"BRIDGING NUMERACY GAPS: EMPOWERING EDUCATORS AT THE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL"

JERBEE M. YASAY

In the current state of education, numeracy is a fundamental skill that students must possess to understand the complexities of the modern world properly. However, despite their desire to succeed academically, a concerning trend persists: many senior-class students lack numeracy skills, which makes it difficult for them to grasp basic mathematical ideas. In response to this issue, teachers should be proactive in addressing these problems directly. This underscores a compelling argument for educators to prioritize developing students' numeracy skills and implementing effective methods. Furthermore, students may lose interest and motivation in mathematics if there is no practical application of the subject. They may perceive mathematics as abstract and unrelated to real-life situations if they fail to see the importance of their numeracy skills in their daily lives. It may be challenging for them to remain motivated and enthusiastic about the subject. Teachers can use the following techniques to help senior high school students struggling with numeracy: Improve fundamental skills: Training and teaching basic mathematical concepts through problem-solving exercises should be given particular attention. Prioritize helping students build a strong foundation in basic mathematical concepts so they can understand increasingly complex concepts. Create a constructive learning atmosphere: Your classroom should be a safe and supportive environment for learning, allowing students to feel confident in trying new things and making mistakes. Emphasize the importance of perseverance and diligence in the educational process, and acknowledge and celebrate students' successes. Include real-life applications: To emphasize the value of numeracy skills, use problem-solving activities and real-world applications in your mathematics lessons. To help students better understand the subject, allow them to make connections between mathematical concepts and actual situations. Provide individual support: Recognize that each child has different needs in their education, and if necessary, provide attention and intervention tailored to those needs. Offer additional assistance, such as tutoring or accommodations, to students who need it to succeed in mathematics. By implementing specific methods to strengthen core skills, alleviate fear and anxiety, emphasize real-life applications, and provide individual support, teachers can enhance students' numeracy skills and enable them to become proficient, confident problem solvers. Let's commit to working together to ensure that every senior high school student has the opportunity to demonstrate their full potential and excel in numeracy.

-oOoThe author is Teacher III at Zaragoza National High School