MEDIATING EFFECT OF MOTIVATION ON THE RELATIONSHIP OF FEAR OF FAILURE AND LEARNING OUTCOME OF GRADE 8 STUDENTS IN CHEMISTRY

Author: Diosa Amor B. Ragmac

ABSTRACT

The study was conducted to determine the mediating effect of motivation on the relationship between fear of failure and learning outcome of Grade 8 students in Chemistry. It utilized the quantitative, non-experimental method, specifically the descriptive and correlational designs. The respondents were the 250 Grade 8 students in the five public secondary schools in Monkayo, Davao de Oro enrolled in S.Y. 2020-2021. A stratified random sampling technique was used to identify the respondents. Two sets of adapted survey questionnaires and a unified summative test in Chemistry were used as research instruments. The statistical tools used were mean, Pearson r, and Sobel z Test. Findings of the study showed that fear of failure is highly evident among students (M=3.51; DS=0.93). Students’ motivation is also highly evident (M=3.77; DS=0.71). However, the learning outcome in Chemistry is very low (M=35.59; DS=1076). Correlational analysis revealed that the relationship between fear of failure and learning outcome in Chemistry (r = 0.055; p = 0.383) and motivation and learning outcome (r = -0.031; p = 0.622) is not statistically significant. On the other hand, fear of failure and motivation (r = 0.306; p=0.000) has a weak, positive, and statistically significant relationship. Thus, mediation analysis was not performed in the study due to the failure of other variables to establish a relationship. Findings are indicative that Chemistry teachers may conduct a needs analysis to identify the least learned competencies of students in Chemistry. They may also develop diverse and well-rounded classroom or school activities that will address students’ fear of failure, and enhance their motivation towards learning Chemistry.

Keywords. Science education, fear of failure, motivation, learning outcome, Chemistry, Grade 8

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