Research

As the national university, we champion and support innovative research that addresses the country’s most pressing challenges.

21 Oct 2025

Advanced optical correlation and interferometry techniques can enhance our understanding of earthquake hazards

In the Philippines, studying earthquakes usually involves using techniques like interferometry, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), waveform modeling, and field...

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17 Oct 2025

Researchers build a portable, low-cost reflectance sensor for crop health monitoring

Precision agriculture is improving agricultural processes. Various sensors have been developed, such as spectral reflectance and transmittance sensors, multispectral canopy...

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16 Oct 2025

There is a deep connection between a person’s belief and the evidence that supports it

This paper presents a way to define and test whether someone is justified in holding a belief, using an example...

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15 Oct 2025

Neurosurgery residents outperform ChatGPT in answering board examination-like questions

Large language models such as ChatGPT have been used in different fields of medical education. This study aimed to review...

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13 Oct 2025

Those who start smoking at a younger age are likely to become more frequent and heavier smokers later in life

Understanding the relationship between age at smoking initiation and later smoking intensity is crucial for assessing future health consequences of...

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08 Oct 2025

Study finds significant gaps in menstrual hygiene management across six global cities, including Manila

The study “Exploring the Availability and Accessibility of Menstrual Friendly Public Toilets (MFPTs) in Urban Spaces” examines public toilet facilities...

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24 Sep 2025

Supplements can enhance the textural and nutritional qualities of rice

This study looked at how adding supplements like rapeseed oil, dried wasabi powder, and dried chili pepper powder changes the...

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23 Sep 2025

Economic reasons are a significant factor why microentrepreneurs remain in flood-prone areas

The number of establishments (89% of the total establishments in the Philippines) and people employed by micro enterprises makes it...

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04 Sep 2025

What does queerness mean to a young Filipino student in another Southeast Asian country? A novel’s chapter explores it.

In the chapter “New Boy”, Pau, a Filipino exchange student from Tagum City, attends classes in photography and Thai arts...

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03 Sep 2025

In the Philippines, we share a long-standing connection with pigs both archaeologically and culturally

Pigs play a very significant role in our society. They are not only seen as a food source but also...

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02 Sep 2025

Media representations of the minority groups of Moros and Chinese served colonial goals

Nation-building remains an important post-colonial project in the Philippines, as evidenced by the continued relevance of the mandatory Rizal courses,...

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29 Aug 2025

Smoking is a core part of the identity and community life of agricultural workers

Smoking is considered a serious health threat, particularly in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Several studies...

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Research

In the Philippines, passing the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) is a crucial step in becoming a professional teacher, but the passing rate has been declining—from 31.45% in 2010 to just 27.28% in 2018. To address this issue, a study was conducted to predict the performance of future math teachers in the LET using machine learning. The researchers tested three different algorithms—Gradient Boosted Trees, Logistic Regression, and Naïve Bayes—using data from four universities with 769 data points. After evaluating the models based on accuracy, precision, and other performance metrics, all three models showed good results, but Logistic Regression was found to be the most reliable. This model performed best when applied to evaluation data, making it the most suitable for predicting LET outcomes.

The significance of the study lies in its potential to substantially improve teacher preparation and the overall quality of education in the Philippines. By utilizing machine learning to predict the performance of future math teachers on the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET), the research offers an innovative, data-driven approach to understanding factors that contribute to success or failure in the exam. The predictive models, particularly Logistic Regression, can help higher education institutions (HEIs) identify students who may need additional support, enabling more targeted interventions and personalized learning strategies. This could result in better preparation for the LET, leading to higher pass rates.

Additionally, the study provides valuable insights that can guide the refinement of curricula, teaching methodologies, and resource allocation within teacher education programs. The findings also provide insights into the current state of prospective mathematics teachers and offer recommendations for improvement. The ability to predict outcomes allows HEIs to be more proactive in their approach, focusing on areas of improvement before students take the exam. Furthermore, the findings can inform policy development in the education sector, leading to improved teacher quality and more effective licensure processes. Ultimately, the study underscores the importance of leveraging machine learning to drive positive change in teacher education, ensuring that prospective teachers are better equipped for the challenges they will face in the classroom.

Authors: Arturo J. Patungan (College of Education, University of the Philippines Diliman | Department of Mathematics and Physics, College of Science, University of Santo Tomas) and Ma. Nympha B. Joaquin (College of Education, University of the Philippines Diliman)

Read the full paper: https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0230585