Login Register

Environment and Social Psychology

  • Home
  • About the Journal
    • Focus and Scope
    • Peer Review Process
    • Open Access Policy
    • Publishing Ethics
    • Erratum & Withdrawal Policies
    • Copyright & Licence
    • Indexing & Archiving
    • Article Processing Charges (APC) Payment
    • Publisher
    • Contact
  • Article
    • Current
    • Archives
  • Submissions
  • Editorial Team
  • Announcements
  • Special Issues
Apply for Editorial Board Submit an Article

editor-in-chief

Editor-in-Chief

Prof. Dr. Paola Magnano
Kore University of Enna
Italy

Prof. Dr. Gabriela Topa
Social and organizational Psychology, Universidad Nacional de Educacion a Distancia
Spain

indexing-and-archiving

Indexing & Archiving

issn

ISSN

ISSN: 2424-8975 (Online)

ISSN: 2424-7979 (Print)

apc

Article Processing Charges (APCs)

US$1700

frequency

Publication Frequency

Monthly since 2024

Most Viewed

  • The Role of Social Support and Environment: The Mediating Effect of College Students’ Psychology and Behavior
    8986
  • The sustainable practice of education fairness in China: The influence of college students’ perceptions of senior teachers' support on students’ well-being
    8006
  • The Balance Between Resource Development And Environmental Protection Is “Social Contracting”: The Case Of LAPSSET Project In Kenya
    7925
  • Analyzing impacts of campus journalism on student’s grammar consciousness and confidence in writing engagements
    7342
  • A trip down memory lane: Sustaining collective memory through old shophouses in Jalan Mendaling Kajang, Selangor
    5851

Keywords

Home > Archives > Vol. 10 No. 10 (2025): Published > Research Articles
ESP-3364

Published

2025-10-29

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 10 (2025): Published

Section

Research Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Normina A. Batucan, Hermie V Inoferio, Aldrin Rey C. Quisay, Michael Angelo A. Legarde, Jason V. Chavez

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

The journal adopts the Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0), which means that anyone can reuse and redistribute the materials for non-commercial purposes as long as you follow the license terms and the original source is properly cited.

Author(s) shall retain the copyright of their work and grant the Journal/Publisher rights for the first publication with the work concurrently licensed since 2023 Vol.8 No.2.

Under this license, author(s) will allow third parties to download, reuse, reprint, modify, distribute and/or copy the content under the condition that the authors are given credit. No permission is required from the authors or the publisher.

This broad license intends to facilitate free access, as well as the unrestricted use of original works of all types. This ensures that the published work is freely and openly available in perpetuity.

By providing open access, the following benefits are brought about:

  • Higher Visibility, Availability and Citations-free and unlimited accessibility of the publication over the internet without any restrictions increases citation of the article.
  • Ease of search-publications are easily searchable in search engines and indexing databases.
  • Rapid Publication – accepted papers are immediately published online.
  • Available for free download immediately after publication at https://esp.as-pub.com/index.php/ESP

 

Copyright Statement

1.The authors certify that the submitted manuscripts are original works, do not infringe the rights of others, are free from academic misconduct and confidentiality issues, and that there are no disputes over the authorship scheme of the collaborative articles. In case of infringement, academic misconduct and confidentiality issues, as well as disputes over the authorship scheme, all responsibilities will be borne by the authors.

2. The author agrees to grant the Editorial Office of Environment and Social Psychology a licence to use the reproduction right, distribution right, information network dissemination right, performance right, translation right, and compilation right of the submitted manuscript, including the work as a whole, as well as the diagrams, tables, abstracts, and any other parts that can be extracted from the work and used in accordance with the characteristics of the journal. The Editorial Board of Environment and Social Psychology has the right to use and sub-licence the above mentioned works for wide dissemination in print, electronic and online versions, and, in accordance with the characteristics of the periodical, for the period of legal protection of the property right of the copyright in the work, and for the territorial scope of the work throughout the world.

3. The authors are entitled to the copyright of their works under the relevant laws of Singapore, provided that they do not exercise their rights in a manner prejudicial to the interests of the Journal.

About Licence

Environment and Social Psychology is an open access journal and all published work is available under the Creative Commons Licence, Authors shall retain copyright of their work and grant the journal/publisher the right of first publication, and their work shall be licensed under the Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0).

Under this licence, the author grants permission to third parties to download, reuse, reprint, modify, distribute and/or copy the content with attribution to the author. No permission from the author or publisher is required.

This broad licence is intended to facilitate free access to and unrestricted use of original works of all kinds. This ensures that published works remain free and accessible in perpetuity. Submitted manuscripts, once accepted, are immediately available to the public and permanently accessible free of charge on the journal’s official website (https://esp.as-pub.com/index.php/ESP). Allowing users to read, download, copy, print, search for or link to the full text of the article, or use it for other legal purposes. However, the use of the work must retain the author's signature, be limited to non-commercial purposes, and not be interpretative.

Click to download <Agreement on the Licence for the Use of Copyright on Environmental and Social Psychology>.

How to Cite

Normina A. Batucan, Hermie V Inoferio, Aldrin Rey C. Quisay, Michael Angelo A. Legarde, & Jason V. Chavez. (2025). Busting fear and enhancing comprehension of learners in mathematics and science-oriented courses. Environment and Social Psychology, 10(10), ESP-3364. https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v10i10.3364
  • ACM
  • ACS
  • APA
  • ABNT
  • Chicago
  • Harvard
  • IEEE
  • MLA
  • Turabian
  • Vancouver

  • Download Citation
  • Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS)
  • BibTeX

Busting fear and enhancing comprehension of learners in mathematics and science-oriented courses

Normina A. Batucan

College of Teacher Education, Negros Oriental State University, Dumaguete City 6200, Philippines

Hermie V Inoferio

College of Teacher Education, Jose Rizal Memorial State University - Katipunan Campus, Katipunan, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines

Aldrin Rey C. Quisay

College of Education and Liberal Arts, Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology, Zamboanga City 7000, Philippines

Michael Angelo A. Legarde

Graduate Education Department, Palawan State University, Puerto Princesa City 5300, Philippines

Jason V. Chavez

Graduate Education Department, Palawan State University, Puerto Princesa City 5300, Philippines


DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v10i10.3364


Keywords: Mathematics and science education; fear and anxiety; comprehension; instructional strategies


Abstract

This research examined approaches to reducing fear and enhancing comprehension among learners in mathematics and science oriented courses. The study highlighted the perspectives of instructors, whose narratives provided insights into students’ engagement, classroom behaviors, and attitudes toward these subjects. The study involved twenty-five (25) mathematics and science instructors from basic and higher education institutions in Dumaguete City and Zamboanga City, Philippines. Using a qualitative approach, data were gathered through in-depth interviews to capture teachers’ insights of their students’ experiences and challenges in mathematics and science learning. The findings revealed that students, as described by their instructors, exhibited improved comprehension and greater confidence when guided through supportive and adaptive teaching strategies, while fear and anxiety were substantially reduced. This study underscored the importance of effective instructional practices in fostering positive learning environments and enhancing student outcomes in mathematics and science education.


References

[1]. 1.Syazana Awaludin, I., Ab Razak, R., Azliana Aridi, N., & Selamat, Z. (2015). Causes of Low Mathematics Achievements in a Private University. Journal of Computer Science & Computational Mathematics, 5(2), 21–26. https://doi.org/10.20967/jcscm.2015.02.001

[2]. 2.Ashcraft, M. H., & Ridley, K. (2005). The Relationship Between Mathematics Anxiety and Mathematics Performance: A Review of the Literature. In J. C. H. Leung & K. C. S. Wong (Eds.), Mathematics Education Research: New Ideas and Developments (pp. 81-97).

[3]. 3.Nally, M. J., et al. (2020). Overcoming math anxiety: How does it affect student learning? Journal of College Science Teaching, 49(4), 74-81.

[4]. 4.Ashcraft, M. H., & Ridley, K. S. (2005). Math anxiety and its cognitive consequences: A longitudinal study of mathematics performance. Journal of Educational Psychology, 97(1), 1-14

[5]. 5.Karp, K. S., & Woods, D. R. (2009). The role of mathematics in the engineering curriculum: A report on the ACES project. International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, 40(5), 641-657.

[6]. 6.Boaler, J. (2016). Mathematical Mindsets: Unleashing Students’ Potential through Creative Math, Inspiring Messages and Innovative Teaching. Jossey-Bass.

[7]. 7.Hattie, J. (2009). Visible Learning: A Synthesis of Over 800 Meta-Analyses Relating to Achievement. Routledge.

[8]. 8.Hembree, R. (1990). The nature, effects, and relief of mathematics anxiety. Journal for Research in Mathematics Education, 21(1), 33-46.

[9]. 9.Zeidner, M. (1998). Test anxiety: The state of the art. Plenum Press.

[10]. 10.Sahlberg, P. (2011). Finnish Lessons: What Can the World Learn from Educational Change in Finland? Teachers College Press.

[11]. 11.Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. W.H. Freeman.

[12]. 12.Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Interaction between Learning and Development. In Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes (pp. 79-91). Harvard University Press.

[13]. 13.Mallow, J. V. (2006). Science anxiety: Research and action. Handbook of College Science Teaching, 3-14.

[14]. 14.Ramirez, G., Paunesku, D., & Dweck, C. S. (2018). Mindset intervention improves a key transition in the learning of mathematics. Psychological Science, 29(3), 490-503.

[15]. 15.Constantinou, C. P., Tsivitanidou, O. E., & Rybska, E. (2018). What is inquiry-based science teaching and learning? In Professional development for inquiry-based science teaching and learning (pp. 1-23). Cham: Springer International Publishing.

[16]. 16.Maslow, A. H. (1968). Towards a Psychology of Being. Van Nostrand Reinhold.

[17]. 17.Ashcraft, M. H. (2002). Math anxiety: Personal, educational, and cognitive consequences. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 11(5), 181-185

[18]. 18.National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). (2000). Principles and Standards for School Mathematics. NCTM.

[19]. 19.Fong, C. J., Kauffman, D. H., & Troupe, A. (2016). The importance of instructor availability and approachability in student learning. Journal of College Science Teaching, 45(3), 68-75.

[20]. 20.Keng, S. L., Smoski, M. J., & Robins, C. J. (2011). Effects of mindfulness on psychological health: A review of empirical studies. Clinical Psychology Review, 31(6), 1041-1056.

[21]. 21.Pajares, F. (1996). Self-efficacy beliefs in academic settings. Review of Educational Research, 66(4), 543-578.

[22]. 22.Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press.

[23]. 23.Lesh, R., & Doerr, H. M. (2003). Beyond Constructivism: A Models and Modeling Perspective on Mathematics Teaching, Learning, and Problem Solving. In J. Kilpatrick, W. G. Martin, & D. Schifter (Eds.), A Research Companion to Principles and Standards for School Mathematics (pp. 21-34). National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

[24]. 24.Schraw, G., & Dennison, R. S. (1994). Assessing Metacognitive Awareness. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 19(4), 460-475.

[25]. 25.Parno, Estianinur, & Latifah, E. (2021, April). The increase of problem-solving skills of students through STEM integrated experiential learning with formative assessment. In AIP Conference Proceedings (Vol. 2331, No. 1, p. 030021). AIP Publishing LLC.

[26]. 26.Tomlinson, C. A. (2001). How to differentiate instruction in mixed-ability classrooms. ASCD.

[27]. 27.Hattie, J., & Timperley, H. (2007). The Power of Feedback. Review of Educational Research, 77(1), 81-112.

[28]. 28.Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.

[29]. 29.Zimmerman, B. J. (2002). Becoming a Self-Regulated Learner: An Overview. Theory into Practice, 41(2), 64-70.

[30]. 30.Sweller, J. (1988). Cognitive Load During Problem Solving: Effects on Learning. Cognitive Science, 12(2), 257-285.

[31]. 31.Johnson, D. W., & Johnson, R. T. (2009). An educational psychology success story: Social interdependence theory and cooperative learning. Educational Psychologist, 44(4), 215-227.

[32]. 32.Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. Sage Publications.

[33]. 33.Merriam, S. B., & Tisdell, E. J. (2016). Qualitative Research: A Guide to Design and Implementation. Jossey-Bass.

[34]. 34.Swedberg, R. (2020). Exploratory Research. In Cambridge University Press eBooks (pp. 17–41). https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108762519.002

[35]. 35.Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods. Sage Publications.

[36]. 36.Chavez, J.V., Adalia, H.G., & Alberto, J.P. (2023). Parental support strategies and motivation in aiding their children learn the English language. Forum for Linguistic Studies 2023; 5(2): 1541. http://doi.org/10.59400.fls.v5i2.1541

[37]. 37.Kvale, S. (1996). Interviews: An Introduction to Qualitative Research Interviewing. Sage Publications.

[38]. 38.Krueger, R. A., & Casey, M. A. (2015). Focus Groups: A Practical Guide for Applied Research. Sage Publications.

[39]. 39.Chavez, J.V., & Prado, R.T.D. (2023). Discourse analysis on online gender-based humor: Markers of normalization, tolerance, and lens of inequality. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 5(1), 55–71. DOI: 10.18063/fls.v5i1.1530

[40]. 40.Cohen, L., Manion, L., & Morrison, K. (2011). Research Methods in Education. Routledge.

[41]. 41.Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101.

[42]. 42.Pekrun, R. (2006). The control-value theory of achievement emotions: Assumptions, corollaries, and implications for educational practice. Educational Psychologist, 41(1), 3-19

[43]. 43.Inoferio HV, Espartero MM, Asiri MS, et al. Coping with math anxiety and lack of confidence through AI-assisted learning. Environment and Social Psychology 2024; 9(5): 2228. Doi: 10.54517/esp.v9i5.2228

[44]. 44.Wang, Fan. (2024). The Relationship Between Students and Teachers and its Implications. Journal of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences. 29. 390-395. 10.54097/rzvpb402.

[45]. 45.Turner, Julianne & Midgley, C & Meyer, Debra & Gheen, M & Anderman, Eric & Kang, Y. (2002). The classroom environment and students´ reports of avoidance strategies in mathematics: A multimethod study. Journal of Educational Psychology. 94. 88-106.

[46]. 46.Inandan, May. (2023). Effectiveness of Reward System on Assessment Outcomes in Mathematics. Journal of Contemporary Educational Research. 7. 52-58. 10.26689/jcer.v7i9.5322.

[47]. 47.Han, Feifei. (2021). The Relations between Teaching Strategies, Students’ Engagement in Learning, and Teachers’ Self-Concept. Sustainability. 13. 10.3390/su13095020.

[48]. 48.Okereke, I. E., & Nzewi, U. M. (2020). Fear-inducing stimuli among students during Biology practical activities involving animal specimens. Journal of the Nigerian Academy of Education, 14(2).

[49]. 49.Thomas, J. W. (2000). A review of research on project-based learning. Retrieved from http://www.bie.org/research/study/why_project_based_learning_works

[50]. 50.Freudenthal, H. (1991). Revisiting mathematics education: China lectures. Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic Publishers.

[51]. 51.Deterding, S., Dixon, D., Khaled, R., & Nacke, L. (2011). From game design elements to gamefulness: Defining gamification. Proceedings of the 15th International Academic MindTrek Conference: Envisioning Future Media Environments, 9-15

[52]. 52.Mohd Salim, Mohd Nur Fitri & Yusuf, Asmahanim & Mohd Salim, Mohamad Safwat Ashahri & Murnin, Nur & Zailani, Intan & Azamee, Nur & Effendy, Nur. (2024). Student Preferences, Challenges, and Strategies in Group Work: A Case Study. International Journal of Advanced Research in Education and Society. 6. 269-284. 10.55057/ijares.2024.6.4.24.

[53]. 53.Zakariya YF (2022) Improving students’ mathematics self-efficacy: A systematic review of intervention studies. Front. Psychol. 13:986622. Doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.986622

[54]. 54.Mehta, R., Mehta, S., & Seals, C. (2017). A holistic approach to science education: Disciplinary, affective, and equitable. Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching, 36(3), 269-286.

[55]. 55.Booth, J. L., & Nolen, S. B. (2012). The role of math anxiety in the development of math skills. Journal of Educational Psychology, 104(2), 481-493.

[56]. 56.Saal, P. E., Mdlulwa, N., & Hannan, S. (2024). Unlocking the Power of Play: Exploring Key Influences of Digital Game-Based Learning Adoption Among South African Mathematics Teachers. Computers in the Schools, 42(1), 51–72. https://doi.org/10.1080/07380569.2024.2405518

[57]. 57.Olawale, Babawande Emmanuel. (2025). Building the Foundations: Effective Approaches in Mathematics Teacher Preparation.

[58]. 58.Bhat, Neeti & Gurung, Sanyukta & Gupta, Mudit & Dhungana, Nisha & Thapa, Roshan. (2023). Enhancing collaborative learning through peer-assisted learning. Journal of Physiological Society of Nepal. 3. 4-9. 10.3126/jpsn.v3i1.57762.

[59]. 59.Bethany Rittle-Johnson (2024). Encouraging students to explain their ideas when learning mathematics: A psychological perspective, The Journal of Mathematical Behavior, Volume 76,2024, 101192, ISSN 0732-3123, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmathb.2024.101192.

[60]. 60.Hiebert, J., & Carpenter, T. P. (1992). Learning and teaching with understanding. In D. A. Grouws (Ed.), Handbook of Research on Mathematics Teaching and Learning (pp. 65-97). Macmillan.

[61]. 61.Saputra, C. S., Qosyim, A., Mahdiannur, M. A., & Norsaputra, A. (2025). Experiential learning integrated peer instruction: An innovative learning model to improve students’ science inquiry skills.

[62]. 62.Baker, R. S., Inventado, P. S., & Gentry, C. (2012). Educational Data Mining and Learning Analytics. In Handbook of Learning Analytics (pp. 29-38). Society for Learning Analytics Research.

[63]. 63.Ball, D. L., & Cohen, D. K. (1996). Reform by the Book: What is (or might be) the role of curriculum materials in teacher learning and instructional reform? Educational Researcher, 25(9), 6-8.

[64]. 64.Wood, D., Bruner, J. S., & Ross, G. (1976). The role of tutoring in problem solving. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 17(2), 89-100.

[65]. 65.Koray, Ö., & Çetinkılıç, S. (2020). The use of critical reading in understanding scientific texts on academic performance and problem-solving skills. Science Education International, 31(4), 400-409.



ISSN: 2424-8975
21 Woodlands Close #02-10, Primz Bizhub,Postal 737854, Singapore

Email:editorial_office@as-pub.com