The best way to learn about something is to ask questions. Singapore mathematics is famous around the world; known for how challenging it is in terms of its syllabus and the way questions are being asked in examinations. According to Straits Times Singapore, Singapore mathematics is being utilised in many schools across the United States and British schools have adopted the model as well. The Inspire Maths series of textbooks, based off the books here in Singapore, were used as a trail in 70 British primary schools by the Department for Education in the past two years.
The Ministry of Education in Singapore is aware that Mathematics is the key to various professions and it’s a subject that influences a lot of the mechanisms around us that enable our daily life to function. Educational experts understand and promote the significance of staying ahead of the curve.
It is difficult to excel in Math and in order to do so, it’s important to ask some important questions!
So, let’s take a look at the kind of things one can clarify about Singapore Mathematics to have a better understanding of it.
HOW THE FOUNDATION IS CONSTRUCTED
In order to perform well in Mathematics, students need to have internalised concepts completely and know their formulas at their fingertips. This initial stage is extremely difficult to get by for students because everything would be new and things seem intimidating. Good math tutors will make sure that they explain the concepts thoroughly to their students, get their students to practice beginner-level math questions to test what they have learnt and solidify their basics. This is absolutely essential to establish in order to proceed to the more advanced stages. One has to clarify how the basics are being taught in schools and by tutors in order for parents to better support their children in ways they can.
HIGHER-ORDER THINKING SKILLS
This is difficult to develop and definitely does not happen overnight. By cultivating this skill from young in Singapore’s education system, it becomes second nature for children to think critically and out-of-the-box when they are given a mathematics problem to solve. From analyzing to hypothesizing, testing and deriving the step-by-step solution to arrive at the final answer will all happen automatically. Math tuition teachers would make the effort to train their students by constantly giving them practice papers and by asking them to solve challenging questions during tuition sessions. Many education systems in other countries are constantly curious about how critical thinking skills are imbibed in children from a young age and the answer to this can be uncovered when we observe how lessons are being taught and how exam questions are being set.
WHY PRACTICE?
Singapore being a country which emphasises meritocracy, also clearly stands for hard work and encourages students to do their due diligence to excel in everything they do; be it academics or anything else. Singapore math is all about practicing and getting better with each practice. Singapore education system has made it clear that students need to be provided with various resources and avenues to practice and master the concepts in the subject. School tutors and math private tutors also make sure that this is strictly followed.
BOTTOM LINE
As a parent, it’s not wise to let your child suffer alone because Singapore Mathematics is one of the most challenging and high-standard syllabuses in the world. It is essential to be proactive and take the necessary steps to make sure your child has a math tutor from the beginning to guide them in the right way. It’s of paramount importance to never let problems snowball because this can result in great chaos when national examinations are approaching. Asking the right questions and seeking clarifications about Singapore Math is a smart way of working towards the “A” grade because that is the best way to have a heads up and stay ahead.
