Individual differences, learning styles, and exploratory learning are some of the important considerations in the teaching-learning process, especially in enhancing appreciation for mathematics. 

As a Center for Development in Teacher Education, the College of Teacher Education (CTE) of the Laguna State Polytechnic University-San Pablo City Campus (LSPU-SPCC), through its student organization, Samahan ng mga Isip na Pinagbuklod ng Numero at Abilidad na Yumayakap sa Adhikaing Ninanais (SIPNAYAN), initiated the introduction of Vedic Mathematics as an alternative approach to solving mathematics problems, Aug. 20. 

Mathematics major students and faculty members participated in this event entitled “5th Inspirational Maths from India: Vedic Mathematics,” a collaborative activity among CTE, SIPNAYAN, Institute for the Advancement of Vedic Mathematics (IAVM), Math-Inic Philippines, and Kiwanis Club of Lake City, held at the CTE Function Hall. 

Internal and local speakers shared their expertise in Vedic Math in the person of Mr. James T. Glover, founder and chair of IAVM; Mr. Virgilio Y. Prudente, founder and president of Math-Inic Philippines; and Ms. Rose R. Andrade, CTE faculty and Vedic Math instructor. 

Mr. Glover, an international educator, set the tone in appreciating Vedic Math from both pedagogical and individual learning perspectives. 

“Why use a sledgehammer to crack a walnut?” he asked, emphasizing the benefit of introducing Vedic Math as a quicker alternative in solving math problems.

Mr. Prudente framed the learning of math in a fun and easy way while Ms. Andrade went over math techniques and drills among the participants. 

After the program, representatives of LSPU and collaborating agencies discussed the potential partnership in integrating Vedic Math in the CTE curricular program offerings. 

Specifically, Dr. Edilberto Z. Andal, CTE Dean, suggested training math faculty members who will thereafter impart their expertise to their students and other teachers outside of the university. 

The initial talk also tapped into including Vedic Math as a three-unit cognate subject for students taking up the programs Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEEd) and Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Mathematics (BSEd-Math).

A/Prof. Joel M. Bawica, Campus Director of LSPU-SPCC, expressed his enthusiasm for the activity, noting its internationalization alignment. 

“When there is a space for continuous collaboration, we are looking forward to more initiatives like this. We hope that this is just the beginning for [our] joint activities,” Campus Director Bawica said. 

Also gracing the event with their words of inspiration were Dr. Alberto B. Castillo, Director for Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS), and Wilson Anzures, President of Kiwanis Club of Lake City.