Magic Maths

A Math Mastery Approach

Math Mastery refers to the process of going deeper, ensuring more than just surface level learning. Math Mastery is about building solid foundations that don't crumble later when further learning is introduced and the difficulty and complexity is increased. It is about not moving on until foundational concepts in place value, four operations, fractions and decimals, position and direction, data and statistics and geometry are well understood. To provide children with more opportunities to 'go deeper' we develop problem solving and reasoning to demonstrated a deep level of understanding and logic.

Concrete-Pictorial- Abstract

Mr. D Super Tutor follows the CPA (Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract) approach to teaching mathematics and developing mathematical understanding and fluency. CPA was developed by American psychologist Jerome Bruner. It is an essential technique within the Singapore method of teaching math for mastery.

Concrete manipulatives are fundamental to the powerful Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract (CPA) approach and are a key resource in developing a deep understanding of Maths. Prior to commencing tutoring, your tutor will discuss interactive and practical resources that can either be purchased or printed prior to each lesson.

Concrete

Concrete is the “doing” stage. During this stage, students use concrete objects to model problems. Unlike traditional maths teaching methods where teachers demonstrate how to solve a problem, the CPA approach brings concepts to life by allowing children to experience and handle physical (concrete) objects. With the CPA framework, every abstract concept is first introduced using physical, interactive concrete materials.

For example, if a problem involves adding pieces of fruit, children can first handle actual fruit. From there, they can progress to handling abstract counters or cubes which represent the fruit.

Pictorial

Pictorial is the “seeing” stage. Here, visual representations of concrete objects are used to model problems. This stage encourages children to make a mental connection between the physical object they just handled and the abstract pictures, diagrams or models that represent the objects from the problem.

Building or drawing a model makes it easier for children to grasp difficult abstract concepts (for example, fractions). Simply put, it helps students visualise abstract problems and make them more accessible.

Abstract

Abstract is the “symbolic” stage, where children use abstract symbols to model problems. Students will not progress to this stage until they have demonstrated that they have a solid understanding of the concrete and pictorial stages of the problem. The abstract stage involves the teacher introducing abstract concepts (for example, mathematical symbols). Children are introduced to the concept at a symbolic level, using only numbers, notation, and mathematical symbols (for example, +, –, x, /) to indicate addition, multiplication or division.

Information on CPA quoted from Maths- No Problem - for more information click on the link.

Mr. D Super Tutor for Math

Mr. D Super Tutor offers maths to teach, reinforce, practice and problem solve/reasoning at any math level. Whether you require Math lessons to introduce a new concept, spend more time practicing or deepen your understanding through reasoning and logic, we offer tutoring that caters. We understand that confidence building and providing a 'good' and 'meaningful' struggle with mathematical concepts is key in developing a deeper understanding, leading to mastery. We want to inspire the next generation of mathematicians through meaningful, immersive and experiential tutoring to create passionate and engaged mathematicians.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse