THE FUTURE OF MATH EDUCATION IN PHL
JONELYN A. BAJAR
Teachers around the country have expressed worry about the quality of mathematics instruction in the Philippines.
The state of mathematics education in the Philippines is concerning at the moment because Filipino students have performed poorly on both national and international exams.
Teachers of mathematics have faced difficulties in terms of teaching and learning, student preparation, and engagement as a result of the shift from in-person instruction to blended learning and back.
Depressingly, the nation scores lowest in math according to assessments from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's Programmed for International Student Assessment (OECD-PISA 2018) and the 2019 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS 2019). The Philippine school system needs to change arithmetic instruction completely in order to meet this pressing problem.
Resolving infrastructure deficiencies in schools is another crucial component. It will be possible to give pupils real-world, experiential learning opportunities that will spark their interest in mathematics by building more classrooms and well-equipped laboratories. For the sake of math education's future, creating an atmosphere that encourages engagement with the material is an important financial commitment.
In educational organizations, sound governance and administration are equally crucial. The success of math instruction is significantly shaped by effective leadership. It is recommended that administrators give math top priority as a core subject, make prudent use of available resources, and establish policies that foster cooperation between educators, students, and parents.
It will take a team effort from all parties involved to improve math education in the nation. Making sure that the next generation has the mathematical abilities necessary to prosper in a world that is getting more complicated is a shared duty. We can create the conditions for a better future in math education by implementing the suggestions.
In order to define the future success of our country, let's take on this issue together and equip the next generation with the math knowledge and enthusiasm that will drive them.
Learning mathematics presents a variety of difficulties for students. These obstacles include a deficiency of fundamental comprehension and self-assurance in the subject, trouble comprehending the content, erratic internet connections, and an unsupported learning environment.
In reading and math, Filipinos were placed sixth in 2022, and third in scientific subjects. Just 16% of Filipino children possess fundamental or baseline competency in mathematics, 24% possess basic reading proficiency, and 23% possess basic science proficiency, according to the findings of the 2022 PISA test.
However, graduates from Philippine mathematics education programs, like those offered by the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP), have demonstrated high levels of satisfaction and employability, demonstrating the relevance and utility of the curriculum.
To address the present issues and raise the quality of mathematics education in the Philippines, it is generally necessary to make changes to policies, provide support for teachers, and strengthen math education initiatives.
-oOoThe author is Secondary School Teacher III at Francisco G. Nepomuceno Memorial High School