Abstract
Most knowledge that we can acquire through discovery and investigation is part of the nature around us. This study explores a special way of teaching mathematics through nature. Five individuals from different disciplines accepted a seven-day challenge of teaching preschool learners on a one-on-one basis while observing Philippine Enhanced Community Quarantine in the fight against COVID-19. The lessons are nursery number sense which includes Counting 1-10, Days of the Week, Months of the Year, Ordinal Numbers, Counting 11-20, and The Time and Clock. Pre-and post-assessment of numeracy skills were recorded using observable competency tallied with literal descriptions – A for mastered, B for developing, and C for beginning. Alongside teaching, online conferencing was conducted for a qualitative interview with the teacher-participants. Questions revolved around teaching mathematics using nature as springboard. After the seven-day challenge, it was found out that teaching using naturalist approach led to the increase in numeracy skills of pre-school learners. Six themes were developed based on common experience of the teacher-participants. Teaching mathematics through nature was capsuled in the concepts of familiarity, practicality, and affectivity. Nature’s aid in understanding mathematics is due to interaction, imagination, and concrete notion. Learners’ response to nature discussion was characterized into expressiveness, attentiveness, and inquisitiveness. The features of nature that makes it a feasible springboard are calming, universal fitting, and awe inspiring. Nature’s similarities to mathematics are complex sense, obedience, and cadence, while the mathematics of protecting nature can be observed in valuing, balancing, and growing aspects.
Presenters
Nilda San MiguelPrincipal I, Department of Education, Masapang Elementary School, Laguna, Philippines Elymar Pascual
Master Teacher II, Department of Education, Talangan Integrared National High School, Laguna, Philippines
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Science, Mathematics and Technology Learning
KEYWORDS
MATHEMATICS, NATURE, NATURALIST, NUMERACY
