Teaching Mathematics Using the Singapore Math Method

The Singapore Math Method is regarded as one of the best for teaching mathematics. Singapore students consistently scored the highest on international math exams out of at least 50 countries, including the United States, due to their system of teaching to solve math problems logically, rather than memorizing them.

Children do not learn through memorization. They need to be able to think about problems and solve them in order to improve their test grades, and help them succeed in life.

This system was created in Singapore in 1981, when their Ministry of Education called together a team of math teachers, professors, specialists, and researchers in order to create the most optimal method of teaching math to children.

The point of the Singapore Math Method is conceptual comprehension. The curriculum is based on model building and drawing in order to solve problems. The Singapore Math Method seeks to mathematical concepts step by step, so that they could be understood. This is better for comprehension, instead of memorizing formulas and numbers, which do not develop cognitive and reasoning skills.

According to SingaporeMath.com, "The students are provided with the necessary learning experiences beginning with the concrete and pictorial stages, followed by the abstract stage to enable them to learn mathematics meaningfully."



Singapore Math uses engaging pictures to draw the child in and explain the concepts and reasons behind math theories. Being able to understand the whole theory, and why a problem is solved a certain way, gives children better math skills than the standard, United States memorization method. 


For more information about Singapore Math, check out:
http://www.brainyacademyny.com/brainy-tutoring/
http://www.ehow.com/about_5031909_singapore-math.html
http://www.singaporemath.com/The_Singapore_Model_Method_for_Learning_Mathematic_p/smmlm.htm

Making Math Fun

On April 11, The Huffington Post released an article regarding the struggle to make math into a "fun" subject that children would want to study. The United States falls behind many other countries when it comes to math. 


When standardized tests were last given around the world (60 countries participated), the United States showed improvement in science and even reading, however, "Mathematics was the category where the U.S. lagged most, performing below average compared with students in other nations. U.S. students had an average score of 487, while the OECD average score was 496. The U.S. math score in 2006 was 474 compared with an average that year of 498. Seventeen other industrialized countries performed better on average. About 23% of U.S. students scored below the "level 2" benchmark." (WSJ)


So the United States has finally decided to branch out and figure out alternative ways to teach math. Everything from robots to television shows have been created for the purpose of teaching math. "America has a cultural problem with math. It's the subject, more than any other, that we as a country love to hate," said Glen Whitney, a passionate mathematician who worked for years developing algorithms for hedge funds. "We don't see it as dynamic. It's rote and boring and done by dead Greek guys a thousand years ago."


Brainy Academy has opened up for just that reason. We use the Singapore Math Method, which is a teaching method from Singapore that promotes logic and problem solving skills. "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" (National Council of Mathematics). 


Our Summer Education will utilizes the Singapore math system. This system is excellent for children because it teaches them to solve problems on their own, and rather than memorizing numbers, they will be able to actually think through and complete tasks, which is a skill that helps children for life. 


Check out Brainy Academy's summer program and math tutoring by visiting our website: www.brainyacademyny.com