PIONEER PRIMARY SCHOOL

PIONEER PRIMARY SCHOOL

“What do you think of my solution?”“I’m not too sure, let’s work backwards to check

the answer.”

The High-Ability Programme (HAP) provides the more able pupils with non-routine and challenging activities to stretch their Mathematical potential to the fullest.

This curricular programme is implemented across the six levels. It comprises worksheets which are progressive and which emphasizes different problem solving strategies. Two tests are conducted per term to assess the pupils’ learning progress.

80% of the pioneer batch of HAP pupils agreed that the resources in the programme have exposed them to the exploration of different problem-solving techniques and they also had fun solving the Mathematical problems.

Our current batch of pupils in the HAP programme has this to say:

“The worksheets have helped me to solve challenging questions more quickly and easily. I’ve learnt new methods and concepts like “making supposition” and “average”. When I apply them, I can solve the questions within a few minutes!” Goh Hui Min, 5-1

“The worksheets from the HAP package are very useful, especially the pre-tests. They help to set my expectations for the type of questions at P5 level. It was a shock in the beginning, but I learn that I need to work harder.” Cheryl, 5-1

Ripples-MathematicsDepartment

High-Ablity Programme (HAP)

Synergy - Thinking hard to arrive at the possible solutions.

“Oh, maybe we can try solving it by the “Average” method”!”...“Let’s try it out!”

Brainstorming Session

Overview

The Mathematics Department’s LAP enhancement program was designed to help Primary 3-6 pupils with weaker Mathematics foundation, providing them with opportunities for rigorous exercises and opportunities to revisit Mathematical concepts, skills and strategies.

The primary purpose of this program is to maintain and improve pupils’ basic Mathematical skills and improve pupils’ attitude and confidence in Mathematical learning.

Major Program Features

Planning and design. Discussions amongst teachers are conducted in November/ December 2006 to sieve out challenging topics for pupils with weaker foundation in Mathematics. Specific lessons are planned and designed to add value to pupils’ learning. The integration of the program into the current curriculum is also given serious consideration. With careful planning and staff management, the Department has tried as far as possible to keep most classes to a ratio of 1 teacher to 30 pupils, so as to increase the amount of attention given to each pupil.

Academic focus. Classes and activities focus on teacher-prepared topical worksheets. Different tasks are carefully designed for each sub-section of topics so as to cater to pupils’ language and academic level.

Assessment and accountability.

The program includes: (1) Pre- and post-tests on mathematics concepts and problem-solving skills for each child(2) Subsequent classes and activities to re-teach concepts and skills which pupils have difficulty in. (3) Frequent sharing sessions to discuss and share strategies for teaching.

“Pupils are satisfied when they perform better in post-tests as compared to pre-tests. They are also more motivated and confident in trying out new questions.”

Mdm Malar, P6 teacher

L. A. P.

Use of Manipulatives in Teaching of Mathematics

The use of manipulatives in the teaching of mathematics is incorporated into the curriculum for the lower primary with the objective of helping pupils understand Mathematical concepts through concrete materials. Mathematics manipulative (example: ice-cream sticks, pattern blocks, coloured cubes, interlocking cubes and etc). Such experiential education is based on the idea of active involvement that enhances students’ learning. When manipulatives are used, different senses are developed in the experience. Students can touch and move objects to make visual representations of mathematical concepts. Learning concepts through manipulatives can be fun and motivational. Hence, our mathematics classes provide a nurturing and inviting climate with Math corners equipped with the required manipulative to facilitate the learning.

“My pupils enjoy using manipulatives like ice-cream sticks, magnets and interlocking cubes. These manipulatives are used daily during Mathematics lessons. My pupils always look forward to Mathematics lessons and the hands-on activities!”

Mdm Yana, P2 teacher

Manipulatives

Trying our best to solve the Mathematical problems.

“ What fraction of a pizza will be left if a third has been eaten?”

“Now, should I use the circle or the square to continue with the pattern?”

Active Learning Through Math Trail

Math Trail, around the school, is an approach to stimulate pupils’ interest in Mathematics and become active learners by realizing that Mathematics exists in their surroundings.

Pupils of different abilities worked in small groups of four or five to solve problems by applying the concepts learnt, through different stations around the school. They communicate to each other about how they solve the problems. When they are explaining and reasoning to each other, they are also improving their own grasp of concepts involved.

“The Math Trail provides a varied mode of learning and assessment for pupils to apply their Mathematical concepts with the element of fun. It encourages the pupils to work as a team and learn from each other.”

Ms Lin Xiuyue, P4 teacher

“I enjoy the Math Trail because it is adventurous and fun. We got to go to different areas in the school to work out the questions. We made use of the Mathematical concepts like multiplication, division, addition and subtraction. I hope that there will be more such trails.”

Sean Leong Wing Fai, P4-3

“It was very fun. We were able to apply Mathematical skills in solving problems. Teamwork is important for us to work together to solve the problems accurately and efficiently. My friends and I really hope to have more such activities again.”

Liyana Kaiyisah Mohd Hatta, P4-2

Maths Trail

“Let’s use the lengths of our feet to measure the length of the basketball court!”

Making use of the information gathered to solve the problem.

‘FUN WITH

MATH GAMES’ DAY

During the ‘Fun with Maths Games’ day, pupils learn how Maths and Science can be used through games. This experimental method aims to motivate them to develop an interest in Maths and inspire them to be more innovative. By exposing pupils through different games and puzzles from around the world, pupils learn how these games relate to what they are learning in school.

Moreover, our pupil leaders, who have undergone the training, can also use this opportunity to co-teach their peers how these games are played. By transferring their knowledge to their peers, both parties benefit. The pupils will get to learn new games that reinforce the curriculum and get them excited about learning. They will be more drawn towards learning of Maths in the fun way.

Parents’ involvement in their children’s education helps to foster children’s acquisition of concepts. Hence the school organized parents’ workshops to help parents understand how to help their own children of varying abilities. The following strategies were introduced during the workshop to keep parents abreast of the latest methodology and pedagogy.Story-telling is integrated into the teaching of lower primary Mathematics to relate Mathematics learning to real-life situations. Music, integrated into Mathematics, stimulates pupils and helps develop their thinking skills. Much emphasis is placed on the extensive use of manipulatives in helping deal with problems creatively and effectively. Problem solving heuristics were introduced as a tool which the parents could use to improve their children’s process skills in both new and unfamiliar situations.

“Parents enjoyed the hands-on session. New strategies taught were well received by parents.”

Mrs. Elis Ang, P4 teacher

Parents’ Workshop

For word problems, some pupils tend to limit their solutions to the practice taught by the teachers:They are unable to interpret new ‘situations’ or problems.

Hence the department focuses on teaching Problem Solving Heuristics to equip pupils with a range of tools that they can choose and apply on the problems they face.

With heuristics like “Guess and Check”, “Model Drawing”, “Working Backwards” and “Before and After”, the programme aims to

• help pupils recognize and organize information needed to solve a problem.• equip pupils with the skills to communicate mathematical thinking coherently. • equip pupils with a repertoire of strategies needed for problem solving.

“ Most pupils have shown an improvement in the problem solving heuristics skills. Teachers can focus on teaching and remediating the weak areas and concerns surfaced from pre-tests.

Mrs. Loh Pui Teng, P5 teacher

Problem Solving Heuristics

Discussion on “solving by sets” Discussion on “solving by sets” Pupils trying their best in the post test.

Parents playing an active role guiding their chil-dren in solving the Mathematical problems.



SAILS

Mathematics OlympiadOlympiad Training

The DASH programme was initiated in 2005 for the top 3 P5 classes and it was extended to the P6 classes as a follow up to expose pupils to questions in Mathematical Olympiad so as to develop prowess in Mathematics among pupils through the challenging, non-routine questions and prepare them for the prestigious competitions organized by established Secondary or institutions.

In 2007, we decided to outsource this training to external vendors and the training was carried out during the June Holidays for 70 P6 pupils and about 60 P5 pupils.

1 pupil was awarded Bronze, 3 pupils were awarded honorable awards.

Discussion on “solving by sets” Discussion on “solving by sets” Pupils trying their best in the post test.

Maths ClubWith the aim to expose everyone to creative problem solving strategies and to further develop their problem solving skills, the Math Club organises a variety of brain-teasing and fun-filled activities.

Having brain teasers as tuning-in activity help to get the members warmed up for more challenging and demanding tasks in the latter part of the meeting. As Esmond from 4-2 shares, “I always look forward to doing the questions as they are so fun! I also love to challenge my friends in solving the questions.”

Pupils’ creativity and problem solving skills are further developed as opportunities are provided for them to design maths games. Team work is emphasized as pupils learn how to work with one another. Jadon from 5-7 says his greatest takeaway from the games design project is the importance of communication and teamwork.

Song creation using mathematical concepts also encourage pupils to think out of the box and to work interdependently. Pupils enjoy the activity as it allows them to exercise their creativity and talents in both maths and music!

During the few days of Maths Interactive Days which took place in Term 1 during pupils’ recesses, our members displayed to other non-club members their skills in the different types of games and even encouraged them to join in the fun! The Maths Interactive Games Days was a very successful event as members learned leadership and developed their interpersonal skills while non members not only learned new games, but also, made new friends!

Pupils having fun and learning new games during the Maths Interactive Days.

Samples of songs created by our members.

Let’s hear from our lower primary Mathematics geniuses on their secrets to becoming competent in Mathematics skills.

Interviewer: Hi Jeremy and Natasha, can you share with me your secrets to your excellent performance in Mathematics examinations?

Jeremy: I think I do well in Mathematics examinations by memorising timetables and doing the revision worksheets that my teacher gives me. I also enjoy playing Mathematics games with my classmates.

Siti Nur Natasha: For me, my teachers and parents always make sure that I revise the worksheets in my Mathematics file before every examination.

Jeremy: Oh yes, my teacher will test us on our time-table every week. I also make sure that I check my solution after I’ve done every question.

Siti Nur Natasha: Confidence is very important and I gain confidence by revising my work everyday.

Interviewer: Thank you for your sharing, that was very enlightening. Hope that you will continue to enjoy Mathematics and excel in it!

Let’s hear from our Mathematics geniuses in graduating classes on their journey in learning Mathematics.

Priya: Hey, let’s talk about our favourite subject- Mathematics!

Euger: Mathematics is challenging and fun. Our brains get an active workout everytime we do Mathematics questions.

Elaine: Yes, I couldn’t agree more. Mathematics has taught me to calculate since I was young. I knew exactly how much change to expect whenever I bought something from my favourite mini-mart.

Kah Kheng My self-confidence also increases each time I’m able to solve a challenging Mathematics question.

Euger: Yes, Mathematics have also taught me to think logically and flexibly. I really enjoy Mathematics.

Pupils’ Reflections

Pupils’ reflections abstracted from: Jeremy Tan (P3-1)

How do you think a pupil can do well in Mathematics examinations?

I think I can do well in Maths examinations by memorizing timetables, do my weekly Math revisions or play Math games with my family or friends.

How do your parents prepare you for your Maths examinations?

My parents give me Maths Revision papers at least twice a week and my mother will test me on my time-table every night.

How do you make sure you can do well in your Maths examinations?

I check my work after I do it, practice my time-table daily and do Maths revision papers.

Siti Nur Natasha (P3-1)

How do you think a pupil can do well in Maths examinations?

I think pupils can revise by revising their multiplication, division, subtraction and addition worksheets in their maths file.

How do your parents prepare you for your Maths examinations?

My parents buy me Maths assessment books and I do 1 chaper a day.

How do you make sure you can do well in your Maths examinations?

I will be more confident when I revise my work everyday. I will also check my work before handing it in.

Jeremy Tan (P3-1)

How is Maths useful in your everyday life?

Maths is useful in my life because if I need to buy something, I can count quickly.

Maths is your favourite subject because….

Maths is my favourite subject because I am good at it.

The activities/games you enjoy in Maths are….

The activity is “Sails” because the lessons are fun and the questions are challenging.

Chiang Jun Li, Berlinda and Siti Jaliah Jamal (P3-1)


Maths is useful in my everyday life because it can be used everytime.


I like to draw models and I am good at Maths, so I want to be even better.


The activities I enjoy are “Put on your thinking cap” and “Shade the number-train”.

Maizurah and Kegan(P3-1)


Without Maths, we will not be able to count.


It is fun and interesting.


I enjoy the S.A.I.L activities because they can test my mind.

Edrie (P6-4)

What do you like about Maths?

Whoever created Mathematics is a genius. There are so many possible solutions to a question that sometimes I get all confused!


Without Maths, I would not know how to tell time. And if I can’t tell the time, I would be coming late to school everyday.


The addition and the counting of numbers.

Elaine (P6-8)


I’m in love with Maths. I love everything about Maths.


Maths taught me to calculate. I wouldn’t know how much change I would receive if I bought something at the shop and did not pay for the item with the exact amount.


The brain-teasers and the card games.

Kah Kheng & Euger (P6-8)


It’s challenging and it’s fun. And my brain gets an active workout each time I do Maths.


My self-confidence increases each time I’m able to solve a Maths question.


The brain-teasers.

Yin Hao (P6-8)

What do you do to improve your Maths?

I do a lot of practice papers from my assessment books.

How does Problem Solving Heuristics help you?

It helps me to understand the question better and in doing so, it makes it easier to answer the question.

Chen Weiting (P6-8)

What do you do to improve your Maths?

I always make it a point to ask each time I do not understand.

How does Problem Solving Heuristics help you?

It paints a clearer picture of the question so I’m able to answer the question correctly.

2008

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