THE JOURNEY OF A MATH MAJOR TEACHER TEACHING THE FILIPINO SUBJECT

Within the dynamic landscape of education, the enduring boundaries that once divided academic disciplines are gradually eroding. A compelling example of this shift is evident in the journey of a Math major who shifted gears to become a Filipino subject teacher. This career transition challenges traditional teaching norms, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary education and the diverse skills educators bring to the educational setting.

Imagine a seasoned mathematician, possessing in-depth knowledge of numbers, algorithms, and logical reasoning, entering the realm of teaching the Filipino language. This may sound like an unusual scenario, but for one educator, it became a reality. The transition from the abstract world of mathematics to the intricate landscape of language and culture presented a range of challenges and opportunities.

A key challenge encountered by our math-major-turned-Filipino-teacher was addressing the perceived gap between the sciences and humanities. The shift from teaching concrete mathematical concepts to the more subjective and expressive nature of language required a significant adjustment in teaching methods. Bridging this gap meant developing new strategies to engage students and foster a love for the Filipino language.

As the math major delved into the Filipino subject, surprising opportunities for interdisciplinary learning emerged. Mathematical thinking, highlighting precision and problem-solving, introduced a novel outlook on language analysis and interpretation. The educator urged students to view language as a system with distinct rules and structures, drawing connections between mathematical formulas and grammatical constructs.

Furthermore, the math major's analytical skills proved beneficial in helping students break down complex sentences and comprehend the intricacies of Filipino literature. This distinctive method not only improved students' language proficiency but also nurtured critical thinking and analytical capabilities, highlighting the mutually beneficial relationship between seemingly unrelated fields.

The journey of a math major teaching the Filipino subject underscores the evolving nature of education and the value of embracing diversity in teaching methodologies. Interdisciplinary approaches not only enrich students' learning experiences but also open doors for educators to continually grow and adapt to new challenges.

-oOoDr. Clemente N. Dayrit Sr. Elementary School Angeles City