What is the Singapore Math method?
What is Singapore Math?
The Singapore math method is a highly effective teaching approach originally developed by Singapore’s Ministry of Education for Singapore public schools.
The Singapore math method is focused on mastery, which is achieved through intentional sequencing of concepts. Some of the key features of the approach include the CPA (Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract) progression, number bonds, bar modeling, and mental math. Instead of pushing through rote memorization, students learn to think mathematically and rely on the depth of knowledge gained in previous lessons.
An attitude that math is important and approachable is also essential. Students perform at a higher level when their potential for understanding and success is assumed.
Why Singapore Math?
Singapore consistently ranks at the top in international math testing. The intentional progression of concepts in the Singapore math approach instills a deep understanding of mathematics.
Two international tests, the TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study) and the PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment), assess math and science competency in countries around the world. Singapore students consistently rank among the top on both tests.
Components of Singapore Math?
Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract (CPA) Approach
The Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract (CPA) approach develops a deep understanding of math through building on existing understanding. This highly effective framework introduces concepts in a tangible way and progresses to increasing levels of abstraction. In the concrete phase, students interact with physical objects to model problems. In the pictorial phase, they make a mental connection between the objects they just handled and visual representations of those objects. For example, real oranges (or counters standing in for oranges) are now represented as drawings of oranges. In the abstract phase, students use symbolic modeling of problems using numbers and math symbols (+, −, ×, ÷).
By varying the methods and phases of CPA fluidly, educators help reinforce important connections. Students work towards math mastery when they view concepts with increasing levels of abstraction over time. Not all lessons include all three CPA stages as application of this approach varies by topic. Instead, CPA principles are woven throughout the curriculum, and support other important strategies such as number bonds, bar modeling, and mental math.
Number Bonds
Number bonds are a pictorial technique that show the part-whole relationship between numbers. Initially, the whole number is written in one circle, and the parts of the number are written in adjoining circles connected by lines to the first circle. This method helps early elementary students work towards addition and subtraction, and illustrates strategies to solve expressions mentally. Using number bonds fosters a solid number sense that serves students throughout their math education.
Bar Modeling
Bar models are a versatile and transferable tool that students can use to visualize a range of math concepts, such as fractions, ratios, percentages, and more. Drawing bar models for word problems allows students to determine the knowns and unknowns in a given situation. It extends the CPA approach, especially the pictorial phase, as it allows students to illustrate the mathematical information given in problems. It prepares them to understand more complex math on a conceptual level. This method is most effective when used frequently throughout the program.
Mental Math
The Singapore Math approach teaches techniques and skills to easily and accurately perform mental math. These strategies help students develop number sense and flexibility in thinking about numbers. Many mental math strategies involve factoring numbers into parts, then performing operations on them in a different order from the original expression. The thought processes involved in mental math are often illustrated by number bonds.
Some mental math strategies are taught as early as grade 1. As students progress, they learn to apply new mental math strategies to specific types of problems and adapt ones they already know. Students are encouraged to develop their own strategies, and to use their discernment in deciding when and where to use them.