Mathematics is often described by the students in three simple ways and we call it 3Ds. It stands with DIFFICULT, DULL AND DISLIKED. As Mathematics teachers, it is very disheartening to know that our pupils shrink and sink in our subject. How then can we help them? And what shall we do to help them feel better and cool every time we enter our classes?

     We must do something to change these 3Ds to 3Es-EASY, ENJOYABLE AND EXCITING. Well, it means introspecting where the fault is and usually whether we admit it or not. Most often, teachers   are the culprits. We fail to prepare a lesson that will make our pupils active in our classes and will make math easy, enjoyable and exciting. How can we do this? Simple, we have to provide worthwhile activities.

     If you think you are short of strategies, find a way to confer with the other math teachers in the division or surf in the net. There are a variety of ways to improve our instruction if the will is ardent.

      We have to keep in mind that our goal is always to teach mathematics for understanding. If the pupils will get our lesson, surely they will find it easy, enjoyable and exciting and to teach it for understanding it calls for a deeper realization and consideration of the very nature of the subject.

    The following are some essential principles of mathematics.

    1. Mathematics is a well-structured subject.

            It means the concepts and principles are hierarchical, starting from the simplest to the most complex. It is very important to master the simplest knowledge before moving on to the next lesson otherwise, they will find it difficult to study. Diagnostic Test is very much helpful to teachers so that, we will know if our pupils are really equipped with  the expected skills  for their grade level.

    2. Mathematics is logic.

            Our pupils find mathematics difficult because they lack the tool for reasoning. Thus, we must give them opportunities to reason out logically by giving abundant exercises in problem solving and when we teach we must use a strategy which is sequential or logical.

    3. Mathematics is a language.

            Mathematics has its own word registers different from English like plane, curve, period etc Therefore, it is also necessary to teach the translation of English phrases and sentences to mathematical expressions. This will facilitate our pupils’ understanding of the word problems.

   4. Mathematics is a study of patterns.

           We must lead our pupils to discovery of patterns in divisibility tests, Pascal’s triangle, Fibonacci series, and the sum of consecutive numbers. If the pupils can discover patterns then they have good command of mathematics.

    Bear in mind these four principles of mathematics in planning your lesson every day so that, your pupils will turn their 3Ds to 3Es.

      Happy Teaching!

Mathematics doesn’t require us to have a photographic memory or a word for word memorization of theories. It needs an analytical and critical thinking mind because it is a skill that needs constant practice. Here are the ten good things you can do before taking the examination.

1. DO NOT CRAM.

     Nothing beats a race except constant practice so, if you want to score high in your test then, prepare for it. Review all the scopes taken for the quarter one at a time before the slated dates. Challenge yourself with more exercises that will equip you with the necessary skills you will need.

2. CONSULT THE TEACHER if you do not understand a particular topic.   

     Never hesitate to approach your Math teacher if you really do not understand the topic she discussed. I’m sure your teacher will be glad if she will see you trying your best to master her subject.

3. DO NOT LIMIT EXERCISES FROM TEXTBOOKS.

    It is good to borrow books from your friends studying in the private school so, you can  get more exercises but, it is better to download from good websites  and it is best if you can borrow the worksheets of your classmates or schoolmates who are regularly attending MTAP and MTG review classes.

4. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE

        Since Mathematics is a skill…practice will surely perfect your test.

5. JOIN STUDY GROUPS.

         It is worth spending time with friends or buddies who are all very much concern in improving their class standing. Some of your classmates have strong inclination in numbers so it is best to spend time with them.

6. PUT YOURSELF IN YOUR TEACHER’S PLACE.

        Study mathematics as if it is really very important for you to know it for the benefit of others. Do everything to expound the problem/ equation and try other way to solve the given problem.

7. GET A GOOD NIGHT’S REST AND EAT WELL BEFORE THE EXAM.

        Don’t sleep late the night before your test and eat nourishing food that will give you the energy and zest in answering your test.

8. DO NOT LOSE A HEART.

       Never feel disappointed or frustrated the day before your test. Do not entertain negative people in your lives so, you won’t feel bad.

9. TRUST THAT GOD WILL HELP AND GUIDE YOU.

       Always seek God’s guidance through our devotion and prayers.

10.  PARENTS ACTIVE ROLE IN YOUR EDUCATION MATTERS a lot.

        The role of the parents in your studies count a lot so you must listen to their piece of advice at all times.

        Most kids are afraid of Mathematics. The reasons are a bit arbitrary because it is supposed to be the most liked academic subject simply because it doesn't require memorization nor big and thick books to decipher. You just have to learn the patterns and sequences and ALAS! ... you'll be able to answer the problems or equations. Therefore, it is a skill that requires constant practice.

      Why do kids hate Math? It is because of faulty method of instruction that makes the learners bored and the process of learning rote. As Math teachers, we are responsible for this crime committed against our pupils. We must find ways on how we can make mathematics a fun and enjoyable subject area; We do need to keep pace with the number skill where our pupils are, the movement must be slow until mastery is insured; If language will become a barrier in understanding it better, we must be ready to translate the problem in the language they know and lead them to analysis and critical thinking; Real subjects must supplement the textbook instruction; praises and rewards must be given to boost our pupils’ confidence and thus, lower the anxiety level and lastly, we teachers should always reflect on the strategies we are using whether we are effective in our approach or not and try to improve our instruction so that the agony of our pupils will not be perpetuated.

      Let us work together to avoid dyscalculia or number phobia among our pupils. If the educators will internalize and practice the principles of learning, then, there will be less intimidated pupils around.

     Teaching since time immemorial has been very laborious and taxing because of the numerous responsibilities it entails from preparation of teaching materials, execution of teaching-learning process to conferencing the parents about their child’s progress. If you are not ready for all these stuffs then, this profession is not for you. Yet, if you feel confident and happy in accomplishing all these tasks then, you just have to find ways on how to overcome all these odds in teaching.

      Here are ten helpful ways to combat stressful days in school:

1. Pray before you start your day.

2. Do your planned activities for the day.

3. Keep quiet and stare blankly on the wall when the pupils become so unruly in the class. Don't shout or show negative reactions to their misdemeanors. They will understand your silence.

4. Inject humor in your lessons. This way, you make yourself happy and your pupils too but be careful not to offend anyone in the class.

5. Never listen to negative rumor or opinion of others against anyone in school so that you won’t feel bad.

6. Dwell on your blessings small or big. It’s still a blessing.

7. Accept challenging works with confidence and faith that you can do it.

8. Put everything in the right perspective. First thing first.

9. Shun yourself against negative people. They won’t do anything but put you in shambles.

1o. Line up your activities as if every day is your last day.

       Remember all these and make every day a better day than yesterday….

PRESS RELEASE

Have you ever said thank you to at least one of your teachers who created a big difference in your life?

If not, this is your chance as the Department of Education launches a campaign that encourages every Filipino to say a word of thanks to their teachers – a fitting highlight to the annual celebration of Teachers Month this September and World Teachers’ Day celebration on October 5.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro said it is but proper that the country dedicate a whole month to recognize teachers for their unique role in preparing students for the future, in strengthening communities and in building a nation.

“I think we should regularly take time to revitalize the image of teachers and draw public attention to their value in society,” said Luistro.

All public and private elementary and secondary schools, division and regional offices are enjoined to conduct programs and activities that support the Teachers Month and the World Teachers Day.

One of these is the say “thank you” campaign where students are encouraged to write a letter, send a card, offer a gift or post a greeting in various social networking sites.

“We have many creative ways and various media platforms to be used to express our gratitude to our teachers,” added Luistro.

DepEd likewise enlists the support of television and radio station anchors, hosts and artists to say “thank you” to their mentors in their respective programs.

Schools are encouraged to feature stories or write-ups on their teachers through their school papers, websites and Facebook accounts. They can also submit these write-ups to local newspapers and national broadsheets.

Moreoever, DepEd division and regional offices can mobilize support from the community and commercial establishments in paying tribute to teachers by encouraging them to give discounts, freebies and special treats and promos for the whole month of September until October 5.

                                                                                                                                END

Balanga Elementary School held a revisit workshop on NCBTS, TSNA, IPPD and CB-PAST last July 9, 2011 at the school AVR.  The objectives of this workshop are as follows:

 

a.       Update teachers strengths and needs assessment and make them appreciate the complex set of behaviors, attitudes and skills that each teacher must possess in order to carry out satisfactory performance of their roles and responsibilities.

 

b.      Enable teachers to chart goals and plan learning activities that enhance their competencies in order for them to work better for the improvement of their school and learners performance.

 

c.       Produce an Individual Plan for Professional Development (IPPD)

 

d.      Equip teachers with further knowledge on Competency-Based Performance Appraisal System for Teachers (CB-PAST)

 

The workshop started at 1:00 P.M. with a short opening program followed by the seminar proper with Dr. Merlinda T. Tablan, PSDS  and Mrs. Teresita B. Dilig, P III as resource speakers.  They reviewed the teachers in the use of the NCBTS-TSNA tool and the preparation of Individual Plan for Professional Development (IPPD) to come out with a School Plan for Professional Development.  They also tackled the implementation of CB-PAST so that the school and learners can work better for the improvement of their performance.  Before the workshop ended, BES teachers prepared an individual output of TSNA and IPPD for SY 2011-2012.