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Effect of Mathematical Proficiency on Senior High School Students’ Performance in Basic Calculus


Authors : Raynan A. Tobeo

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 3 - March


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/3xc7nzrr

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/nhe8kzzr

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26mar1572

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : This study Basic Calculus is one of the core subjects in STEM Education in the K-12 Curriculum by the DepEd. It is recognized globally as a conceptually demanding subject that exposes weaknesses in foundational mathematical proficiency, particularly when instruction emphasizes rote procedures over reasoning and problem solving. Five Strands of Mathematical Proficiency, relative to conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, strategic competence, adaptive reasoning, and productive disposition, was the framework that guided research and curricular reform internationally, underscoring the importance of balanced proficiency for meaningful mathematical learning. With this, the study aimed to determine the students’ level of performance in Basic Calculus, to assess the student’s level of mathematical proficiency relative to conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, strategic competence, adaptive reasoning, and productive disposition, to find out the relationship between student’s performance in Basic Calculus and their mathematical proficiency, and to prepare and interactive learning material in Basic Calculus based on the results. The study used a descriptive-correlational design and the Raosoft Sample Calculator to compute the 245 SHS STEM students in public schools in the SDO of Batangas Province. The findings indicated that students demonstrated a very satisfactory level of performance in Basic Calculus, reflecting effective learning outcomes. Their mathematical proficiency across the five strands relative to conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, strategic competence, adaptive reasoning, and productive disposition was generally above average, suggesting well-developed mathematical skills. A significant relationship was found between students’ mathematical proficiency and their performance in Basic Calculus, emphasizing the importance of these competencies in learning calculus. In response to these findings, a web-based interactive learning material in Basic Calculus was developed to support and enhance students’ learning.

Keywords : Basic Calculus, Mathematical Proficiency, Interactive Learning Material, Conceptual Understanding, Strategic Competence.

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This study Basic Calculus is one of the core subjects in STEM Education in the K-12 Curriculum by the DepEd. It is recognized globally as a conceptually demanding subject that exposes weaknesses in foundational mathematical proficiency, particularly when instruction emphasizes rote procedures over reasoning and problem solving. Five Strands of Mathematical Proficiency, relative to conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, strategic competence, adaptive reasoning, and productive disposition, was the framework that guided research and curricular reform internationally, underscoring the importance of balanced proficiency for meaningful mathematical learning. With this, the study aimed to determine the students’ level of performance in Basic Calculus, to assess the student’s level of mathematical proficiency relative to conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, strategic competence, adaptive reasoning, and productive disposition, to find out the relationship between student’s performance in Basic Calculus and their mathematical proficiency, and to prepare and interactive learning material in Basic Calculus based on the results. The study used a descriptive-correlational design and the Raosoft Sample Calculator to compute the 245 SHS STEM students in public schools in the SDO of Batangas Province. The findings indicated that students demonstrated a very satisfactory level of performance in Basic Calculus, reflecting effective learning outcomes. Their mathematical proficiency across the five strands relative to conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, strategic competence, adaptive reasoning, and productive disposition was generally above average, suggesting well-developed mathematical skills. A significant relationship was found between students’ mathematical proficiency and their performance in Basic Calculus, emphasizing the importance of these competencies in learning calculus. In response to these findings, a web-based interactive learning material in Basic Calculus was developed to support and enhance students’ learning.

Keywords : Basic Calculus, Mathematical Proficiency, Interactive Learning Material, Conceptual Understanding, Strategic Competence.

Paper Submission Last Date
31 - August - 2026

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