effectiveness of singapore math strategies in learning mathematics among fourth standard students

K.THIYAGU VETRIC EDUCATION 2013

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K.THIYAGU,

Tamilnadu. India.

[email protected], [email protected],

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The Singapore math method is child-focused, and seeks to make sure that the

student gains a full and complete understanding of the fundamental mathematical

concepts, rather than merely memorizes a rote collection of facts. This approach not

merely enhances mathematical learning; it also offers a firm foundation from which

broader mathematical principles can be extrapolated. The present study tries to find out

the effectiveness of Singapore math strategies in learning mathematics among fourth

standard students. Two equivalent group experimental-designs are employed for this

study. The investigator has chosen 64 Fourth standard students for the study.

According to the scoring of pre-test, 32 students were chosen as control group and 32

students were chosen as experimental group. Finally the investigator concludes; (a) the

experimental group student is better than control group students in their gain scores.

(b) There is no significant difference between control group and experimental group

students in their pre test scores and post test. (c)There is significant difference between

control group and experimental group students in the scores of posttest attainment of

knowledge, understanding and application objectives.

Keywords: Singapore Math Strategies, Learning and Effectiveness.

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


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INTRODUCTION

At present majority of mathematics teachers follow the traditional methods of

instruction in schools. What is required is learner centered-approach to enable them to

work on their own with little from the support from the teachers. When teachers carry

out instructional process in the classroom, learner tends to be more passive listeners. No

lesson can be effective unless there is effective pupil participation in it. In order to

enable the learners to participate in the instructional process, there is an imperative need

to adopt some kind of learner- centered new approaches in the classroom (Sudhir

Kumar. 2000). The teacher should always try to keep the interest of child in mind.

Correlating the subject matter with the problem of life can awaken interest. Teaching

should be child centered. New knowledge and experiences should be linked with the

previous knowledge to arouse interest of the people.

In the United States, Singapore Math is a teaching method based on the primary

textbooks and syllabus from the national curriculum of Singapore. These textbooks have

a consistent and strong emphasis on problem solving and model drawing, with a focus

on in-depth understanding of the essential math skills recommended in the NCTM

Curriculum Focal Points (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics), the National

Mathematics Advisory Panel, and the proposed Common Core State Standards.

Explanations of math concepts are often just a few words in a cartoon balloon so that

students can read it easily.

One of the strategies teachers employ in Singapore Math is a technique called

the "bar model." Students as young as third grade are taught the model and use it to

visualize and solve problems on their own. For example, a teacher gives the students a

problem, such as "Jessica and Jillian have 235 stickers. Jessica has 115 stickers. How

many does Jillian have?" Students first draw a single bar with two sections, also called

the part-whole model. On top is one long line with the number 235 above it. Underneath

that line is a bar split into two equal-sized sections. Underneath the bar are two lines

side by side with arrows at the ends of each, meeting in the middle of the bar. The first

bar is labelled with the number 115 and the second bar is not labelled, or is labelled with

a variable, such as x. In doing this, students represent the problem both symbolically

and algebraically. They use the symbols to write the number sentences like the one in

the example, 235 - 115 = x. Then, the students solve the problem and discuss how they

found that answer with the teacher and other students.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NCTM


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In Singapore, although the study of mathematics is compulsory both in the

primary and secondary schools the breadth and depth of mathematics taught to pupils

depend on their ability. Core mathematical concepts are common to all courses and the

depth to which the topics are taught at a particular year level differs among the courses.

The school mathematics curriculum has mathematical problem solving as its primary

goal. The attainment of this mathematical ability is dependent on five inter-related

components – Concepts, Skills, Processes, Attitudes and Metacognition.

Figure -1 : Singapore Math Strategies

Concepts refer to the basic mathematical knowledge (numerical, geometrical,

algebraic and statistical concepts) needed for solving mathematical problems. Skills

refer to the topic-related manipulative skills (estimation and approximation, mental

calculation, communication, use of mathematical tools, arithmetic manipulation,

algebraic manipulation and handling data) that pupils are expected to use when solving

problems. Processes refer to the thinking skills (classifying, comparing, identifying

attributes and components, sequencing, induction, deduction, generalizing, verifying

and spatial visualization) and heuristics (act it out, use a diagram/model, use guess and

check, make a systematic list, look for patterns, work backwards, use before-after

concept, make suppositions, restate the problem in another way, simplify the problem,

solve part of the problem, think of a related problem and use equations). Attitudes refer

to the affective aspects of mathematics learning such as: enjoying doing mathematics,

showing confidence in using mathematics, persevering in solving a problem, and

appreciating the beauty and power of mathematics. Metacognition refers to the ability to

control one’s own thinking processes in problem solving. This includes: constant and

conscious monitoring of the strategies and thinking processes used in carrying out a


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task; seeking alternative ways of performing a task; and checking appropriateness and

reasonableness of answers.

NEED FOR THE STUDY

Singapore math is explained in a true spiral, meaning that each and every basic

subject is taught, and the revisited again and again, each and every time at a higher

phase and integrating more advanced and difficult questions. Many other systems tell

you they instruct on a spiral, however in reality it can be more of a circle, with every

pass through a topic starting at the beginning. Singapore math presumes and requires the

kids to retain the things they learn and build upon it. Repeating is important in any sort

of mathematical lessons, however in Singapore the repetition is frequently integrated

into mastering a subsequent concept, so that this feels to the students like progress and

uncovering and not just simply repeating for the sake of it. This translates into far better

retention with much less perceived effort on the part of the students.Mathematics is

considered as an abstract concept. In schools majority of the students feels that

mathematics is purely a theoretical subject which is to be discussed only on black board

or slates. Also they feel that mathematics as a very difficult subject. But this fatly

opinion about mathematics can be reversed with the help of integrating Singapore math

strategies in teaching and learning. So the investigator proposed the topic in the entitled

of “Effectiveness of Singapore Math Strategies in Learning Mathematics among Fourth

Standard Students”

OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF THE KEY TERMS

Effectiveness: Effectiveness refers to the adequacy of accomplish a purpose as

well as producing the intended or expected results. This study measures the

effectiveness in terms of the achievement scores of the students if the riddles way of

instruction is used in Mathematics in learning. The effectiveness of riddles integrated in

teaching mathematics has been studied through an experimental method.

Singapore Math Strategies: Singapore Math is a teaching method focuses on

mathematical problem solving and emphasizes conceptual understanding, skills

proficiency, learning of process skills, metacognition, and the development of a positive

attitude toward mathematics. A strategy is a plan of action designed to achieve a

specific goal. Strategy is all about gaining (or being prepared to gain) a position of

advantage over adversaries or best exploiting emerging possibilities. Singapore math

action plan is called as Singapore Math Strategies.

http://www.child-central.com/singapore-math.html

http://imaginationsoup.net/2012/01/teach-kids-to-think-about-their-thinking-metacognition/


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Learning: Learning is acquiring new, or modifying existing, knowledge,

behaviours, skills, values, or preferences and may involve synthesizing different types

of information.

Mathematics: Mathematics is a collection of symbols, notations and numbers.

(Anice James, 2005)

Fourth Standard Students: The students those who are studying fourth standard

in school.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

To designs and develops Singapore math strategies for the selected content in

Learning and to find out the effectiveness of the Singapore math in learning of

Mathematics among the Fourth standard students.

To find out and compare the mean of the control and experimental group

students in their gain scores.

To find out and compare the mean of the control and experimental group

students in their gain scores for attainment of knowledge, understanding and

application objectives.

To find out whether there is any significant difference between control and

experimental group students in their pre-test. And to find out whether there is

any significant difference between control and experimental group students in

their post test.

To find out whether there is any significant difference between the control and

experimental group students in attainment of knowledge, understanding and

application objectives in post test.

To find out whether there is any significant difference between pre-test and post-

test scores of the experimental group students in their attainment of knowledge,

understanding and application objectives.

HYPOTHESES OF THE STUDY

In the light of the above objectives, the following hypotheses are framed.

1) There is no significant difference between control and experimental group


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knowledge

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Behavior

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skill

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Value_%28personal_and_cultural%29

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preference

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information


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students in their gain scores for attainment of knowledge, understanding and

application objectives.


students in their pre-test. And there is no significant difference between control

and experimental group students in their post test.

4) There is no significant difference between the control and experimental group

students in attainment of knowledge, understanding and application objectives in

post test.

5) There is no significant difference between pre-test and post-test scores of the

experimental group students in their attainment of knowledge, understanding

and application objectives.

METHODOLOGY

Two equivalent group experimental-designs are employed for this study.

SELECTION OF THE SAMPLE

The investigator has chosen 64 fourth standard students from Thendral Nursery

and primary school, Peraiyur, Madurai District for the study. According to the scoring

of pre-test, 32 students were chosen as control group and 32 students were chosen as

experimental group.

TOOLS USED FOR THE STUDY

The following are the tools used for the present study.

1. Singapore Math Strategies for the selected content

2. Achievement test in Mathematics(Pre-test and Post-test)

RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY

For establishing the reliability of the developed tool, test-retest technique was

followed and correlation co-efficient was calculated and the value is 0.82. The

correlation value indicates that the tool is reliable. For establishing the content-validity

of the tool, the investigator consulted the experts. Additions and deletions were made as

per their suggestions. Thus it was established that the test contained 25 items for

evaluating the learning outcomes in Mathematics.


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CONDUCTING THE EXPERIMENT

A) Administration of the Pre-Test: Just before the treatment the entry behavior

test was administered and it was found out that all the selected samples possess the

entry behavior. The bio-data information was also collected. Then the pupils were

made to be seated conveniently and strict invigilation was done to avoid consultation.

Pre-test was administered and the results were analyzed. The means of the pre-test

scored of both experimental and control group are almost equal. Less difference is seen

in the case of standard deviation as well. Hence, the Experimental and Control Group

were matched.

B) Administration of the Post-Test: The parallel form of post-test questions

was given to the students of both the two groups and their results were statistically

analyzed to find out efficiency and effectiveness of Singapore Math Strategies method.

While conducting the feedback test strict and effective monitoring and supervision were

taken against malpractice.

C) Treatment The Experimental Group sample of 32 students was taken to the

separated class. These students were taught with Singapore Math Strategies method.

Corrective feedback was given wherever necessary. The treatment has been given for

60 minutes per day. The Singapore Math Strategies was given by the investigator in

fifteen days. The control Group sample of 32 students was taken to the regular

classroom. These students were taught with traditional method like lecture method.

The treatment has been given for 60 minutes per day.

D) Test Administration: Soon after the session was over care was taken not to

allow them to consult. They were given the posttest soon after the exposure. After this

the control group was taught in the conventional method by the investigator himself.

The investigator trained him in such a way that there should not be any experimental

bias. Soon after the session was over care was taken not to allow them to consult. They

were given the post-test. The posttests were scored objectively and the scores were

transferred to the data sheet.

STATISTICAL TECHNIQUES USED

Statistical techniques helps to classify, organize, summarize, the numerical facts

and draw conclusions (Aggarwal, Y.P,1990).. Descriptional, Differential and Inferential


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Statistics were used for the present study. This includes Mean, Standard Deviation and

‘t’ test.

DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION OF FINDINGS

Null Hypothesis 1

There is no significant difference between control and experimental group


Table - 1

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Group N Mean S.D Calculate

‘t’ value

Remarks at

5% level

Control group 32 12.75 8.71

10.80 *Significant Experimental group 32 35.84 8.39

(*At 5% level of significance the table value of ‘t’ is 2.02)

It is inferred from the above table-1 that there is a significant difference between

control and experimental group students in their gain scores. That is, the experimental

group students are better than the control group students in their gain scores. Hence, the

Singapore Math Strategies are effective for learning mathematics among Fourth

standards students.

Null Hypothesis 2

There is no significant difference between control and experimental group

students in their gain scores for attainment of knowledge, understanding and application

objectives.

Table - 2

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iinn tthheeiirr GGaaiinn SSccoorreess ffoorr AAttttaaiinniinngg tthhee OObbjjeeccttiivveess

Objectives Control group

Experimental

group Calculated

‘t’

value

Remarks

at 5% level Mean S.D Mean S.D

Knowledge 4.94 3.59 7.56 2.25 3.50 *Significant

Understanding 5.69 4.86 13.84 3.61 7.61 *Significant

Application 2.50 2.27 14.44 6.07 10.42 *Significant

(*At 5% level of significant the table value ‘t’ is 2.02)


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It is inferred from the above table-2 that there is significant difference between

control and experimental group students in their gain scores for attainment of


Null Hypothesis 3

There was no significant difference between pre-test scores of control and

experimental group students. There is no significant difference between post-test scores

of control and experimental group students.

Table - 3

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aanndd EExxppeerriimmeennttaall GGrroouupp SSttuuddeennttss..

Group

(N = 32)

Control group Experimental

group Calculated ‘t’

value

Remarks at

5% level Mean S.D Mean S.D

Pre-test 42.66 5.99 42.63 5.84 0.02

*Not Sig.

Post-test 55.41 8.30 78.47 7.03 11.99 *Sig.


It is inferred from the above table-3 that there is no significant difference

between Pre-test scores of control group and experimental group students. But there is

significant difference between Post-test scores of control group students and

experimental group students.

Null Hypothesis 4

There is no significant difference between the means of the Post-Test scores of

control group and experimental group students with respect to the knowledge,


Table - 4

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iinn tthheeiirr ppoosstt tteesstt ssccoorreess ffoorr AAttttaaiinniinngg tthhee OObbjjeeccttiivveess

Objectives Group Mean SD ‘t’

value

Table

value Result

Knowledge Control 22.13 3.29

4.43 Sig Experimental 24.94 1.43

Understanding Control 22.41 4.24 8.64 Sig


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Experimental 30.72 3.41

Application Control 10.88 3.90

9.50 Sig Experimental 22.81 5.94


It is inferred from the above table-4 that there is significant difference between

control and experimental group students in their post test scores for attainment of


Null Hypothesis 5

There is no significant difference between the means of the Pre-Test and Post-

Test scores of experimental group students with respect to the knowledge,


Table - 5

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EExxppeerriimmeennttaall GGrroouupp SSttuuddeennttss ffoorr AAttttaaiinniinngg tthhee OObbjjeeccttiivveess


From the above table all the obtained ‘t’ values are more than the critical value

at both level of significance (0.05 and 0.01 level) and hence, the null hypothesis is

rejected. It means that there is significant difference between pre-test and post-test

scores of the experimental group students in their attainment of knowledge,

understanding and application objectives. And it is interpreted here that the

Objectives

Pre-test Post-test ‘t’

value

Remark

Mean S.D Mean S.D

Knowledge 17.38 2.35 24.94 1.43 18.95 Significant

p

Understanding 16.88 2.07 30.72 3.41 21.68 Significant

p

Application 8.38 3.31 22.81 5.94 13.45 Significant

p

Total 42.63 5.84 78.47 7.03 24.15 Significant

p


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experimental group who underwent mathematics in Singapore math strategies gained

more in the learning objective wise post test than in the learning objective wise pretest.

INTERPRETATION & DISCUSSION

The ’t’ test result shows that the experimental group students are better than the

control group students in the gain scores. This may be due to the fact the teaching and

learning through visualizing picture is effective in teaching Mathematics Education for

the elementary level education. Since the Singapore Math strategies is developed

Strengthens students’ mental mathematics abilities, Helps students master basic

mathematical facts and Makes mathematics more engaging and fun. So the student’s

attention is drawn in the topic to be learnt.

The ‘t’ test result also shows that the experimental group students are better than

the control group students in attainment of knowledge, understanding and application

level objectives in the gain score. This may be due to the fact that Singapore math

strategies have motivated the students to understand the concepts of Mathematics.

Since the pictures and explanations of the Singapore Math Strategies are designed by

charts, flash card, flash player and media player, it stuffed the fresh minds of

experimental group students very sharply. So the experimental group is better than

control group in attainment of knowledge, understanding and application objectives.

The ’t’ test result shows that the experimental group students are better than the

control group students in the Post test. Singapore Math strategies help a pupil visualize

situations, create concrete pictures from abstract situations, facilitate the pupils’ learning

through seeing and doing, transforms words into recognizable pictures for young minds.

These are the main reason experimental group students got more mean scores than the

control group students in post test.

In general, Singapore math strategies are effective in Develop students’ fluency

with fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios and proportions, Replaces mathematics

anxiety with mathematics success, Makes students learn multiple methods for informal

assessment, Makes students phenomenal problem solvers and Ensures that every child

learn. These are the reason students are highly motivated in learn mathematics through

Singapore Math Strategies.


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EDUCATIONAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE STUDY

According to Singapore’s handbook for mathematics teachers in primary schools,

(2010) this model drawing approaches is helpful for several reasons:

It helps pupils visualize situations.

It creates concrete pictures from abstract situations.

It facilitates the pupils’ learning through seeing and doing

It transforms words into recognizable pictures for young minds

There are many different advantages of opting for Singapore mathematics for

children. The very first of these advantages is that this method encourages asking

questions, and hence enables the students to achieve a deep understanding. This type of

mathematics focuses on creating true mastery when it comes to the subjects of the

mathematics. The best thing about this approach is that through Singapore Mathematics,

there is always a syllabus that is coherent as well as focused. Hence, there is strategic

learning: the sequences of the topics that are to be covered are strategic and well

articulated hence allow in depth understanding. Something that students, especially

children find very interesting about Singapore mathematics is that it employs a number

of different methods for teaching from concrete-to pictorial as well as abstract, so that

students can grasp the essence of the teaching (Xavier.P. 2005). The benefit of this

approach is that no matter what the language skills of students are, through the engaging

visuals the models and concepts are presented in such a manner that it results in clear

understating of the subject lesson. Thus the Singapore Mathematics-

Strengthens students’ mental mathematics abilities

Helps students master basic mathematical facts

Makes mathematics more engaging and fun

Develop students’ fluency with fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios and

proportions

Replaces mathematics anxiety with mathematics success

Makes students learn multiple methods for informal assessment

Makes students phenomenal problem solvers

Ensures that every child learn


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CONCLUSION

In Singapore Mathematics is explained in a true spiral, meaning that each and

every fundamental topic is taught, and then revisited repeatedly, each time at a greater

phase and combining more advanced and complex topics (Dary Francis and David

Pritchard. 2002). Repetition is essential in any sort of mathematical lessons, but here

the repetition is frequently included into grasping the following concept, so that it feels

to the learners like growth and discovery rather than mere repetition for the sake of it.

This encourages enhanced retention with reduced perceived effort on the part of the

learners.

Mathematical concepts are also explained on a progressive continuum from the

concrete through the abstract. Concepts are first introduced in physical, tangible form,

and then as those same concepts are repeated up the spiral, they are described visually

together with images, before eventually shifting to truly abstract representations.

Perhaps the most renowned aspect of the Singapore Mathematics system is the wide

utilization of line segments graphically represented as colorful bar models. While the

application of this kind of line segments to assist in visually representing mathematical

concepts is not new, the use of these types of bar models in Singapore texts has attracted

significant international interest.

Singapore Mathematics is an approach to develop in the students, an in-depth

mathematical, understanding through concept building activities, unique mental

mathematics strategies, problem solving methods and focus on mastery (Nalayini, S.

1991). The big ideas of the Singapore Mathematics curriculum are Number Sense,

Making Connections, Visualization and Communication. Books and curricula in

accordance with the Singapore Mathematics method are now in use in a number of

countries, including America and Israel. Students utilizing these materials are already

demonstrating meaningful gains in mathematical test ratings (Thiyagu.K. 2006). Then

again, there are lots of reasons limiting the spread of this approach, such as a lack of

teachers qualified in the correct application and utilization of this curriculum, and some

problems in adapting the Singapore approach books to fit with state and local education

and learning requirements. Despite the minor hitches, there is no doubt that Singapore

Mathematics holds is no doubt that Singapore Mathematics holds a huge potential for

widespread application and deeper penetration in to school education across the world.


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RREEFFEERREENNCCEESS

Aggarwal, Y.P,(1990). Statistical methods: Concept application and

computation, New Delhi: Sterling publishers Pvt. Ltd.

Anice James. (2005) Teaching of mathematics, Neel Kamal Publications, Pvt.

Ltd. New Delhi.

Dary Francis and David Pritchard. (2002). Puzzles and Teasers for Everyone,

Gaurao Publishing House, New Delhi.

Dharmaraj Joseph, (2004). Arivukoormaikku Virunthu (Tamil), Narmadha

Pathipagam, Chennai.

Nalayini, S. (1991) “Effectiveness of using number games to teach arithmetic at

primary level”, Fifth Survey of Research in Education, Vol. II, NCERT, New

Delhi.

Sudhir Kumar (2000). The Teaching of Mathematics, Anmol Publications Pvt.

Ltd., New Delhi.

Thiyagu.K (2006) “A study on the effectiveness of web-based instruction in

learning mathematics education among teacher trainees”, Unpublished M.Ed

Dissertation, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli.

Xavier.P. (2005) “Effectiveness of Puzzles-Integrated methods in teaching

Mathematics to the high school students”, Unpublished M.Ed Dissertation,

Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelvelli.

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