ABSTRACT
The study determined the influence of practicality of Numeracy Assessment Tool (NumAT) to teachers’ effectiveness in teaching Mathematics for Laboratory High School of University of Antique for the School Year 2023-2024. The descriptive-survey design was used using the research-made questionnaire. Frequency count, percentage, mean, Mann-Whitney U Test, Kruskal Wallis H Test, and Spearman Rank Correlation Test were used. Results showed that the level of practicality of the Numeracy Assessment Tool (NumAT) when taken as a whole group and when classified according to variables was “highly practical” and “very highly effective” for the level of effectiveness but “highly effective” when classified according to grade levels 7 to 10. There was no significant difference in the level of practicality and level of teachers’ effectiveness using the Numeracy Assessment Tool (NumAT) when classified according to categories of variables. There was no significant influence in the respondents’ level of practicality to teachers’ effectiveness in using the Numeracy Assessment Tool (NumAT).
Keywords: Numeracy Assessment Tool, Laboratory High School, University of Antique, Practicality, and Effectiveness
INTRODUCTION
Mathematics is all around us! Indeed, everyone must be capable to add great deal of value and love in discovering the importance of enhancing arithmetic abilities in order to properly navigate everyday decisions and skills. Youngsters, who can count to ten, comprehend and apply mathematical ideas, are better equipped to describe and make sense of their environment.
To develop logical thinking and reasoning abilities for problem-solving, and to build a grasp of time, numbers, patterns, and forms in everyday tasks like cooking, reading recipes, reviewing invoices, and even participating in sports, a person must be numerate.
The ability to apply, deduce, and draw connections between mathematical knowledge in order to solve problems in practical settings is known as numeracy ability. Likewise, the fundamental arithmetic operation as a branch of Mathematics, is indeed necessary for it basically comprises of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in which learners should study.
Therefore, it may be argued that by boosting learners’ self-assurance and ability to study, arithmetic and numeracy abilities equip learners for the twenty-first century.
According to the National Numeracy Council (2014), numeracy is the capability to use numbers, and solve problems in real life. It is about having self-assurance, and aptitude to apply mathematical concepts, and techniques to challenges in daily life. It is the capacity to apply newly acquired knowledge to address issues in practical settings. The goal of the Philippine educational system then is to shape learners who are proficient in Mathematics in addition to being numerate.
According to the National Research Council's book, "Adding It Up", (2001), referenced in Garg (2017), a person must complete five strands in order to be considered proficient in Mathematics. The components of mathematical competency are conceptual knowledge, procedural fluency, strategic competence, adaptable thinking, and productive disposition. At the most basic level, learners are expected to use the Numeracy Assessment Tool (NumAT) to evaluate the learners' numeracy or proficiency in terms of speed and comprehension.
NumAT was not intended to be used as a stand-alone tool; rather, it was created with flexibility to meet the demands of both teachers and learners and to raise their numeracy and proficiency.
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