CHALLENGES in the Primary Mathematics curriculum

 

Based on my over 10 years of experience setting Mathematics exam papers, being involved in PSLE marking exercises and preparing numerous graduating classes for the PSLE, I can fully appreciate the concerns that you may have in helping your child excel in primary Mathematics. Many parents feel frustrated that their children are not able to cope with Maths in school no matter how hard they tried.

 

> Some of the key CONCERNS of parents:

• Child loses interest in Maths and parents feel helpless in motivating the child

• Not able to coach their children because of the challenging primary Maths curriculum

• Not up-to-date with the latest problem-solving strategies (e.g. model drawing)

• Do not have the time to coach the child at home due to busy work schedule

• Not able to choose the right Maths resources (e.g. assessment books) for their children

• Ineffective Maths tuition programme

 

> Student's Main Areas of WEAKNESSES:

• Difficulty in understanding the mathematical language in word problems (linguistic knowledge)

• Limited knowledge on the various problem-solving strategies

• Difficulty in identifying operations needed for the word problems

• Lack of confidence and willingness to persist

 

 

Our Strategy (The C-P-A-H system)

 

Success in Primary Maths does not come overnight. There is NO short-cut to success and we do not make false promise of a quick fix for your child. 

 

However, based on proven research in Maths Education and years of experience in teaching and coaching highly successful students, we have developed a successful system which, if followed closely, would turn around your child's achievement and boost their grades in Maths. The system can be easily remembered as follows:

 

1. Concrete

2. Pictorial

3. Abstract

4. Heuristics (non-routine problem-solving)

 

The C-P-A-H approach provides an organisational structure in the design of our Mathematics programme (Primary 1 to 6) which develops students mathematical proficiency in logical developmental stages and build connections between the stages of concrete, pictorial, abstract and heuristics.

 

Concrete components include manipulative which pupils can handle during lesson. Pictorial representations include drawings, diagrams, charts or graphs that can be drawn by pupils or are provided for the pupils to read and interpret. Abstract refers to symbolic representations such as numbers or letters that the pupils writes or interprets to demonstrate understanding of a task. Heuristics refers to the various problem-solving strategies pupils need to know to solve routine and non-routine Maths problems.

 

This approach enables pupils to encounter mathematics in a meaningful way and translate mathematical skills from the concrete to the abstract. It will better support pupils in their understanding of mathematics concepts and promote pupils’ active participation in learning mathematics.

 

Teaching Approaches

 

• Structured Diagnostics Testing to identify and close learning gaps

• Use of Hands-on-manipulatives to teaching concepts.

• Conceptual Approach teaching to reinforce mathematical concepts​​

• Problem-solving Heuristics to solve challenging and non-routine questions​

• Differentiated teaching and materials to cater to students with different achievements

• Integrated Online and Mobile learning Anywhere and Anytime