FAQ’s


1. What is Singapore Math?

It’s Mathematics based on the Singapore Mathematics framework. With a strong focus on problem-solving, the curriculum involves the acquisition and application of Mathematics concepts and skills in a wide range of situations, including non-routine, open-ended and real-world problems. In this framework, the development of mathematical problem-solving ability is dependent on five inter-related components: Concepts, Skills, Processes, Attitudes and Metacognition.

Mathematical skills and concepts learned are reinforced through a variety of problems that challenge pupils and require them to apply their new skills. Topics are covered in detail and with increasing depth, while concepts learned are taught to mastery. Emphasis is also placed on helping pupils develop critical thinking skills and to effectively monitor their own thoughts.

2. What is the CPA Approach?

The CPA or Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract Approach enables pupils to encounter maths in a meaningful way and translate mathematical skills from the concrete to the abstract. Pupils first encounter mathematical concepts through the use of manipulatives before moving on to model problems pictorially. When pupils are familiar with the concepts taught, they progress to use only abstract representations such as numbers, notations, and symbols.

3. What is Model Drawing?

Model Drawing is an ingenious problem-solving strategy that has come to define the Singapore Mathematics pedagogy. Pupils are taught to visualize and construct bar models to help them make sense of word problems. Through the use of bar models as a visual tool, pupils quickly identify the mathematical concepts required, and to solve problems efficiently. Model drawing can also serve as a link to algebra. Symbolic representation of problems, the mainstay of algebra, is a logical extension of the model-drawing technique.

4. How does Singapore Math teach to mastery?

Each topic is covered in detail and taught to mastery. Immediately after new concepts are taught, pupils are engaged in a variety of mathematically rich problems. This ensures that the focus is on pupils’ deep understanding of each approach is geared towards producing mathematical thinkers, and it does this by walking pupils through all the parts of a problem before presenting them with a whole problem to solve.

5. How does Spiral Progression build strong a Math foundation?

Topics covered previously are reviewed at higher grades and at increasing levels of difficulty. The introduction of new concepts is built upon the mathematical concepts pupils have learned and mastered previously. Spiral progression also allows for a review of important mathematical concepts while expanding on that foundation, ensuring coherent and focused program.

6. What is Metacognition?

Metacognition refers to the ability to monitor one’s own thought processes. In teaching pupils to be conscious of the strategies they use to accomplish a task, metacognition encourages pupils to think of alternative means of solving problems and promotes logical thinking.

7. What is My Pals are Here! Maths?

My Pals are Here! Maths is a world class program most widely used in Singapore today. It is a comprehensive program designed to provide pupils with a firm foundation in Mathematics and develop creative and critical thinking skills to create efficient problem solvers.

8. What is My Pals are Here! Science International Edition?

My Pals are Here! Science International Edition helps young learners acquire understanding of scientific concepts while developing essential process skills through a stimulating and mulit-sensory approach. This package ensures that every pupil excels in Science by using approaches that draw on their curiosity, senses, real-life experiences and innate skills. It has been designed to facilitate the teaching of science through the BSCS 5E Instructional Model, which has been widely acclaimed as one of the most effective instructional strengths in Science education.

9. What are the 5E’s?

Engage: This phase of the 5 E’s starts the process. An “engage” activity should do the following:
1. Make connections between past and present learning experiences
2. Anticipate activities and focus students’ thinking on the learning outcomes of current activities. Students should become mentally engaged in the concept, process, or skill to be learned.

Explore: This phase of the 5 E’s provides students with a common base of experiences. They identify and develop concepts, processes, and skills. During this phase, students actively explore their environment or manipulate materials.

Explain: This phase of the 5 E’s helps students explain the concepts they have been exploring. They have opportunities to verbalize their conceptual understanding or to demonstrate new skills or behaviors. This phase also provides opportunities for teachers to introduce formal terms, definitions, and explanations for concepts, processes, skills, or behaviors.

Elaborate: This phase of the 5 E’s extends students’ conceptual understanding and allows them to practice skills and behaviors. Through new experiences, the learners develop deeper and broader understanding of major concepts, obtain more information about areas of interest, and refine their skills.

Evaluate: This phase of the 5 E’s encourages learners to assess their understanding and abilities and lets teachers evaluate students’ understanding of key concepts and skill development.