BSED Mathematics is the course for young people who love math a lot and want to share that love and knowledge with the next generation of students. Teaching a complex subject like mathematics means students need to be equipped to not only understand and teach math concepts but also handle student behavior.
With the right senior high school strand for BSED Mathematics, we can help future educators be prepared for all the challenges of teaching in secondary education. Let’s look at what SHS strands are best for aspiring teachers.
What is BSED Major in Mathematics?
The Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Mathematics is a four-year program that aims to prepare aspiring educators to teach different branches of math to secondary school students.
Students of this program master algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, and calculus. They also learn the principles and methodologies in teaching, as well as the skills and competencies needed to execute them in a classroom.
Graduates of BSED Mathematics receive their diplomas as competent and morally upright professionals ready to cultivate a love for mathematics in junior and senior high school students.
BSED with a major in Mathematics is a great course choice. You’re sure that there’s always a job for you because there will always be a need for teachers. Here are some of the potential careers you may pursue with this degree:
- Mathematics teacher in junior or senior high school
- Instructional planner
- School program coordinator
- Textbook author
- Math tutor
Graduates with a degree in BSED majoring in Mathematics can take on several roles in secondary education. But can a BSED graduate teach in elementary school? The answer is yes, this is possible. However, schools often hire BSED professionals to teach in primary school when there are no other available applicants, and conversely no vacancies in the high school department. So, overall, there are ample opportunities for BSED graduates.
What Senior High School Strand is BSED Mathematics?
Online senior high schools in the Philippines offer different specialized strands to cater to students’ interests and career aspirations. Each strand is designed to hone students’ knowledge and skills to empower them to continue their passion all the way to college and in their professional lives.
Our guide to all strands in senior high offers a deeper dive into the curriculum of each strand, but here is a summary of what they are about:
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) – This strand focuses on science and mathematics to prepare students for a career in STEM.
- Accounting, Business, and Management (ABM) – This strand builds students’ skills relevant to accounting, business, and economics.
- Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) – This strand is geared toward students interested in social sciences and the liberal arts.
- General Academic Strand (GAS) – This tackles a broad range of subjects allowing students to explore different fields before choosing a specialization in college.
- Technical Vocational Livelihood (TVL) – This strand is designed to empower students with practical skills so students can work immediately after SHS.
As you can see, each strand hones specific skill sets to prepare students for different specializations once they enter higher education or start their professional careers. Now, let’s talk about the best SHS strand for BSED mathematics:
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
STEM is arguably the best strand for students aspiring to pursue a BSED in Mathematics. It offers a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes mathematics alongside science and technology subjects, preparing students for careers in STEM strand like engineering, medicine, and math education.
The curriculum includes subjects like:
- Earth Science
- General Mathematics
- Calculus
- Statistics and Probability
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Physics
- Practical Research
STEM students acquire strong analytical, critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, which are not only essential for learning the different branches of mathematics but also for teaching this subject effectively.
Needless to say, the STEM strand provides a solid foundation in advanced mathematics – algebra, trigonometry, geometry, calculus, as well as statistics. This way, students graduate from SHS already well-versed in the subject matter they want to teach. They can focus better on learning about the principles of teaching.
The STEM curriculum also exposes students to a safe environment where they’re encouraged to experiment, cultivating their curiosity, creativity, and confidence. These are equally important for teachers who constantly need to find new ways to help students understand complex concepts and solve mathematical problems.
With the competencies they acquire in SHS, STEM students will no doubt excel in BSED Mathematics. STEM is a great choice for students who want to teach Math in the future as it can help them be more equipped to study BSED majoring in Mathematics.
Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS)
While HUMSS may seem like an unconventional choice for aspiring math educators, it offers valuable skills that complement the teaching profession. The Humanities and Social Sciences focuses on humanities and liberal arts subjects, such as:
- Literature
- Social Science
- Reading and writing
- Politics
- Practical research
However, the HUMSS courses list also includes classes in physical sciences, general mathematics, and statistics and probability. So, even though HUMSS focuses on liberal arts, students still have an opportunity to refine their understanding of mathematical principles and their ability to apply them to real-world contexts.
What makes this a great strand in SHS for BSED mathematics is that it encourages critical analysis, communication, research, problem-solving, creativity, and empathy. It’s important for future teachers to communicate well, especially when they need to communicate math principles to students. As teachers, empathy is key to showing patience when students struggle with the lessons and creative thinking can help them find better ways to explain the topics.
A background in social sciences also comes in handy in BSED in Mathematics since teaching methods and principles are heavily based on psychological and social science principles. Graduates of HUMSS should have no problem understanding pedagogical approaches and applying them in their teaching practices.
Aspiring math teachers with a background in HUMSS can bring a unique perspective to the classroom that’s sure to enrich their students’ learning experiences and potentially help them develop a passion for mathematics, too.
General Academic Strand (GAS)
The General Academic Strand is a great SHS strand for BSED, regardless of the specialization a student chooses. So, it is also a good choice for those who want to pursue teaching math.
The GAS strand offers versatility and breadth, empowering students with holistic education. While GAS does not focus on mathematics as STEM does, it fosters critical thinking, research, problem-solving, and communication skills that are valuable for educators.
GAS students are exposed to a variety of subjects, including mathematics, before committing to a specific specialization in college. The GAS curriculum covers the following subjects:
- Physical sciences
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Philosophy
- Applied Economics
- Entrepreneurship
- Communication
- Practical research
- Organization and management
Having a background in a wide range of fields allows students to develop universally useful skills, and thus would help a teacher in the classroom. This means that GAS students develop an aptitude for both technical subject matters like math and liberal arts areas like psychology and teaching methodologies.
GAS as an SHS strand for a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Mathematics allows students to discover their interests and strengths, and ultimately, lay the groundwork for a successful career in teaching mathematics.
The GAS strand is a great option for aspiring BSED Mathematics students who are already sure about teaching but not quite sure about their choice of specialization.
Build a Solid Future with OEd SHS
Choosing the right senior high school strand for BSED Mathematics is crucial for students who aspire to pursue a career as a math teacher. While STEM provides a direct pathway with its focus on science and mathematics, HUMSS and GAS offer unique advantages that help form great teachers who can understand their students’ needs. Ultimately, the best choice depends on the individual’s interests, strengths, and career goals.
Whichever SHS strand you choose to prepare you for BSED in Mathematics, OEd SHS is one of the top schools in the Philippines offering online education you can rely on to lay a solid foundation for a fulfilling and successful career in teaching.
Get in touch with us if you want to learn more about any of the strands we offer.
