Friday, January 14, 2011

Singapore Math Vs Russian Math

Singapore Math is a technique that teaches children how to convert a Math word problem into a picture problem. This is a familiar strategy when children learn the concept of fractions early on in their lives. They learn to slice a pie into equal parts or draw bars to represent fractions. Singapore Math extends the same technique to a variety of different Math problems. Most word problems can be converted to a problem that involves bars sliced up in certain proportions. Relationships between various bars representing the various data elements in the given problem, leads the child to the solutions using only the four basic mathematical operations – addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Once they have the bars set up correctly, solving the problem becomes extremely simple for them. This phenomenal concept, if mastered, removes the grade limitations on the child’s Math handling abilities. Children are able to solve much harder problems in Math which prepares them directly for competitions such as SAT. It not only provides extra challenge to the kids, but also makes them feel confident and accomplished. Children who are trained well in Singapore Math, do not shy away from challenging Math problems. In fact they are on the look out for more challenge all the time.

            Like everything else in this world, Singapore Math may not be for your child but it may be worth a try. Russian Math on the other hand, is more traditional, text book style Math that most of us grew up with, a generation ago. The child is ready to absorb Algebra, and Geometry the more traditional way, learning one chapter at a time cover to cover but much before they will hear of it in schools. This accelerates their pace of learning and teaches them concepts early on, leaving more time to absorb and re-learn as they prepare themselves for competitions in high school. While Singapore Math opens up the Math mind of your child for ‘outside the box’ creative thinking, Russian Math loads up the ‘out of the box’ thinking. Whatever works for your child, kind of sets a tone for the rest of their lives. My personal conclusion is that, while Russian Math is hard work, Singapore Math is smart work.

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