High School Teachers' Level of Knowledge and Skills in Applying Mathematics in Real Life: An Assessment towards Teacher's Preparedness for Senior High School Mathematics

It is the role of the teacher to teach the students how to develop basic competencies and skills in solving, creative and critical thinking. Thus, it is the teacher that is considered one of the factors that could affect the students. This study measured high school teachers’ knowledge and skills in applying mathematics in real life using standardized questionnaires. Results revealed that the teachers of schools that will offer academic tracks have moderate knowledge and below level 1 skill in applying mathematics in real life. It also showed better knowledge for teachers with higher time spent in teaching mathematics and better skills for a higher perception of how students do well in mathematics because of ability, habits, teaching, friends, and effort. However, better knowledge and skills were also revealed for teachers with lower effects on participation in mathematics development activities and professional development in teaching mathematics. Nevertheless, the level of knowledge of teachers in mathematics is not correlated with the competence of the teacher in applying mathematics in real life, a manifestation of the teachers’ unpreparedness for senior high school. Hence, there is a need for more training for teachers to help them in teaching mathematics in real life.