Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
Antipolo City
A Research Paper
On
Common Roots of
Cramming Dilemma
Among Teenagers
In Partial Fulfillment
Submitted by:
10 - NHS
Submitted to:
Title Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
Outline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Body ................................................................ 4
Methodology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Outline
extreme use of technologies, too much projects and out of school demands.
I. Introduction
II. Body
III. Methodology
A. Participants
B. Instrument
C. Data Gathering
A. Section I
B. Section II
V. Conclusion
VI. Bibliography
A. Books
B. Periodicals
C. Internet
INTRODUCTION
these issues can be linked with the word cramming. But, what precisely is cramming?
period of study in order to learn a lot of information quickly for a test, exam, etc. or a
cramming is a study technique that we are all familiar with and its one that has actually
been proven to have a beneficial outcome for students. However, reviewed material
On the other hand, we can say that our generation these days is living in a world
life. It is clear that with the rapid growing technologies nowadays, it is effortless to
acquire and study compared before where technologies are just being developed. But the
irony is, as technology constantly ascends, so is the decline of students doing school
works and requirements. And what is most alarming is that as the moment of
submission and deadline finally approaches, students face the inexorable distress of
cramming dilemma.
(Gorst, 1901) stated that "as long as education is synonymous with cramming on
ineffective study technique, cramming has become a common and sometimes celebrated
form of studying. Research by Fuligni in 2012 revealed that students generally learn best
when they keep a consistent study schedule. Although a steady pace of learning is ideal,
the increasing demands that high school students face may make such a consistent
schedule difficult. Socializing with peers and working, for example, both increase across
the course of high school. So do academic obligations like homework that require more
time and effort. As a result, many high school students end up with irregular study
schedules, often facing nights in which they need to do a quick period of study or
teenagers can be a upright start. The outcomes produced from this study aside from
contributing engendered from this research can aid as foundations for introducing
interferences where they are desired the most. Introducing interferences is essential
especially when it is intended at helping students do well out in their academic situation.
The purpose of this research is to discover the general cause of pulling a caffeine-
fueled all-nighter in an attempt to cram as much information into their heads as they
distractions, extreme use of technologies, too much projects and out of school demands.
Just a few researchers have investigated the main point of this paper, which was
to identify the common roots of cramming dilemma met by teenagers. Of those, most
(Arenas, 2014; Pauk, 1989; Heacox, 1991 & Somner, 1990) have undertaken studies in
which they concentrated on the sources of postponement which later on adds to the
retention interval because you study the necessary information quite close to the
memory recall test. In addition, he explained that when a student is cramming it is less
likely that the student is studying for the test a few days before it, but is more likely that
they are studying for their test on the day of the test and with only a few hours to spare.
Pauk (1989) indicated that this is because Most people tend to underestimate the
amount of time they need to study. Wasting time becomes such a habit that you dont
often adapt to the time-constraints that are placed upon them in college, and often use
cramming to perform well on tests. In his article, Procrastination and Cramming: How
Adept Students Ace the System, he stated " Many students outwardly adapt to this
system, however, engage in an intense and private ritual that comprises five aspects:
deadline-making, and a secret, if often uncelebrated, victory. These adept students often
find it difficult to admit others into their efficient program of academic survival."
BODY
Gorst (1901) stated that cramming is becoming more and more common
among students both at the secondary and post-secondary level. Pressure to perform
are often forced to cram after improper time consumption or in efforts to comprehend
Fear of Success
reason why students study late found that many students have very high expectations.
As long as they dont get started on whatever the task is a project, a paper, a test they
Goodchild (1994) also implied that Some students put off making serious
unconsciously, unpleasant consequences of doing well. For example, they may fear that
their relationship with classmates will suffer. Typically, they consider social life more
characteristics. One is the conformist. This student chooses to do less or study late
because of peer pressure; they want to blend in with their friends not stand out from
them. Maybe the conformist student discovered that studying slowly and late was a way
to avoid expectations from both parents and teachers. He conceals his abilities and opts
for mediocrity. He lives a lie to protect himself from peer ostracism and adult demands.
Extra-Curricular Activities
education are busier than theyve ever been before. Often thats due to the variety of
newspapers, debate teams, political action groups and many more. With these kind of
involvement, teenagers lost potential study time that soon leads them to rush things out.
Also, Rimm (1995) explained that for competitive young people, the
appears to provide a sure career direction. Academics seem inconsequential and dull by
comparison. Studying and homework are put aside in favor of practice and rehearsals.
Cahills (2000) findings proposed that cramming can stem from several causes.
It could be because of your own illness, an illness or death in your family or other
stressful and tiring events may cause you to fall behind in your study time. Another
reason why teenagers fail to study on time is that they have other commitments. Cahill
(2000) interpreted that When facing several obligations at the same time, teenagers
find it difficult to do any of them. Teenagers often join or have personal commitments
such as holding a full-time part job or seasonal commitment such as being a track
athlete on summer.
Teenagers who have full time or part time jobs probably have less time and less
energy for studying on time than regular full time student. They often fill in
housekeeping chores, sleeping, eating and are too lazy to study for exams.
Heacox (1991) likewise detailed that if the student has a job, is involved in several
and doing other tasks at home, there may simply not be enough hours in day for school
work, too. In adolescence, friendships and other personal relationships often take
Further research by Bullock, Gall & Jacobsen (1990) informed that Different
students face problems with time. An example is a student who has too little time left for
studying because work or family responsibilities take up much of their time that is
Disorganization
disorganization shows itself in messy desks, messy papers and messy rooms. Others
seem unable to plan their time and thus, usually study late or not at all. Moreover,
concomitant with the disorganization patterns are statements that are not entirely
honest such as I forgot, I didnt know I had to study and I dont have enough time..
This statement match those of Nugent & Vitale (2000) when they hinted that people
who crams place low priority tasks ahead of high priority ones and then offer excuses for
not doing the high priority tasks including: I work best under pressure, Ive got too
Distractions
On the other hand, Pauk (1989) expressed that External and internal
distractions, physical and mental fatigue and boredom may keep you from
concentrating during your study time. External stimuli are happenings that interrupt
your thinking and should be limited. Basically, internal distractions are any thoughts or
feeling that interfere with the task at hand such as studying for exams. Indecision,
personal problems, anxiety and daydreams are all internal distractions. Daydreaming is
also one of the most time wasters. It is a way of escaping from hard work. Pleasant as it
is, it uses up time which you could be reviewing your notes. Also, when you have several
subjects to study on that night with more than one test looming, its easy to become
This was supported by Ellis (1995) stating, Some students try to study in front
of the TV or their computers, thus will give them a different message. Time to be
entertained. This will further lead them to rush studying that they should have done
Nugent & Vitale (2000) findings suggested that If you have implemented a
study routine in preparation for the test, you should have confidence in what you have
learned. Squeezing in last minute studying may increase anxiety and contribute to
feelings of powerlessness and helplessness. Goodchild (1994) also stated that if you
are afraid of failure or have many commitments, dont you find yourself procrastinating,
cramming and cutting class more often in short avoiding the cause of your anxiety?
cripples your memory. Cramming sessions leave students feeling depleted physically
and lack of sleep is a serious issue when it comes to taking exams. When you cram, you
are only temporarily remembering information, after the exam is over the crammed
information leaves your brain. This is especially frustrating in high school and college
because different subjects and courses build upon each other. Thus, your success in
future classes will suffer from this forgotten knowledge. Moreover, cramming is often
METHODOLOGY
Participants
High school students from La Salle College Antipolo Night High School
Department were selected as the people of interest for two reasons. First, because of
their age level, the high school students are expected to have several causes of cramming
of dilemma that can affect their social interests and performance at school. Second,
night high school students particularly, are referred to as scholars studying at night shift
which considers their academic performance and thus, the conditions used in this
17 years old, from the Night High School Department of La Salle College Antipolo. The
respondents were divided into three strata, with the total number of respondents in
Instrument
mentioned above. The instrument was examined by one La Salle College Antipolo Night
High School Department faculty member in English in order to confirm whether or not
the questions were valid. The final instrument consisted of 20 questions divided into
two separate sections. Section I is for understanding the cause of cramming problem
The study was administered during the second week of February 2017. The
respondents in each level were asked to answer the questionnaires as honest as they
could. Respondents were then given about 30 minutes to answer the questionnaire.
Information were collected after all respondents finished answering the survey
instrument.
To describe the responses of the Night High School students, percentages and
score means were computed. Data were examined through totaling the rate of
some of the tendency which seem to be taking place in the subject matter are also
revealed in journals, books and internet resources. This review targeted twelve books,
one journal, and one internet source, all of which were focused in examining the
literature.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
YES, 97 % NO, 3 %
Figure 1.1
Only three percent of the respondents (N = 1 out of 30) answered that he or she has not
experienced cramming for an examination while almost ninety seven percent of the
respondents (28 out of 30) confirmed that they have experienced pulling a caffeine-
fueled all-nighter in an attempt to cram as much information into their heads as they
can for an examination.
Figure 1.2
When asked about the subject they are having difficulty to study the
most, a considerable high amount of responses, eighty three percent (N = 25 out of 30)
of all responses, revealed Math as the main area of subject difficulty among Night
High School students. Followed by Science and English which both garnered
thirteen percent (N = 4 out of 30). Likewise, Filipino and Technology and Livelihood
Education (TLE) had the same amount of responses, each with three percent (N = 1 out
of 30) while none of the respondents have chosen Araling Panlipunan (AP) as a
Only three percent of the respondents (N = 1 out of 30) in figure 1.3 said
that he or she finds examinations difficult to meet when he or she is not feeling well.
The reasons of insufficient time for review and concentration problem had the same
amount of responses each with twenty three percent (N = 7 out of 30) while countless
projects gained the highest rate of forty seven percent of the respondents (N = 14 out of
30).
Figure 1.4
Only thirty three percent of the respondents (N = 10 out of 30) stated that
they dont feel distracted on their studies while sixty seven percent of the respondents
(N = 20 out of 30) confirmed that they are having a tough time focusing on their studies.
When asked the reason why, much of the responses were attached to the presence of
technology at home earning fifty three percent (N = 16 out of 30) followed by peer
pressure gaining ten percent of the respondents (N = 3 out of 30). On the other hand,
only three percent of the respondents (N = 1 out of 30) answered that family problems
distract him or her on his or her studies and none of the respondents chose love life as
Figure 1.5
YES concerning the study schedule followed by NO which gathered thirty percent (N
= 9 out of 30) while a few, seventeen percent of the respondents (N = 5 out of 30) are
Figure 1.6
Data in Figure 1.6 revealed that thirty percent of the respondents (N = 9 out
of 30) who answered YES when asked if they have a study schedule said that they are
studying every day. Followed by thrice a week which collected twenty percent (N = 6
out of 30) and once a week which accumulated ten percent (N = 3 out of 30) while
only a few have chosen twice a week which has only seven percent (N = 2 out of 30).
Figure 1.7
Figure 1.7 illustrates that 37 percent (N = 11 out of 30) of the Night High School
students finds it difficult to study for examination during the month of December.
Thirty percent response rate was obtained for March followed by November which
garnered 27 percent (N = 8 out of 30). Furthermore, August and September had the
same amount of responses each with 10 percent (N = 3 out of 30). February and
January both collected 3 percent (N = 1 out of 30). None of the respondents have
chosen October
YES, 77 % NO, 23 %
Figur
e 1.8
Figure 1.8 illustrates that majority of the Night High School students, seventy
seven percent of them (N= 23 out of 30) feel that they are being distracted on their
studies because of browsing several social media sites while twenty three percent of the
respondents (N = 7 out of 30) answered that social media doesnt affect them in their
studies.
YES, 67 % NO, 33 %
Figure 1.9
As seen in Figure 1.9, students who answered YES when asked if weekly
commitments hinder them from having enough study time, gained a total of sixty seven
percent (N = 20 out of 30) while thirty percent of the respondents (N = 10 out of 30)
answered that weekly commitments does not delay them from having a period for study.
Figure 1.10
chosen home chores as the primary reason that hinders them from having sufficient
study time. It was then followed by the reason church gaining 23 percent (N = 7 out of
30) and sports that has twenty percent (N = 6 out of 30). Thirteen percent response
rate were collected under the choice special events Lastly, none of the respondents
have chosen outings and sidelines as a hindrance from having adequate study time.
Section II of the questionnaire was adapted from HOW WELL DO I PLAY THE
responses of the students are indicated in Figure 2.1 with their total number of
later.
14. I am stressed. My love life is currently complicated. - -
15. I have family problems, things havent been going really well 14 47%
lately.
16. I have health problems, I just cant do it now. 3 10%
17. I spend too much time browsing on social media sites (ex: 25 83%
Im a nerd.
19. I usually focus better under the pressure of tight deadlines. 22 70%
20. Sometimes I focus on subjects that interest me that I forgot 19 63%
social media sites as their root of cramming dilemma. This was then followed by better
focus under the pressure of tight deadlines garnering a total response rate of seventy
percent (N = 22 out of 30). Subsequently, it can be seen that some students indicate
their concentration over a subject they like most may cause them to overlook other
subjects they like least having a total response rate of 63 percent followed by the
out of 30) of the respondents emphasize family problems as a cause for cramming
followed by health problems obtaining 10 percent. Also, seven percent (N = 2 out of 30)
of the respondents point out that out that they have so many things going on in their
lives and they purposely set aside study time as an excuse for not being a nerd. However,
none of the respondents have preferred love life as a cause for cramming dilemma.
CONCLUSION
Based on the results of this research, it occurs that the insights of high school
students on cramming dilemma stem from various different causes and this was in
harmony with the studied information. Thus, a number of primary conclusions were
drawn.
First, the one of the common roots of cramming dilemma is from extreme use of
social media sites. They spend too much time surfing the internet and engaging
themselves into different sites that entertains them such as Facebook, Twitter,
Instagram and the like. Also, data in this investigation indicate that students already feel
respondents confirmed that the time which they are supposed to be studying was often
spent on browsing the internet that may serve as an alternative escape from tons of
projects at school. This result fits those of Rimm (1995) when he suggested that
teenagers especially like to do browse the internet when they are supposed to be
studying for exams. Television, computers and video games may serve as alternative
escapes.
The findings of this research matched those of Robinson (1993) when he suggested that
this was because Theyve found that cramming helps them focus on the essential issues:
details are a luxury they simply dont have time for. They also find that they rehearse for
and take tests better in that frightened state of awareness that adrenaline produces. In
short they like the rush. They feel that rushing things and studying the night before an
cram for the overlooked subjects. This research supported the conclusion of Landy
(1996) when she stressed that most teenagers have an unhealthy attitude towards
examination on a subject they found uninteresting thus, give them far more importance
than they deserve. They tend to avoid lessons that seem boring or difficult or they may
put off studying because they doubt their ability to understand it. In addition, results
from this research shows that the respondents regard Math as the main area of subject
difficulty among the six subjects having a considerable high amount of response rate
with a total of 80 percent. Also, Cahill (2000) proposed that when you have several
subjects to study on that night with more than one test looming, its easy to become
the respondents answered YES when asked if they have their own study schedule, it is
not often followed due to several reasons. It could be because of personal problems or
Fifth, weekly commitments may cause you to fall behind on your studies. In fact,
more than half of the respondents agreed that weekly commitments inside and outside
the campus delay them from having sufficient study period. These include home chores,
church responsibilities, sports and special events. In line with this, Bullock, Gall &
Jacobsens (1990) findings suggested that Most students are expected to help with work
at home. Some have major responsibilities for cleaning, meal preparation and care of
This study focused only on the common roots of cramming dilemma among teenagers.
Additionally, this study was only limited to 30 high school respondents from a night
shift schedule. And since the study was limited to those who were enrolled during the
school year 2016-2017 in the Night High School Department of La Salle College
Antipolo, the results of this study cannot be generalized to other colleges or universities
Recommendations
Despite of the many limitations of this study, the results of this study proved that
extreme use of social media sites, tight deadlines, subject preference, absence of study
reality and actually being experienced by high school students. In line with this, it is
advised that the study be simulated in other locations in the Philippines or abroad using
the same instrument used in the study with greater number of respondents and with
greater number of schools to see if results will hold true. The use of other instruments
that measures cramming dilemma, if ever there are, is also recommended. Effects and
steps on how to cope with cramming problem can also be another meaningful
undertaking.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
BOOKS
Arenas, C. (2014). The Testing Effect and Cramming: Presence of the Testing Effect in
Bullock, T., Gall, J., Gall, M., & Jacobsen, P. (1990). Tools for Learning: A Guide
Cahill, M. (2000). Studying and Test Taking Made Incredibly Easy. Springhouse, Pa:
Springhouse Corp.
Donnelly, R. (1990). Active Learning: A Study Skills Worktext. U.S.A: Holt, Rinehard
Ellis, D. & Lenn, P (1995). Learning Power: Strategies for Student Success. U.S.A:
Landy, J. (1996). How to Study. Manila: Tahanan Books for Young Readers
Meet, T., Goodchild, F. & Zajchowski, R. (1994). Learning for Success: Skills and
Corp.
Nugent, P. & Vitale, B. (2000). Test Success: Test Taking Technique for Beginning
Rimm, S. (1995). Why Bright Kids Gets Poor Grades. U.S.A: Crown Trade Paperbacks.
Vatterott, C. (2009). Rethinking homework: Best practices that support diverse needs.
JOURNALS
Sommer, W. G. (1990). "Procrastination and Cramming: How Adept Students Ace the
INTERNET
http://www.google.com.ph/gwt/x?
gl=PH&hl=enPH&u=http://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/fr
ustration&source=s&Cramming
+ln+Psychological+Terms&sa=X&ei=egHgVkqkKNP48Wy&ved=0C8
QFjAG