Senior High School Mathematics Teachers' Epistemological Knowledge and Mathematical Discourse Practices: Basis for Professional Development

This study investigated the relationship between Senior High School mathematics teachers’ epistemological knowledge and mathematical discourse practices, examined differences based on selected profile variables, and determined the predictive influence of epistemological knowledge on discourse practices. Employing a descriptive-correlational research design, the study involved 43 Senior High School mathematics teachers from 13 public secondary schools in the Schools Division of Lipa City, selected through total population sampling. Data were gathered using two researcher-developed instruments: the Epistemological Knowledge in Mathematics Questionnaire (EKMQ) and the Mathematical Discourse Practices Questionnaire (MDPQ), both subjected to expert validation and reliability testing. Following ethical research protocols, questionnaires were administered online. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson product-moment correlation, and simple linear regression. Findings revealed that teachers demonstrated a high extent of epistemological knowledge and highly practiced mathematical discourse in classroom instruction. No significant differences in epistemological knowledge were observed based on ancillary roles, while mathematical discourse practices differed significantly according to the number of mathematics-related trainings and seminars attended. Furthermore, a strong positive relationship existed between epistemological knowledge and mathematical discourse practices, with epistemological knowledge significantly predicting discourse practices. These findings emphasized the importance of strengthening teachers’ understanding of mathematical knowledge and promoting meaningful classroom communication. Consequently, the Mathematical Discourse Enhancement Program (MDEP) was developed as a research-based professional development initiative designed to enhance teachers’ epistemological knowledge, improve mathematical discourse practices, and support effective mathematics instruction through targeted professional learning opportunities and continuous instructional improvement.