTA.
Interviewer:
When
you are feeling pressured, do you try to find solutions by yourself or ask help
from other people? Why?
Participant
#1:
Of course, nagapangita ko ug pamaagi para
ma-deal to siya nga pressure, I call my mom or my parents, then I hang out with
my friends unya ginabuhat ko to siya, of course para malimtan nako ang pressure
sa akong na feel kay para dili ko maka-experience ug depression to the extent
nga mag ano na ko, kanang mag suicide, char OA na kaayo hahahahahaha. Mao to,
nya that’s it.
Participant
#2:
Well, I don’t really deal with pressure
just by myself kay lisod na, oh my G. And then, o, nagapangayo ko ug tabang
from others especially from experts, or who knows the discipline better than I
do. Why? Because they know better.
Participant
#3: Ako kay
kinahanglan gyud ko ug tabang gikan sa laing tao, murag pareha anang mga
barkada nako siyempre, para mapagawas gyud, mag-lingaw lingaw man jud na.
Participant
#4: Naga kuan, unsay
tawag ani, naga adto ko sa akong mga friends ana kay lisod na mabuang. May man
gyud nang naa jud kay ika-share.
Participant
#5:
Kanang, sa amoa man gud, pag ma-pressure
ko, that means na-pressure gyud tanan. Na-pressure jud mi tanan sa section jud.
So kana, mag group study mi. Diha ra siguro nga way nga makapangita ko ug help
sa group study. Pero usahay, pag dili nako feel nga muadto sa ilaha, murag
ma-awkward-an ko mag duol-duol sa ilaha, ako lang. Solo solo.
Interviewer:
How
does getting used to with this kind of pressure help you deal with it?
Participant
#1:
Ang pressure na akong na-feel nakatabang
jud siya, ug kay, for example wait lang --- the pressure motivated me a lot.
Kay murag ginabuhat, kay kung ibutang nato nga pressure is tao, siya ang naga
push sa akoa to, para buhaton ang mga butang nga dili nako mabuhat nga akong
gihuna-huna pero mabuhat diay nako siya. But it was just being hindered by my
pressure.
Participant
#2:
Kanang mga ing-ana nga pressure, pag
magalik-balik na na siya ma-anad ka, and in the future pag maka sugakod ka ug
pressure, another, kay di naka mabag-ohan. Kabalo naka unsaon pag deal ana, di
naka maglisod.
Participant
#3: Siguro sa tungod
na lang sa pagka-anad nimo di na nimo siya ma-feel kadugayan unya, kanang, wala
na kay ma-feel. Kato lang.
Participant
#4:
Kanang pag masanay ka kay kadugayan murag
makapangita man gyud kag paagi nga ma-deal nimo siya tapos, mao ra to.
Participant
#5:
Kato nga pressure mag depende man gud
siya sa kinsa nga professor ang naghatag ato nga pressure. For example, katong
first sem, si Mr. Trigo kadto, pressured kaayo. Buhat assignment as in, todo
Participant, dapat way mali sa assignment. Pero karon kanang naanad naka sa
iyaha, kabalo naka unsa siya, unsa siya mag-grade, kao muag kanang easy easy na
lang ang assignment, basta naa, makapasa ana ing ana. O basig matulog sa klase
basta naka-attendance, okay na lang.
Interviewer:
Why
do you think it is important to deal with this kind of pressure?
Participant
#1: Importante gyud
nga ma-deal nimo ang pressure kay just like love, kebali sa duha ka tao, naa
moy (chuckles) problema, ang mag uyab nay problema, so kadto siya nga problem
is kailangan nila i-deal para ma-solve. Just like pressure, kailangan nimo siya
i-deal for you to survive in the upcoming circumstances or turbulations or
whatever it is na muabot sa imohang, muabot in the near future. So dili ka
ka-survive kung dili nimo to siya i-deal.
Participant
#2: It is important
nga nag-deal ka ug ing ana nga pressure kay kung pirmente lang sayon, dili ka
maka, dili ka mag-improve. You cannot move on, to one, uh, what do you call
this, to one pace to another. I don’t know how to put it in a better
metaphorical something, but yeah, para pag, kay ang pressure maka-motivate.
That’s so cliché. Whatever.
Participant
#3:
Kuan, importante siya na ma-deal nimo
siya para pag ano, muabot ang time na, kanang, maka, murag masugakod napud nimo
siya balik kanang, dili na ano, dili na kaayo nimo siya ma-feel, pareha atong
gi-ingon nila na manhid na jud ka, then kanang ang pressure man gud makatabang
sa imoha para kanang ma-motivate jud ka ba pareha sa giingon ni Participant #2.
Then, kato lang.
Participant
#4: Importante siya
nga i-deal kay, kung di nimo siya i-deal kay, murag ma-stuck ka diha nga
sitwasyon, kanang di ka mag move up sa imong ginakabutangan karon. Di ka
ka-move on kung di nimo siya i-deal. Ana na siya.
Participant
#5:
So pressure, kanang pressure, dili na
siya na iisa ka butang nga pag talikod nimo mawala dayun. Mura ra gud na siyag
gugma gud, nga kung in love ka sa is aka tao, in love jud ka sa iyaha. Dili na
siya madala-dala ug limot or something. Kanang mugukod jud na sa imoha na
kinahanglan nimo siya atubangon, kinahanglan nimo siya i-solve na problem.
That’s it, face the pressure, face the problem.
APPENDIX
D.1
Table 1: Effects
of Pressure from Math Professors among First Year Civil Engineering Students
|
THEMES
|
FREQUENCY
|
SAMPLE STATEMENTS
|
|
Mental Block
|
 IIII
– II |
Respondent 2: “…
and in times of exam that I really forgot what I have studied and it feels
like blank space baby.”
Respondent 9: “Sometimes,
I’m having mental block and then shyness.”
|
|
Eustress
|
IIII-
I |
Participant 1: “For
me, I feel that I am forced to be serious and that I need to be more focused
because of the pressure I feel from them.”
Participant 1: “Because
of pressure, I realize that I need to do better.”
|
|
Anxiety
|
IIII
|
Respondent 10: “I
think the very effect on me when I feel pressured with my professors is that
I think my nerves are cracking and it’s really getting into my bones. I just
can’t explain.”
Respondent 4: “Pressure is …. I know
that I’m pressured from my professors when I’m always anxious. I don’t know
how to say that, anxious. But anxiety is one of the effects of the pressure
from Math professors.”
|
|
Distress
|
III
|
Respondent 5: “I
feel stressed. I get stressed, I feel nervous and yeah, etcetera.”
Respondent 3: “Of course, if you feel
pressured, your study rhythm gets destroyed. That’s it, I really am
struggling.”
|
|
Loss of Focus
|
I
|
Respondent
3: “Oh that. That’s right. You cannot be confident with your learnings
because of the pressure that you are feeling which given by your professors.
Then, sometimes during exams, whenever you see your professor it feels like
he or she is distracting you.”
|
|
Cramming
|
I
|
Respondent 2: “When there’s pressure, I
am really engaged with cramming.”
|
|
Depression
|
I
|
Respondent
7: “I feel depressed.”
|
|
Coyness
|
I
|
Respondent 9: “I feel shy to express my
feelings towards others when I’m feeling pressured.”
|
APPENDIX D.2
Table 2: Ways to Deal Pressure from Math Professors
among First Year Civil Engineering Students
|
THEMES
|
FREQUENCY
|
SAMPLE STATEMENT/S
|
|
Relaxing
|
  IIII
– IIII |
Respondent 2: “I study for 15 minutes
then take a break for 3 hours, so that my mind will be refreshed then I’ll
continue. Yes, for 3 hours my mind will be refreshed.”
Respondent 4: “I have heard about that.
I’ve read that 45 minutes is the maximum time that our brain is capable of
working properly.”
|
|
Approaching
Family and Friends
|
 IIII
– IIII |
Respondent 1:
“Sometimes, I feel like I’m going to fail this subject but they always tell
me to think positive and to do my best always.”
Respondent 10: “If
I’m going to tell them that I’m pressured, for example in the present
situation that I am in, they are giving me advices that truly help on coping
this kind of pressure.”
|
|
Finding
Leisure
|
 IIII
– II |
Respondent 6:
“We do play DOTA 2 with my friends to distract me from all these pressure I
am feeling.”
Respondent 4:“Oh
my God, I talk a lot with other people about celebrities, movies. I go to
cinema house, I read, I sleep, and yeah that’s how I do it. And of course,
all of them helped, because they’re, they’re like my escape from every
pressure I’ve had.”
|
|
Setting
Lower Goals
|
 IIII
– I |
Respondent 2:
“Yes before I have tried setting a goal in my Math subjects but now, I don’t
think so. I feel like I am only setting goals on other subjects.”
Respondent 3:“Before,
I really strived to be one of the Dean’s Lister. But when I experienced the
level of difficulty of Math in this university, I was already contented with
a passing grade.”
|
|
Talking/Approaching
Math Professors
|
 IIII |
Respondent 8: “I
did approach my Math professor one time because it can’t be helped. The topic
was very confusing, and my classmates also did not understand the topic, so I
was left with no choice.”
Respondent 9:
“For now, I have been approaching my Math professors since I can already
understand the topic. But in the previous semester, I was really afraid of my
Math professors, so I did not.”
|
|
Eating
|
IIII |
Respondent 9: “I
am always a pressure eating woman. If I feel nervous, my reliever is food.
That’s how it is.”
Respondent 10: “You
really need a break by eating a lot of food and enjoying other things because
it helps a lot.”
|
|
Drawing/Writing
Down Thoughts
|
III
|
Respondent 3: “I
actually draw my thoughts. I have expressed my feelings because of this and
it does help me.”
|
|
Having Group Study
|
II
|
Respondent 3:
“In our section, if one feels pressured, all is pressured as well. What we do
is we conduct group study to clarify some questions in our mind with the help
of the group.”
|
DOCUMENTATIONS
Face-to-face
Interviews
Focus
Group Discussion
Transcription
About the Researchers
Jon Paul M. Cloma graduated at Manay National High School as class
Valedictorian. Back in his high school days, he was a Copyreader and Headline
Writer in the school publication and won two-time champion in the Division
Schools Press Conference. At present, he is studying in the University of
Southeastern Philippines taking up the course Bachelor of Science in Civil
Engineering. 
Riamieh S. Dinsay
is a graduate of Notre Dame of Kidapawan College-IBED as 1st
Honorable Mention. During her high school days, she is part of the school’s
Science Investigatory Project. She was also a quizzer in Math. She is inclined
with Mathematics, Literature and General Information. She is currently studying
in the University of Southeastern Philippines with the course Bachelor of
Science in Civil Engineering.
Mark
John Amimita is a graduate of F. Bangoy National High School. He was also a
part of their school’s team in Science Investigatory Project and received
awards. He is interested in reading novels, singing and dancing. He is now in
the University of Southeastern Philippines taking up the course Bachelor of
Science in Civil Engineering.
Shejie
Olever Jabillo graduated at Kapalong National High School. He has his passion
in Economics and Entrepreneurship. In his high school days, he was also engaged
in Math Quiz Bees. Presently, he is studying Bachelor of Science in Civil
Engineering at the University of Southeastern Philippines. 
Cleo Alyka
Paynandos is a graduate of Davao City National High School. She is interested
in reading books. She joined contests in her high school like Olympics in Math
and Science. She is now studying at the University of Southeastern Philippines
taking up the course Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.