CHAPTER 1
THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE
INTRODUCTION
RATIONALE
The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) strand was introduced in
the Philippines in 2012 as part of the K-12 system by the Department of Education (DepEd). It
aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to succeed in critical fields like
engineering, technology, and research, focusing on subjects like math, science, and technology to
prepare them for high-demand careers.
A significant number of students who opt for the STEM strand face considerable difficulty
in keeping up with the rigorous demands of the program. These challenges include grappling
with advanced math and science concepts, as well as the need to develop strong critical thinking
and problem-solving abilities. The fast-paced nature of the curriculum makes it hard for students
to fully grasp each topic before moving on to the next.
The pressure to excel academically, both in theoretical knowledge and practical application,
can lead to mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and burnout among STEM students.
According to a study conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health, students in high-
stress academic environments are more susceptible to experiencing anxiety, depression, and
burnout (Smith, 2020).
In the context of the STEM strand, these mental health concerns are compounded by the
demanding nature of the coursework and the pressure to perform. This is particularly evident in
schools like Carcar City National High School, where many students report feeling overwhelmed
by the workload and expectations. This research study aims to explore the specific challenges
faced by students in the STEM strand. By identifying these difficulties, the study seeks to
provide insights on how schools and educators can offer more effective support.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
This study aims to explore the challenges faced by STEM students to excel academically in
Carcar Central National High School during the 2024-2025 school year. Specifically, it seeks to
answer the following questions:
1.The common academic challenges faced by students in the STEM strand
2.The impact of these challenges to excel academically
3.Based on the findings, what recommendations can be proposed?
DEFINITION OF TERMS
STEM STRAND- A educational track that focuses on SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND
MATHEMATICS CHALLENGES- A obtacles or difficulties that face by stem students
ACADEMIC EXECELLENCE- Achieving top marks or grades
SCOPE OF DELIMITATION
This study will focus on the challenges faced by STEM students at Carcar City National
High School, particularly in handling tough science and math subjects, as well as mental health
issues like stress, anxiety, and burnout caused by the demands of the program. It will gather
information through interviews and surveys from students, teachers, and school counselors to
better understand their experiences. The research will also review available data on student
performance and overall well-being in the STEM strand.
This study will be limited to the STEM students and academic personnel (teachers and
counselors) at Carcar City National High School. It will not include students from other strands
or other schools in the region. The study will focus on the academic year 2024-2025, and the
challenges examined will be those primarily related to the STEM curriculum's content, pacing,
and the mental health impact of the coursework. External factors, such as socioeconomic
background or family issues, while potentially contributing to the mental health of the students,
will not be a central focus. Additionally, the study will not delve into the long-term effects of
these challenges beyond the high school years. The findings and conclusions will be applicable
primarily to this specific school and its context, though they may offer valuable insights for other
similar educational settings.
