Singapore Mathematics

Introduction to

Singapore Mathematics

Singapore's textbooks build a deep understanding of mathematical concepts through multi-step problems

and concrete illustrations that demonstrate how abstract mathematical concepts are used to solve

problems from different perspectives.

Use Singapore’s concrete concept through picture to abstract instructional sequence in classes.

Learn strategies to teach addition and subtraction. Teach students to solve three digit addition and

subtraction mentally. Build algebraic concepts through easy to use

strategies. Teach students model drawing to solve word

problems. Develop a profound understanding and mastery of

mathematics both for teachers and students.

* Grading Scale Used in Singapore

U grade to A* System

* A*: 90% and above

* A: 75% to 90%

* B: 60% to 74%

* C: 50% to 59% (passing grade)

* D: 35% to 49%

* E: 20% to 34%

* U: 0% to 19%

50% is the minimum passing mark for primary school maths.Some schools adopt the Band System from Primary 1 to Primary 3 (or

Primary 5).By Primary 6, most schools would have switched to U Grade to A*

System.

Singapore Mathematics teaches a problem solving technique in which students use pictorial models.

This approach is often called the “model approach”.

In the model approach, students draw diagrams in which they represent the problem situation and relevant concepts using bars.

Drawing the model permits students to visually relate various types of information given in the problem to an unknown amount and helps them to determine which mathematical

expressions are useful in solving the problem.

The purpose of drawing the models is not to have students follow specific rules, but rather to understand the concepts and work out a strategy for finding the answer.

For complex problems, several strategies are possible, and drawing the model allows the students to visualize a good strategy.

Drawing bar models are valuable tool for solving non-routine problems. These problems might also be solved using algebra, but for children at the primary level a model

approached can be preferable since it is less abstract.

The model approach fits in with the problem as a whole, and is not the only benefits to using Singapore Mathematics. It can be taught in isolation from the rest of the program,

at least to a certain extend, but is more effective when taught as a part of the whole.

WHAT IS MODEL DRAWING?

• Model drawing is problem solving method that can be used across different levels, and as a link to algebra in the

secondary level.

• Students in Primary Mathematics 1 and 2 learn number bonds and part-whole concepts and use number bond diagrams to solve a simple word problem before they are ready to draw

proper bars needed using the model approach.

• A commonly used strategy in using bar models is to draw units or divide the bar into unites, equate the number of units

to a quantity, which is either given or calculated from other quantities given in the problem, form a proportion statement,

and finally to use a unitary or proportion method to get the answer.

• A unitary method is used in understanding and solving fraction, percentage, ratio and rate problems, without

necessarily drawing a bar model.

• These concepts are more difficult for some students to grasp, and are taught in the context of skills already mastered with

the use of the model approach.

• A main feature is a concrete to pictorial to abstract approach.

• Bar models is not the only place in the programme where a pictorial approach is used to help students understand

concepts.

• Number Bond (Addition & Subtraction)• Short Cut Methods (Addition & Subtraction)• Word Problems (1 step)• Word Problems (2 steps)• Before & After Model

Methods

Marking System• Models (2 marks)

• Calculation / Workings (2 marks)

• Statement with Answer (1 mark)

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Selected Grade 1 Questions

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Websites• http://www.thesingaporemaths.com/• http://www.singaporemath.com/Default.asp• http://www.edcrisch.com/edcrisch/web/Inde

x.asp• http://www.moe.edu.sg/• http://www.testpapers.com.sg/index.html• http://www.sgbox.com/• http://www.topschoolexampapers.com/