Math Ed Eagles gear up for SY 2025-2026

Last 30 August, despite the heavy downpour, the Math Ed students and faculty of the Department of Mathematics convened for the annual Orientation and Meet-and-Greet. This activity was intended for graduate students taking up degrees in Mathematics Education who are new to the program, or have not yet attended the orientation. Spearheading this orientation was Dr Errol Garcia, and the activity was officially opened by Ms Rencis Perez (MS Math Ed) who led the prayer.

The students were warmly welcomed by Dr Richard Eden, Chair of the Mathematics Department. Dr Garcia asked the faculty members to introduce themselves, and proceeded to facilitate an icebreaker which was called "The Universal Set is Shrinking". 

As soon as everyone got to know others a little more and got to review lessons in basic set theory, other information pertinent to life as a graduate student in the Math Department were shared by Dr Mark Loyola, the Associate Chair for Graduate Programs. He talked about the graduate program offerings of the Math Department, as well as scholarships and services that the students may avail.

The Math Ed faculty gave overviews of the program offerings. Dr Lester Hao discussed the requirements to complete the Master of Mathematics Education degree, which includes the capstone project. Ms Mia Fernando did the same for the Master of Science in Mathematics Education, and defined the ideal characteristics of a master's thesis.  Dr Catherine Vistro-Yu, the program coordinator for Mathematics Education, explained the Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics Education program, and how it is unique compared to other similar programs offered by other universities.

The question-and-answer portion gave the students the opportunity to air out some of their concerns related to the programs. Such concerns were about some courses in the programs and dissemination/publication requirements, which Dr Vistro-Yu and Dr Eden responded to and addressed.

This serious atmosphere was momentarily put on halt, as Mr Jake Garnace (PhD Math Ed) delivered an intermission in the form of a song number. He sang Lea Salonga's "Tagumpay Nating Lahat", which he revealed was his tribute to the late Dr Agnes Garciano, who has joined with the Creator last December 2024.

The next part of the activity was a continuation of the orientation, with information not necessarily within the course offerings in the degree programs. Dr Alva Aberin enumerated some professional organizations that the Math Ed eagles might be interested in joining, and discussed the importance of doing so. Meanwhile, Dr Patrick Fernandez gave a background on the National Research Conference on Science and Mathematics Education, which is a conference attended by Math Ed eagles who are scholars of DOST-SEI's Capacity Building Program in Science and Mathematics Education (CBPSME). Ms Gwen Vera (PhD Math Ed) discussed the details related to the upcoming 15th Biennial and International Conference organized by the Philippine Council of Mathematics Teacher Educators (MATHTED), Inc. Finally, Ms Shienna Amorio (PhD Math Ed) led the discussion of the design of the official shirt of the Math Ed community.

The activity ended with a short open forum, some opportunities for pictorials, and the serving of refreshments to all attendees.