Challenges in teaching and learning mathematics for junior high

Thesis Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Mathematics University of Rizal System-Morong. 2017

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The study focused on the different challenges encountered by the teachers and students in teaching and learning mathematics for junior high school. It was conducted at Morong National High School (MNHS) and Lagundi-CCL National High School (LCCLNHS) during the school year 2016-2017, with seventeen (17) teachers and one hundred sixty (160) students as respondents. The study utilized the descriptive method of research. The respondents were randomly selected with twenty (20) students in each grade level and all mathematics teachers in both schools. The study employed the descriptive method of research utilizing the quantitative design. The researchers used structured interview form to determine the challenges in teaching and learning mathematics. The researcher-made questionnaire was divided according to the respondents, one is for the teachers and one is for the students. Questionnaire for teachers include the mastery of the subject matter, strategies employed, and instructional materials utilized. However, questionnaire for students include the mastery of the lesson, strategies employed by the teacher, and learning materials utilized. To identify the different challenges encountered by the teachers in teaching mathematics for Junior High School with respect to mastery of the subject matter, strategies employed and instructional materials utilized. Frequency and percentage distribution were used. To determine the challenges encountered by the Junior High School students in learning mathematics with respect to mastery of the lessons, strategies employed by the teacher and learning materials utilized, frequency and percentage distribution were also used. In terms of challenges in teaching mathematics with respect to mastery of the subject matter, the study found out that most teachers lack trainings and seminar regarding the different subjects or learning areas. In terms of strategies to be used, most teachers conclude that approaches under K to 12 curriculum like collaborative learning, etc. is not always effective specially to slow-learners, and teachers lack knowledge in motivating the students. In terms of instructional materials utilized, most of the teachers answered varied instructional materials are needed to catch the interest of the students. In terms of challenges experienced by the Junior High School students with respect to mastery of the lesson, the study found out that most of the students answered examples given by teachers and written in the modules are not enough to fully understand the lesson. In terms of strategies employed by the teacher, most students said that teachers do not use variety of strategies and techniques. In learning materials utilized, there is no problem when it comes to learning materials. Moreover, the study concluded that challenges in teaching and learning mathematics mostly occurred in mastering the subject of the lesson. In addition, knowledge of teachers regarding to the curriculum being implemented was not enough wherein they experienced difficulties in understanding the lesson, and lack of ideas in terms of strategies and instructional materials to be used. also, students struggled mostly in understanding the lesson and strategies employed by the teachers otherwise they never encountered challenges in learning materials. From the conclusions drawn, the study recommended that the administrators should provide trainings and seminars for the teachers wherein the main purpose is to improve their teaching skills and other concerns. Furthermore, teachers should use electronic resources like video presentation in the lesson to catch the attention of every student as well as to become interesting and goal directed discussion. Also, the study may serve as a foundation for the improvement of teaching and learning process, and parallel studies may be conducted considering other group of respondents not included in the study to identify other challenges experienced by teachers and students.