Mathematics

“Making Math Simple, Making Math Fun and Making Math Meaningful.”

• Math Made Simple
  • Strong Basics
    • Mastering concepts & skills at different developmental stages
    • Developing strategies and approach to solving Math problems
• Math Made Fun
  • Early Success
    • Building students’ confidence + motivation
    • Cultivating interest in Math learning
• Math Made Meaningful
  • Steady Progress
    • Developing students’ learning with understanding
    • Providing meaningful learning experience

As the saying goes, “Mathematics is not about numbers, equations, computations or algorithms: it is about understanding. – W. P. Thurston”, hence in Chongfu School, we aim to groom students who are able to think logically, abstractly, critically and creatively. These are the important 21st Century Competencies that we must imbue in our students, so that they can lead a more productive life and be life-long learners.

Mathematics is undeniably part of our daily lives, from making sense of simple information on the whiteboard to making informed decisions about personal finances. Calculations, measurements, interpretation of graphs and analysing statistical data require a good understanding of Math.

The Mathematics Framework

The mathematics framework has been a feature of Singapore’s mathematics curriculum since 1990, and is still relevant to date. The central focus of the framework is mathematical problem solving, that is, using mathematics to solve problems.

  
•      Math Made Simple     

  Chongfu’s Curriculum Focus

  In Chongfu School, we focus on problem solving, which encompasses skills and functions that are important in our daily lives. We also aim to develop mathematical thinkers who are able to solve real-world problems. In addition, students should be able to understand math through deep learning and mastery. Only with deep understanding will students be able to reason mathematically and apply mathematical concepts to real-life problems. Through our extensive range of math programmes, we hope students will value and enjoy learning mathematics.

  Approach 1: Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract (CPA) Approach
  
  

  The CPA Approach is an essential method of teaching Mathematics for mastery. It involves moving from concrete materials to pictorial representations to abstract symbols and problems.

  
  * Concrete – New concepts are first introduced by acting it out using real objects or manipulatives.
  
  * Pictorial – The concepts are then further explained using diagrams and pictures.
  
  * Abstract – Problems are represented using mathematical notation such as numbers and symbols.
  
  Approach 2: Chongfu Star Approach

  The Chongfu STAR approach to maths problem solving is adapted from George Polya’s problem solving process. It is a structured approach aimed to help students in effective problem solving. The STAR approach uses questioning techniques with a variety of questions in each stage to help students gain independence and confidence in solving mathematical problems.

  
  
  Approach 3: 4C Approach

  

  The 4C Approach uses both physical and digital manipulatives in learning Math concepts. The approach involves 4 stages.

  - Concrete (manipulatives) – manipulatives are used to solve word problems to aid in their understanding and exploration of problem-solving strategies.
  - Consolidate (questioning) – questions are crafted to guide students through the problem-solving process.
  - Concept (making sense) – students make sense of the concept and skills.
  - Connect (application) – opportunities are given to apply the strategies to similar questions.
  
  Approach 4: Structured Journaling

  Structured Journaling is used in our Mathematics curriculum to assess students’ understanding of Mathematical concept(s) in a context.

  It develops:
  - students’ awareness of the thought processes and logical reasoning required to solve problems.
  - students’ use of mathematical language.
  - the need to be clear in articulation and communication of solution(s).
  - students’ ability to see and make links between mathematical concepts and everyday life.

  In Chongfu, we believe that mathematical journaling skills should be taught progressively and explicitly in order for students to internalise and apply the skills. With the use of rubrics, students assess themselves or their peers on their metacognitive skills and then work towards improving their own performance.

  Talk Moves

  

  
  

  As part of improving students’ thought process, students use Talk Moves questioning techniques to understand the problem. While the teachers’ role is to facilitate productive discussions using Talk Moves questions, students seek to understand the problem and reflect it in their journals.

      
•      Math Made Fun     

  Mathematics Games Programme

  

  To promote the Joy of Learning, our game-based learning in Math was initiated to motivate students and to stimulate their mental strategies in Mathematics. A range of Math games was progressively introduced in our differentiated curriculum to promote learning Mathematical concepts in a fun way. Lesson packages were also introduced in each level so that students learn these games and pick up logical thinking, spatial visualisation and other critical thinking skills in the process.

  

  Structured Play – Math Games Day

  Every term, time is allocated for Math Games. During these periods, students play games such as Tangram, Sudoku, Kakuro, Kenken and Math Warrior.

  For lower primary students, Tangram, consisting of seven flat polygons, was introduced to help them apply geometrical Math concepts and spatial skills as they manipulate the shapes to form varying art pieces This trains their spatial visualisation ability as well as creativity.

  

  Students also play Sudoku which is an extremely popular game from Japan. They solve the given puzzles by determining number patterns, which develops their cognitive, observational and problem-solving skills. Students are trained to be patient and focused, which help them to be more disciplined in learning. Each year, an inter-class Sudoku Challenge is held for students to challenge one another and to look for new Sudoku masters.

  
  
  

  In middle primary, students progress to playing Kakuro and Kenken, which are logic-based puzzles. These puzzles are a fun way for students to apply their logical and problem-solving skills. Using game-based learning platforms such as Kahoot and Deck Toys, students solve various Kakuro and Kenken puzzles which progressively become more challenging.

  
  

  Math Warrior, as the name suggests, trains students to be champion fighters in Math. The upper primary students get the opportunity to engage in friendly competitions with their friends and learn how to improve their mental sums simultaneously. This strengthens their foundational skills and other arithmetic skills which are needed to tackle tougher Mathematics sums.

  

  Unstructured Play – CFSparks

  Students used to congregate in the Math corner during recess for Math games. To promote the joy of learning, games are now fused in our CFSparks programme where an hour time slot is blocked every week for P5 students to engage in learning a new activity. Under ‘Mind Sports’, Math games such as the Math Warrior challenge is organised for Math games enthusiasts to pitch their skills against one another. Class Math Reps are also trained to perform their roles as game facilitators to umpire and to teach their peers how to play the games.

  Self-Directed Learning (SDL)

  We encourage students to take responsibility and initiative of their own learning. They login to Koobits at least 2-3 times a week to complete assigned e-learning or e-homework. They may also watch videos and study the solutions of difficult math questions. Thus, they practice various mathematical skills in a fun and engaging way.

      
•      Math Made Meaningful     

  Math Experiential Learning

  Students take part in experiential learning activities which lead them to find out that mathematics is part of their daily lives. They also discover the fun and exhilarating side of mathematics. Through these hands-on activities, students develop their thinking skills and apply their mathematical concepts in real-life problems. In addition, they learn to work together as a team and tap on one another’s strengths.

  

  Performance Tasks

  In order to assess if students are able to apply their mathematical concepts in a real-life problem, performance tasks were introduced as part of alternative assessment. Students are required to solve different tasks using manipulatives and record their answers in appropriate mathematical language. Manipulatives include money, cubes, beads and weighing scales. This gives them the opportunity to apply what they have learnt in the mathematics topics. These performance tasks hope to inject fun in learning mathematics through hands-on activities, rather than doing mundane tests.

  

  Virtual Learning Journey

  Traditionally, Chongfu uses Math trails and learning journeys for students to apply Math concepts in real life situations. However, the COVID-19 situation has prevented us from doing so. In order to achieve similar experiences and see the relevance of Mathematics in real life experiences, the school explored alternative means for students to apply their Mathematical skills through virtual learning journeys (VLJ).

  The VLJs were designed for students to:
  - apply their learning with an authentic learning experience where Mathematical concepts taught in class can be reinforced.
  - apply ICT and other critical thinking skills to solve Math problems during the ‘learning journeys’.

  With thoughtfully designed booklets complementing the VLJ, the experience proved to be interactive and engaging for our students.

  Students using iPads to complete their VLJ activity around the school

  Learning Experience Package (LEP)

  The Learning Experience Package (LEP) was created to help students bridge the gap between what they learn in school and the real world. Often, students fail to see the relevance of the Mathematical content they are learning in school. Hence, these learning experiences help them connect the Mathematical concepts they learn to the world around them. For instance, for the topic on Volume, students are given the opportunity to measure and pour water into containers of different volumes. By engaging students in these hands-on experiences, they can then connect the knowledge learnt to real-world situations.

  
  

  Students pouring water into cups and beakers in class when learning about Volume.

      
•      Math Support     

  Parents’ Support for Mathematics (PSM) Programme

  From the wing of our PSG-PASSION, a parents’ support group was set up in 2007 to individually coach identified P6 students who find learning Math challenging. Every week, these parents tutor our P6 students with the aim to better equip them with basic numeracy skills so that they are more prepared for the upcoming PSLE examinations. Besides imparting Math skills, the dedicated coaches also serve as their significant other to give encouragement and help boost the students’ confidence in solving Math problems.

  Progressive Learning of Mathematics (PLM) Programme

  PLM is a self-directed learning approach where students progress at their own pace. The school identifies students and provides opportunities for them to use online learning platforms for their own learning.
  
  Students’ learning gaps are first identified before weekly remediation is conducted. During each PLM session, students are given questions on Koobits, progressing to higher levels when they are more confident. Teaching videos with explicit explanations and examples are also provided for those who need assistance.
  
  Through this programme, we hope to help students pace their own progress and increase their confidence in tackling Math questions.