Many high school students when asked on their favorite subjects, most of the time, when they answer, mathematics is seldom mentioned. It seems that mathematics is either a feared subject or not appealing to them. Large number of students who took up the National Achievement Test (NAT) which is given annually revealed a not so satisfying results.; therefore, it is not surprising to see a loot of students who are iii-prepared to pursue a higher education, since mathematics is an important subject in any course in college.
The quality of Mathematics teaching in the Philippines is alarming as stated in some research findings, However, different remedies/measures have been adapted to address this dilemma, which are coming different causes and reasons. Seminars, trainings,, conferences, practical strategies and techniques for improving Mathematics teaching, especially in the secondary level are suggested for the teachers who are committed to improve and attain high level of proficiency in numeracy among pupils/students through proper Mathematics teaching.
Mathematics is an integral part of our lives. No one on the face of the earth ever escaped numbers, since they occur many million times in ones lifetime. But despite these measures that have been exhausted to remedy the present status, mathematics remains to be a challenging yet enjoyable discipline, because of this, a Mathematics teacher needs to develop students capacity for critical thinking and logical reasoning. Teaching Mathematics to children can be exhausting , simply because Math is so different in so many ways compared to all other subjects. Grasping these fundamentals will greatly aid in ensuring students mastery of this subject.
According to Duque (1992), some of the characteristics of teachers who elicit the strongest achievement gains from their students are the following :
1. Appropriate expectation and a sense of efficacy. Teachers believe that students are capable of learning and that these teachers can teach the students. If students do not learn something the first time, these teachers teach the same lesson again. In general, teachers express proactive and appropriate expectations for learning.
2. Classroom management and Organization . They organize their classrooms as effective learning environments and use management techniques that maximize the time the students use and spend in lessons and activities.
3. Opportunity to learn. The teacher spends more hours each year on the academic tasks.
4. Curriculum Pacing. The teacher allows continuous progress for students by moving through the curriculum up to the end.
5. Active Teaching. The teacher instructs, demonstrates skills, explains concepts well and reviews children when necessary.
6. Supportive Learning Environment. The teacher maintains pleasant, friendly classrooms and are perceived and are perceived as enthusiastic ,supportive instructions.
. in the K to 12 program,Elementary mathematics covers various concepts and ideas, skills and processes on numbers and number sense Geometry, measurement patterns and algebra, probability and statistics as enlist using appropriate technology in critical thinking, problem solving, reasoning, communicating , making connections,representations and decisions in real life. This is a sure way to improve students’ skillfulness in mathematics.
The search for a quality mathematics teaching will continue in all levels of educational system and in all area of discipline. There is no doubt that if if quality teaching will be evident, there are no reasons and excuses why Filipino children will not love Mathematics.
By: RONALDO A. PUNLA | Teacher I | Magsaysay National High School | Dinalupihan, Bataan
