Early Implementation Study of MATATAG Curriculum in Relation to Mathematics’ Occupational Stress
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22754154Keywords:
MATATAG Curriculum, Occupational Stress, Workload, Grade 7 Mathematics, Curriculum Reform, DepEd-TAPAT, Social Cognitive TheoryAbstract
This study, entitled “Early Implementation Study of MATATAG Curriculum in Relation to Mathematics’ Occupational Stress” aims to determine the relationship between the implementation of the MATATAG curriculum reform and the occupational stress levels of Grade 7 Mathematics teachers in DepEd-TAPAT. This study used a descriptive-correlational research design. There were 25 respondents who were purposively selected comprising of Grade 7 Mathematics teachers. A researcher-made survey questionnaire was used as the primary tool in gathering data for engagement and challenges via Likert Scale and it was validated by experts. The results of the demographic profile according to sex, states that female has the higher number of Mathematics teachers and novice teachers aged 26-35 are with bachelor’s degrees. The study indicates that through the use of One-Way ANOVA and Pearson Correlation yielded the following results: The overall weighted mean (3.31) in level of implementation of MATATAG Curriculum related to Teaching Practices and Administrative Support is interpreted as “Implemented”. The overall weighted mean in level of occupational stress related obtained a mean of 3.14, interpreted as “Stressed”; Nevertheless, there is no significant difference in the implementation of the new reform in terms of teaching practices and administrative support based on the demographic profile of the teachers Additionally, significant differences for occupational stress were observed in workloads related to years in service of the teachers. Lastly, the relationship between the level of implementation and level of occupational stress implies a Strong Positive Correlation in the curriculum change, whereas no significant relationship was found with workloads and classroom management stress. This concludes that teachers indicate that the most dedicated, who cared the most, and hard-working teachers to make the new reform succeed are also the ones who experience a high level of stress and burnout. The findings of this study suggest that the environmental factor in the curriculum directly impacts the personal well-being of the teachers with regards to Social Cognitive Theory. The researcher recommends the adoption of an Operational Refinement program in reporting tasks and the conduct of the proposed webinar entitled “Project "ALALAY" (Adapting, Learning, and Alleviating Load Among Yielding Educators)” to provide coping mechanisms and an intervention that focuses on time management, administrative efficiency, and peer-mentorship for our Grade 7 Mathematics teachers to ensure the sustainability of the MATATAG curriculum.
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