2026 IJRSE – Volume 15 Issue 20
Available Online: 2 October 2026
Author/s:
Labis, Hazel M.*
Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College-Tagudin Campus, Philippines (kahazellabis@gmail.com)
Lucero, Angela Christine A.
Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College-Tagudin Campus, Philippines (angelachristine.lucero@deped.gov.ph)
Mendoza, Rolyn G.
Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College-Tagudin Campus, Philippines (mendozarolyn389@gmail.com)
Ramirez, Jayvee G.
Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College-Tagudin Campus, Philippines (jayvee.ramirez@deped.gov.ph)
Abstract:
This study explored how mathematics teachers navigate 21st century instruction, especially regarding their confidence and creativity. To fill this gap, this phenomenological study examined the lived experiences of public DepEd mathematics teachers in the Cervantes District, Ilocos Sur, focusing on their beliefs, instructional strategies, and systemic challenges they face in fostering confidence and creativity in modern classrooms. The findings show that teachers have varying levels of confidence in adopting new pedagogical methods, with creativity often constrained by institutional expectations, scarce resources, and strict curricula. Despite these obstacles, teachers employ adaptive strategies such as contextualized problem solving and technology use that demonstrate a strong commitment to meaningful mathematics teaching. The study also reveals that confidence and creativity are closely linked, with a supportive school environment and ongoing professional development playing crucial roles. However, the study did not explore long-term professional development programs, collaborative learning communities, or institutional policies, areas that future research should investigate to better understand systemic supports for 21st century mathematics education.
Keywords: mathematics education, 21st century instruction, teachers’ lived experience, teacher beliefs, instructional strategies, phenomenology
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26411
Cite this article:
Labis, H. M., Lucero, A. C. A., Mendoza, R. G., & Ramirez, J. G. (2026). Beyond numbers: Unveiling mathematics teachers’ confidence and creativity in 21st century classrooms. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 15(20), 201-214. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26411
* Corresponding Author