Singapore Mathematics

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Singapore Mathematics

• Linda King
• Coordinator of Mathematics
• lking_at_windsor.k12.mo.us

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Singapore MathematicsWhy make the change?

• This program has been proven effective by the
  country of Singapores improvement in mathematics
  on international standardized testing.
• Primary Mathematics (Singapore Math) has
  dramatically increased Singapores international
  ranking in TIMSS. (Trends in International
  Mathematics and Science Study) from 16th of 26
  countries in 1983 to 1st place in 1996.
• Singapore is currently ranked first in the same
  study.

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Singapore Mathematics How will the program will
be implemented in Windsor C-1?

• 2009 2010 Singapore Mathematics implemented in
  first, second and third grades.
• 2010 2011 Singapore Mathematics will be put
  into practice in fourth grade. Program continues
  in first, second and third grades.
• 2011 2012 Singapore Mathematics will be fully
  employed in grades one through five.

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Singapore MathematicsWhat is it?

• 1. The program builds mathematical understanding
  through 3 stages of development
• Concrete Pictorial Abstract

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Concrete Stage of Singapore Mathematics

• Students begin learning new skills by moving
  counters, called place-value disks on a place
  mat.
• 25 17 looks like this

Ones
Tens
1
1
1
1
1
10
10
1
1
1
1
1
10
1
1
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Pictorial Stage of Singapore Mathematics

• The student begins the transition to paper and
  pencil with a technique called branching.
• It looks like this 25 17
• 5 7
• 12
• 20 10 30
• 30 12 42

20
10
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Abstract Stage of Singapore Mathematics

• Begins Ends with traditional
• short-cut method
• 
  1
• 25 25
• 17 17
• 30 42
• 12
• 42

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Continued Singapore MathematicsWhat is it?

• 2. The program focuses on number sense and
  problem-solving.

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What is number sense?

• Students become proficient in arithmetic, as
  demonstrated by
• 1. Fluency in facts for all mathematical
  operations.
• 2. Understanding of place value.
• 3. Ability to perform mental calculations.

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How does Singapore Mathematics teach number sense?

• 1. Fact fluency Repetition of facts, called
  number bonds, is built into lessons.
• 2. Place-value Place-value disks and
  place-value strips develop knowledge.
• 3. Mental-math Strategies are taught and
  practiced.

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What is problem solving?

• Problem solving is the ability to apply
  mathematics to word problems or real-life
  situations.

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How does Singapore Mathematics teach problem
solving?

• Model Drawing strategy is primary methodology
• Provides students with a PLAN OF ATTACK for word
  problems.
• Trains students to READ the entire problem
  carefully.
• Guides the students through the creation of
  simple VISUAL models.
• Enables students to SEE the problem.

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Singapore Mathematics What does a lesson look
like?

• 1. Mental calculation (5 minutes)
• Students practice or learn a strategy.
• 2. Teacher-directed lesson (15 minutes)
• Students learn the content of the lesson through
  textbooks, blackboards, overhead projectors,
  Smart-boards and other tools.

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continued Singapore Mathematics What does a
lesson look like?

• 3. Activity (15 minutes)
• Students use manipulative materials, cooperative
  learning, group work or centers.
• 4. Problem-solving (15 minutes)
• Students utilize model drawing or another
  strategy to work out one word problem per day.

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continued Singapore Mathematics What does a
lesson look like?

• 5. Independent practice (10 minutes)
• Student begins workbook practice in class and
  completes at home.
• Instructional Time 60 minutes daily

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How will Windsor C-1 make a successful transition
to Singapore Mathematics?

• Teacher training scheduled this summer to be
  provided by educators with 10 years of classroom
  experience using Primary Mathematics.
• Classroom support provided by the district.
• Instructional and supplemental materials
  available in all classrooms.
• Parent education multiple sessions are planned
  for the 2009 2010 school year.
• Additional resources available on the Windsor
  C-1 web site.

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Our Goal

• The Singapore mathematics program, Primary
  Mathematics, will provide Windsor students with a
  strong foundation in mathematics.
• With a firm understanding of number sense and
  problem solving, Windsor students can be
  successful in both the classroom and life.