MATHEMATICS EDUCATION IN THE PHILIPPINES
Critical-thinking and problem-solving are the twin-goals in mathematics in the basic education based from the Conceptual framework of Mathematics Education in the Philippines. Teachers and educators of today’s generation should have a paradigm shift in a manner of teaching instruction. From teacher-centered instruction (exposition, practice consolidation) to Studentscentered instruction (exposition, practical work, discussion, problem-solving investigation, cooperative learning, technology aided/enhanced. According to Elena R. Ruiz – Assistant Secretary for Programs and Projects of the Department Education in the Aquino administration, we should have the following strategies to attain success in mathematics education: Capability buildingwherein the teachers have to have trainings to further improve instructions and delivery if the subject matter, grant scholarships to increase professional growth and development and give incentives for teachers to motivate more in teaching. Another is Student competitions - our students need to be encouraged more in joining mathematics competitions from district level to national level, and attend Math Camp Olympiad and Congress.
As Mathematics educators we should also have partnership with private institutions and other government offices like : University of the Philippines National Institute of science and Mathematics Development (UPNISMED), Mathematics Society of the Philippines (MSP), Mathematics Teachers Association of the Philippines (MTAP), and Mathematics Teachers Guild (MTG) of the Philippines.
Finally, according also to Elena R. Ruiz, we can attain success in the Mathematics education in the Philippines if we have and will follow this formula: QME = SNGS + GC + WTT + POS, where QME - Quality Mathematics education, SNGS – Strong national Government Support, GC – Good Curriculum, WTT – Well-Trained Teachers and POS – Private organization Support.