Here’s a problem in 5th grade that involves all of the following: Problem Solving Bar Modeling Dividing Decimals Multiplying Decimals Rey had 5 times as much money as James at first. When Rey gave James $12.50, both of them have the same amount of money. How much money does Rey have at first? …
Problem Solving – 5th Grade Dividing and Multiplying Decimals Read More »
Through visualization, algebra-type word problems can be solved without formally introducing algebra. Here is a typical example of a non-routine word problem from a 4th grade Singapore Math workbook involving fractions: ⅓ of Amy’s money is equal to ½ of Bob’s money. Amy has $40 more than Bob. How much does Amy have? A good …
Solving Fraction Word Problems Through Visualization Read More »
Bar Modeling, or sometimes called Model Method, uses rectangular bars to represent relative quantitative values, and was first developed by the Ministry of Education in Singapore in the 1980s to help students solve word problems. It is a very powerful visual problem-solving heuristic that serves as a foundation to algebraic thinking, and is used as …
For a simple system of linear equation problem, we introduce an intermediate method using bar-models. This provides a link between the guess and check method used by pre-algebra students and the formal introduction of solving the system of linear equations in middle schools.
In one of my recent school visits, I was doing a lesson study on a Grade 3 class. The class is diverse, some are still struggling with multiplication and division while the rest of mastered the topic and ready to move on. This is not uncommon in many classrooms, but how does the teacher introduce problem solving in such a diverse class? During the lesson study, we starting by introducing questions that focuses on logic and reasoning, with basic concepts on multiplication and division, keeping the numbers small and not overwhelming.
After a very successful session last year, we are privileged to be invited back to Columbia University Teachers College to present a Singapore Math Workshop to teacher residents as part the Teaching Residents at Teachers College TR@TC program. Focusing on Singapore Strategies, we had a great evening discussing topics such as ways to better support students, the importance of striking a balance between conceptual understanding and procedural fluency, and the role of problem solving in our day to day classrooms.
