Mathematical procedure and field readiness of PMA cadets

Abstract

Once cadets graduate from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), they will be deployed to the different field units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to defend the country. PMA graduates are expected to be highly competent in military skills and ready to lead soldiers in combat and their successful career depends upon their ability to assimilate knowledge from many fields and to apply it to a wide variety of social and technical problems. As military leaders, they are mandated to think critically and evaluate the c-uality of their decisions with the current challenges the country is facing. It has been settled that mathematics and the ability to use it are particularly important to military officers, who are leading soldiers in a complex and dynamic world. Mathematics course success has a significant relationship between students' critical thinking and problem solving skills and this could be equated to their readiness on This study aimed to take the relationship between mathematical performance and field duty readiness of PMA cadets. Specifically, this sought answers to the following: 1. What is the level of mathematical performance of PMA cadets along the areas of: a. College Algebra b. Plane Trigonometry c. Analytic Geometry d. Elementary Analysis? 2. What is the level of field duty readiness of PMA cadets along the areas of: a. Military Leadership b. Military Science? 3. What is the relationship between the levels of mathematical performance and field duty readiness of PMA cadets? Hypothesis: There is a relationship between the levels of mathematical performance and field duty readiness of PMA cadets. This study used the descriptive-correlational type of research to determine and correlate the level of mathematical performance of cadets based on their grades as obtained from the Office of the Registrar, and their field duty readiness based on their grades in military courses and through a survey questionnaire. The gathered data were statistically treated using mean, weighted mean, Pearson-Product Moment Correlation Coefficient, and Coefficient of Determination. The respondents of this study were the 238 first class or graduating cadets from the original class strength of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 2018. The following are the major findings of the study: 1. The overall level of mathematical performance of PMA Class 2018 cadets is satisfactory. They obtained an above average level of mathematical performance in Analytic Geometry while satisfactory level of mathematical performance in College Algebra, Plane Trigonometry, and Elementary Analysis. 2. The level of field duty readiness of PMA Class 2018 cadets is very good. They obtained an excellent level of field duty readiness in the area of military science while very good level of field duty readiness in the area of military leadership. 3. The level of mathematical performance of PMA Class 2018 cadets has a significant relationship with their field duty readiness. In light of the findings of the study, the following are the conclusions: 1. The PMA Class of 2018 cadets has a fair mathematical performance in general. Though they have a very good understanding of Analytic Geometry, the cadets were challenged in College Algebra, Plane Trigonometry, and Elementary Analysis. 2. The PMA Class of 2018 cadets is highly ready to lead soldiers in the field and they are well-equipped for their future role as military officers. 3. The level of mathematical performance of PMA Class of 2018 cadets significantly influences their field duty readiness. In relation with the findings and conclusions of this research, the following are recommended: 1. A connection between instructors and cadets has to be created in order to produce a lively discussion and interaction inside the classrooms to improve the mathematical performance of the cadets. 2. Sustainment of the different aspects of the military training for the cadets to maintain desirable field duty readiness. 3. Since mathematical performance is an indicator for field duty readiness, cadets need to give importance on their mathematical performance.