The E-Singapore Math ESM is an effective method for teaching mathematics, obtaining excellent results even by boys and girls who usually struggle more with numbers. In this article, the basic principles of the Singapore method and some activities to put it into practice right away.
Increasing math skills means guaranteeing a more solid future for boys and girls. Yet there are many students who do not reach the basic skills. In the latest research available, it is noted that the trend of 15-year-olds as regards mathematics skills is in line with the E Singapore Math; however there is also a 24% of low performers (ie students who do not reach basic skills in Singapore mathematics).
Several studies show that the difficulties in achieving basic skills in mathematics lead to a lower educational level achieved, difficulties in daily routines and in the future professional life; Enhancing mathematical skills from an early age is essential to ensure a solid future for all students.
The E-Singapore Math Method: Fundamental Principles
Singapore has been for many years one of the countries with the highest levels of mathematical competence among students and adults because it applies a particular method. The Singapore method is mainly used in Anglo-Saxon and Asian countries, but in recent years it has also spread to France, Scandinavia and Latin America. Its rather rapid diffusion is due to the excellent results in mathematics achieved in the tests by the pupils of the countries where it was adopted. The Singapore method has in fact proved to be an efficient and effective method for learning mathematics at different levels.
One of the basic principles of this method is that mathematics is not something to be memorized, a knowledge, but a skill: according to this method it is important to achieve mastery of mathematics through many different strategies. The Singapore Math promotes metacognition and encourages pupils to have a positive attitude towards mathematics. Pupils are regularly invited to reflect on their reasoning, to explain what strategies they have adopted to solve a problem or a calculation.
The E-Singapore Math is based on some Fundamental Principles:
SEMANTIC COMPONENT (VERBALIZATION)
One of the basic principles is that of the sense of number (semantic component). The sense of the number reflects the semantic, primitive component linked to the representation we create of numbers (how are they associated?) And stimulates thinking in the mathematical field. An example of a question that recalls this principle is to ask children and young people what a certain number is, for example: “What is number 6?” The possible answers could be: “Half of 12”, “it is composed of 5 + 1”, “3 + 3” etc … or “6 are the sides of a hexagon”, or “it is an even number …”
All these definitions can emerge in brainstorming in the classroom. Pupils are invited to tell and explain the reasoning they did to solve the riddle. The group discussion on how to solve a problem thus becomes the heart of a lesson, from which the possibility of multiple solutions often emerges.
CONCRETE APPROACH
In the Singapore Math, experience with concrete objects is considered fundamental. Pupils learn mathematical concepts through the manipulation of concrete material (concrete phase), games of movement, objects to touch, move, to live the mathematical experience.
GRAPHIC / PICTORIAL APPROACH (VISUALISATION)
Another principle is to learn how to translate the images of objects through a scheme or diagram.
The concrete phase is followed by a graphic phase that is to represent the situation through symbol images, in which graphic solutions are used through schemes that help to understand.
ABSTRACT / MENTAL APPROACH
In the abstract/mental approach, one learns to transform the concept that has already been acquired into symbols (figures and operations). Through the concrete path (manipulable objects), passing through the image, we arrive at the abstract representation, that is to the mathematical symbols (numbers and operations).
By using a symbolic representation, we make sure that concrete mathematical experience can allow us to arrive at an abstract representation.
Who should learn from E-Singapore math?
If your child studies in an international school and has a good mathematical foundation, and you want to improve their learning difficulty and train their problem-solving skills, then you can use the “Singapore Mathematics online with ESM official website” as an extracurricular expansion virtually.
If If the child is studying in a domestic school, the “Singapore Mathematics Textbook” could also be used since it helps children develop their “modelling” ability to simplify mathematics. At the same time, because Singapore mathematics is all in English, it can improve children’s English level while exercising children’s mathematics ability.
It is the cultivation of mathematical thinking that is at the heart of Singapore mathematics. The basics of mathematical logic are taught from the kindergarten stage. In this way, all kids who wish to improve their math skills can use it.
You can start learning Singapore Math whenever you like, even if you don’t have any previous background. There’s a lot of emphasis on logic, thinking, systematic, and step-by-step, which is why Singapore mathematics is used in many developed countries.It is better to learn mathematics sooner rather than later. Parents who want to learn, hurry up!
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Clare
Hi, I'm Clare (Emmy's Mummy). A former Nanny and Mother of 2 - Emmy (born February 2010) and Harry (born October 2012). We are Essex based and share our adventures and misadventures of a busy crazy life.
