This document summarizes an agenda and slides for a workshop on teaching fractions based on the Singapore mathematics approach. The workshop covers fundamental fraction concepts, operations like division and multiplication of fractions, and the bar model method. It discusses how the Singapore approach teaches for meaning and understanding through a concrete-pictorial-abstract sequence. The approach emphasizes developing thinking skills and 21st century competencies in students.

1. where mindsets are changed
knowledge is constructed
and the capacity to learn, enhanced

2. FRAC
TION
in singapore Dr Yeap Ban Har
math
Marshall Cavendish Institute
Singapore
yeapbanhar@gmail.com
Hall County Schools
Gainesville, Georgia
February 2012
Slides are available at www.banhar.blogspot.com

3. FRAC
TION
in singapore Agenda
MAP202 Teaching of Fractions
math 20 & 21 February 2012
MAP111 Bar Model Method in Primary Mathematics
21 February 2012
Hall County Schools The course book for MAP101 Fundamentals in
Singapore Mathematics Curriculum is given as a
February 2012 reference.
Slides are available at www.banhar.blogspot.com

4. Day 1 Agenda
0800 – 1100
• Introduction
• Fundamental Ideas in Fractions
• Revisiting the Basics of Singapore Math
1200 – 1530
• Division of Fractions
Day 2 Agenda
0800 – 1100
• Review
• Other Fraction Ideas & Multiplication of Fractions
• Revisiting the Basics of Singapore Math
1200 – 1530
• Bar Model Method Across Topics

7. THINKING SCHOOLS
LEARNING NATION
Singapore Ministry of Education 1997

8. “Mathematics is an excellent
vehicle for the development
and improvement of a person’s
intellectual competencies”
Singapore Ministry of Education 2006

9. 21st Century Competencies Framework
Singapore Ministry of Education 2011

11. MAP201 TEACHING OF FRACTIONS
incorporating fundamentals of singapore math

12. FRAC
TION
the C P A
approach

13. FRAC
TION
the C P A
approach

14. FRAC
TION
mathematical
variability

15. FRAC
TION
conceptual
approach

16. FRAC
TION 3
teaching for 3 fourths
4
meaning

17. St Edward’s School, Florida

18. St Edward’s School, Florida
Grade 2
concrete pictorial  abstract

19. FRAC
It does not show
half. What does it
show then? TION
opportunities for
differentiation
It does not show
fourth. What does it
show then?

20. 4 eighteenths
1 fourth 8 9
+
36 36
Singapore Examination & Assessment Board
Primary School Leaving Examination

21. We discussed the three-part lesson plan
comprising whole-class problem solving, supported
small-group consolidation and individual
consolidation using workbook. In Singapore, teacher
supplement textbooks and workbook materials with
further problem solving or further basic practice
depending on student needs

22. fourth as a noun Primary 2 3 fifths + 1 fifth
3 fourths
Primary 3 3 fifths + 1 tenth
3 pieces
3 pencils Primary 4 3 fifths + 9 tenths
Primary 5 3 fifths + 1 half
FRAC We discussed the importance of fundamentals ideas
such as knowing that we count objects in a set and we
TION do not count, add or subtract quantities with different
unit.
spiral There is also an emphasis on the idea of fifths as a noun.
approach

35. Lim Siong Guan
Head, Civil Service
Singapore

36. We discussed teaching visualization,
We discussed
mathematics versus looking for patterns and
teaching the ability to number sense. Also we
learn mathematics. discussed generic competencies
communication,
including
metacognition and
collaboration.