The Effect of Classical Music on
Grade 11 Students’ Math Test Anxiety
Review of Related Literature
A lot of students get nervous when it’s time to take a math test. That kind of
stress can make it really hard to focus or remember what they’ve studied. Because
of this, teachers and even researchers have been trying to find simple ways to help
students feel more comfortable. One idea they’ve looked into is playing classical
music to help lower anxiety.
Some students have shared that listening to calm music while studying helps
them feel more relaxed and able to focus. Classical music, with its soft and steady
rhythm, can make the room feel calmer and less stressful. When students aren’t
feeling as much pressure, it’s easier for them to concentrate and take in what they’re
learning.
Research shows that there is a connection between students’ anxiety and
how they perform in school, especially in subjects like English, Science, and Math. In
a study by Marissa M. Apurillo (2015), it was observed that students who experience
anxiety may find it harder to focus and participate in learning activities, which can
affect their academic results.
Looking at the National Achievement Test (NAT) scores in Mathematics from
2014 to 2016, we can see that the scores changed each year. For example,
elementary students scored 71.74 in 2014, 68.32 in 2015, and 73.24 in 2016.
Secondary students also showed similar changes. These results suggest that
student performance may be influenced by different factors, including their emotional
and mental state.
Another study by John A. Royo (2015) found that young children in
kindergarten who listened to music in school adjusted more easily to being away
from their parents. This suggests that music can help students feel more comfortable
in the classroom.
A related study by Alimangohan and Matutes (2011) explained that listening to
music can help improve mood because it supports the release of serotonin, a
chemical in the brain that affects emotions. This means that music might be a simple
but helpful way to support students’ well-being.
Lastly, many students say they feel more nervous or unsure when learning
Math compared to other subjects. This idea was also shared in the book Conquering
the Fear of Math by A.A. Collins (2012), which talked about how math can be a
source of worry for some learners.
In general, these studies point out that anxiety can influence how students
feel and perform in school. Supporting students emotionally such as through music
or a calm learning environment may help them manage anxiety and do better in their
studies.
References
Alimangohan, J. P., & Matutes, N. M. (2011). Listening to classical music and the
production of serotonin. In Biochemistry for the future: Proceedings of the
5th International Conference in Biochemistry Research (pp. 10–15).
Philippine Society of Biochemists.
Apurillo, M. M. (2015). Anxiety: How it affects academic performance. International
Journal of Modern Education, 10(5), 50–55.
Collins, A. A. (2012). Conquering the fear of math. Fearson Publishing House.
Department of Education. (2017, February 16). National achievement test results for
Mathematics: 2014–2016. Republic of the Philippines Official Online
Gazette. [Link]
Royo, J. A. (2015). Factors affecting attitude towards academic subjects: Inputs for
intervention. International Journal of Modern Education, 5(1).
[Link]
MAXIMUM POINTS
STANDARDS POINTS EARNED
1. All five of the available literature was used. 3
2. Each literature has been correctly 5
paraphrased.
3. The literatures have been organized to 3
form a cohesive whole.
4. The RRL follows correct in-text citation. 5
5. References follow correct APA style. 5
6. The paper follows prescribed format: Arial-
12, double spaced, normal margins, 3
justified orientation.
7. The RRL does not have more than three
grammatical/typographical errors and other 3
errors in technical writing.
8. The paper is at least 50 percent similar to -10
the output of another student.
9. The output was submitted on or before the
deadline. 3
Highest Possible Score / Total Points Earned 30
John Ford Biri
STEM 12-SILVER
PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2