BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Teaching the subject of economics for 15 years in the Public school, especially in Pedro

E. Diaz High School is tough and challenging. As teacher and at the same time as class

adviser, the needs to device new strategy on how to effectively deliver the lesson inside

the classroom should be the outmost priority of teacher. In fact, some strategies are fun

to explore, particularly if you are handling higher sections. For instance, teaching them

the process or method of analyzing and interpreting data; showing them the correct

approach of manipulating the formula, and encouraging them to figure out the relevance

of the topic to their daily life would help them establish learning goals. Normally, they

frequently create surprises by showcasing their talents, creativity and outputs.

Apparently, in lower section, learners in this bracket should be given ample time and

attention to absorb the lesson. Based on the observation of researcher, showing them

the numbers, charts, statistical data, and challenging economic concepts discouraged

them to actively participate in the classroom discussion. In these circumstances,

teacher should find ways of motivating the learner to appreciate the lessons and

encourage them to participate in the classroom discussion.

In the years of 2004 to 2008, the researcher was given a responsibility to handle

sections 26 to 30, section 28 Pierre Curie was assigned to him as his advisory class.

During that time, the average class size per classroom was 50 to 60 students per

section. In the recollection of the researcher, the problem of absenteeism was not a

major concern in the academic performance of Pierre Curie. Likewise, financial problem

was a minor issue in the economic status of students.

However, in 2007 the global economy was in peril when the United States of America

was severely hit by financial crisis combined with deep recession that lasted from

December 2007 to June 2009, and afterwards, it has been the primordial concern of the

economic experts in our country. Notwithstanding that, the annual inflation rate reached

the 17-year high of 12.5% in August 2008, up from a record of low of 2.8% percent

registered in 2007. It improved to 8.8% percent in December 2008. The peak price of oil

was P60 plus per liter and then the market price of basic commodities rises. Although,

inflation causes an alarm in the market, the household income was able to manage the

impact of cost-push inflation due to strong economic fundamentals of then President

Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Since then, the researcher utilized the student’s

socioeconomic profile to analyze and understand the impact of economic inflation on

academic performance of learners.

Though the Philippines had experienced high inflation rate, it was unusual to encounter

a number of students who are economically vulnerable to economic inflation and at the

risk of dropping out.