Philippine E-Journals

Theorizing Values in Mathematics Performance

Floriza N. Laplap | Rodin M. Paspasan | Gwendelina A. Villarante

Discipline: Mathematics

 

Abstract:

This study aimed to determine the college students’ personal and interpersonal values in relation to their performance in Contemporary Mathematics in the College of Teacher Education of Cebu Normal University. Specifically, it sought to address the following concerns: the students’ level of personal values; their level of interpersonal values; their performance in mathematics; and the relationship between their personal and interpersonal values and mathematics performance; ultimately leading to a theory validation on values and mathematics performance. The students are categorized as average in their Personal Values in terms of Practical Mindedness, Variety, Decisiveness and Goal Orientation as well as in their Interpersonal Values in terms of Support, Recognition, Independence and Benevolence. The college students’ personal and interpersonal values do not significantly affect their performance in mathematics. Thus, they could still perform well even if they have not acquired these values. As a result, this study validates the world-view of mathematics through the ages that scientific thinking as utilized in this discipline is concerned with truth and not values, implying that it is truly objective, values- free and neutral.