Learners’ Participation in Mathematics Spiral Curriculum and Academic Grit as Mediated by Parental Involvement: Basis for Action Plan

Abstract

The Department of Education of the Philippines introduced the Mathematics Spiral Curriculum to enhance learners’ understanding by revisiting concepts with increasing complexity across grade levels. This study aimed to determine the mediating effect of parental involvement on the relationship between learners’ participation in the Mathematics Spiral Curriculum and their academic grit among Grade 10 students in Inabanga North District during the first semester of School Year 2025–2026. It assessed participation in terms of discussion, peer collaboration, and problem-solving activities; parental involvement as motivator, resource provider, monitor, Mathematics content advisor, and learning counselor; and the level of academic grit, including the relationship among variables and the mediating role of parental involvement. A quantitative, non-experimental mediation design was employed using a structured survey questionnaire adapted from validated instruments. A total of 141 Grade 10 students from three secondary schools participated using purposive sampling Data were analyzed using weighted mean, standard deviation, Pearson Product-Moment Correlation, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Findings revealed that learners’ participation, parental involvement, and academic grit were at high levels. Moreover, parental involvement significantly mediated the relationship between participation and academic grit. The study concludes that active participation in Mathematics, supported by meaningful parental involvement, plays a vital role in strengthening learners’ academic grit. However, lower engagement in problem-solving and the limited instructional role of parents indicate the need to enhance classroom strategies and home support. Future researchers may conduct similar studies across other grade levels and explore emotional resilience as a related variable to better understand how learners cope with academic challenges and sustain their learning efforts.