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The model method: A tool for representing and visualising relationships
Citation
Kaur, B. (2015). The model method: A tool for representing and visualising relationships. In X. Sun, B. Kaur, & J. Novotna (Eds.), Proceedings of ICMI Study 23: Primary mathematics study on whole numbers (pp. 448-455). http://www.umac.mo/fed/ICMI23/doc/Proceedings_ICMI_STUDY_23_final.pdf
Abstract
The primary school mathematics curriculum in Singapore places emphasis on quantitative relationships when students learn the concepts of number and the four operations. The Model Method, an innovation in the teaching and learning of primary school mathematics, was developed by the primary school mathematics project team at the Curriculum Development Institute of Singapore in the 1980s. The method, a tool for representing and visualising relationships, is a key heuristic students' use for solving whole number arithmetic (WNA) word problems. When students make representations, using the Part-Whole and Comparison models, the problem structure emerges and students are able to visualise the relationship between the known and
unknown and determine what operation to use and solve the problem. The model method has proved to be effective for making number sense and solving arithmetic word problems in Singapore schools.
Date Issued
2015
Description
This paper was presented at ICMI Study 23: Primary Mathematics Study on Whole Numbers, held in Macau, China from 3 – 7 June 2015