A multiple linear regression model of students’ performance in calculus in the new normal

Abstract

The Philippines launched an educational reform in 2012, adding two years of senior high schools (SHS) with strands that aim to prepare students for work or pursue college degrees. The STEM strand was designed for those wishing to enroll in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics-related degree programs. This study investigates the performance in Calculus and the University admission examination of a random sample of 234 enrolled students for the First Semester of 2021-2022 at Caraga State University taking Differential Calculus. It tries to identify the socio-economic predictors of students' performance in Calculus. Results revealed that age, gender, SHS strand, enhancement program, and admission scores in English, Mathematics, and Abstract Reasoning correlate with students' Calculus performance. Also, the students who graduated from the SHS strand performed better in Calculus than those who did not. Nonetheless, Calculus student performance is regardless of the type of community, SHS type, and family monthly income. Among the socio-economic correlates, the SHS strand and calculus enhancement program are the main predictors of student performance in Calculus using multiple linear regression. Other significant predictors of Calculus student performance are the students' admission scores in Mathematics and Abstract Reasoning. This means that students who performed well in the Mathematics and Abstract Reasoning admission scores, along with SHS STEM strand enrolment and provision of the Calculus enhancement program, are indicators of students' performance in Calculus, implying the importance of mathematics interventions for the students' performance. Furthermore, an appropriate senior high school strand for college degree program preference is a necessary pre-requisite.