What is Singapore Math?
Singapore math is a teaching technique developed in Singapore for students in kindergarten through sixth grade and has gained popularity in the United States due to Singapore’s top scores in Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). Singapore Math was introduced in the U.S. in the 1980’s and is used in public, private, and home schools.
How Does Singapore Math differ from standard math in the U.S.?
With Singapore Math, the focus is on mastering the skills and not simply memorizing the steps for a test. Fewer topics are covered and students move onto the next concept once they’ve mastered the current one. The students develop a deeper understanding of the steps involved, and learn techniques that rely on visualization (pictorial approach), in which students learn model and diagram drawing techniques to help solve problems. In the U.S. American math is taught using a concrete to abstract method. With Singapore Math, a middle step in introduced between the concrete and abstract, the pictorial approach in which the student learns to draw the math problem.
Singapore Math, is a 3-step process:
Singapore math takes the student from the concrete, to the pictorial (bar modeling), then to abstract, which leads to the solution of the math problem. The concrete step involves hands-on learning using tangible objects. Then students draw pictorial representations of the problem they are working. The method takes the student from the concrete to the pictorial and finally, the student solves the math problem abstractly, with numbers and symbols.
How can tutoring help students with Singapore Math?
Specialized tutors are able to help students make the transition from standard math concepts to Singapore Math techniques. Many home schools, private schools, and public schools are using Singapore’s math techniques. Overall, students are able to grasp and apply these new concepts quickly.
Contact Elite Home Tutoring for questions or information concerning Singapore Math, www.elitehometutoring.com
