Mathematical Readiness of Freshmen Engineering Students (K-12 2020 Graduates) in Eastern Visayas in the Philippines

Abstract

Abstract: This study assessed the mathematical and analytical readiness of the incoming first-year college engineering students (K-12 2020 graduates) in Eastern Visayas in the Philippines. First-year engineering students (n=177) participated in the College Math Readiness Test (CMRT), a questionnaire on mathematics subjects that covered Precalculus, Analytical Geometry, Series and Mathematical Induction, Trigonometry, and Basic Calculus: Limits and Continuity, Derivatives, and Integration. The findings indicate that 43% of the respondents were mathematically-college-ready (MCR) and 57% were not-mathematically-college-ready (NMCR). Regarding the NMCR, 39% fared fairly and 18% fared poorly in the CMRT. This suggests that remedial support for mathematics for this group may be required for them to be college-ready for an engineering course. The respondents had the lowest correct mean score for the Integration subjects: Evaluating Differential Equations (15%), Evaluating Definite Integrals (16%), and Solving Area Between Curves (19%). The results of the ranking of the Senior High Schools (SHS) showed that 13 SHS with at least 2 takers and 24 SHS with single takers need to improve their quality of teaching to enhance the mathematical competence of their graduates. The findings of this study were used to identify remediation areas and recommendations to improve the students' college mathematical and analytical readiness. 
 
 Keywords: K-12, college-math-readiness, engineering students, Philippines