Problem Solving in Math

It is not a big deal solving a math problem, but how we solve it, differentiates us from others. Its shameful that we are given marks for getting answer and no one cares about how we solved it. But if we are serious about math we need to learn problem solving.

 What is problem solving?

It is the way we solve a problem, it is training we give to our mind, the processes that happen in our mind every time we think of putting our pen on the paper.

How to solve problems?
Think hundred times before putting pen on paper. There is no point scribbling on the paper(It is called labour, not math). Everything we put on the paper should be worth hundred points. Always ask if our problem solving approach is the best way of solving the given problem.

Guess the mind of the problem setter, spend some time thinking what point he wants to make through the problem posed by him, try to outsmart him by finding an alternate logic. Remember that whether it is the problem setter or us, we are all doing the same math.

The problem setter has a narrow mind because he has already made his decision on the tricks he want to play. We have an open mind and we can find a better solution. Don't blindly think that the solutions given in textbooks to be ultimate. We can give a better solution. In fact every problem setter actually asks selected others to solve his problem, just to confirm his mind. Let us believe in ourselves, not in textbooks.

A teacher of mine used to say that his solutions has his signatures all over them and even if we copy he will know it. Let us have our own style.

Coming back to problem solving maths, whenever we are given a problem, calmly think for some time so as to find the best method to solve it. This is not a waste of time, in fact it will save our time(because we are solving with the best and correct method possible).

While solving the problem, be cunning. Let us not strain our minds much, just find easier ways so that we can bypass many of the intermediate steps. Be logically sound. Give proper arguments. Let us not panic even if we don't get the answer because in our exam it's not the answer, but it is the method that counts.

The Rising Popularity of Singapore Math

More and more parents want to enroll their kids in schools that include Singapore math in their curriculum. In various countries, parents would transfer their kids to a school, usually an international school that uses the Singaporean method in teaching math. But it's just math. Others would raise their eyebrows. What's so special about it? They could not understand. But we do.

Singapore math has been in the limelight for some time now. It's gotten highly popular nowadays. It all started when the TIMSS results were released. Since 1995, Singapore has consistently ranked within the top three countries that garnered the top scores in math both for the fourth and eighth grade.

But first, what is TIMSS?

TIMSS, which stands for Trends in Mathematics and Science Study, is an international assessment aimed to improve the learning program of students. They study the latest trends in the educational system. They take particular interest in the quantity and quality of the instructions the students receive. With their findings, they seek to address the gaps in the learning system, identify areas for improvement and monitor the progress or decline in their performances.

With participants from all over the world, they would hold their studies every four years. This allows the educational institutions to improve their curriculums and systems during the period.

The Best in Math

Singapore shows a consistent overall performance in math. In fact, it has ranked first consecutively in 1995, 1999 and 2003 for the eighth grade level. For the fourth grade level, Singapore ranked first during the 2003 and 2011 survey. For the other periods, they have always ranked within the top three out of all the 50 countries that participated.

When the results were released, it got people thinking. What's the difference? Why is theirs so special? Parents started questioning their local educational systems. Their kids have to have the access to the best education. There is pressure on the educational institutions to do better. Revamp their curriculums if necessary.

Singapore's placing shows that they are doing something right. And other countries wanted to know. In fact, around 25 countries have already adopted the Singapore method of learning math. Other countries have started to include Singapore mat textbooks to their curriculums. United States is one of them. They have now included the Primary Mathematics textbook series in their curriculums. It's now part of their Mathematics Instructional Material List. Even parents who are homeschooling their kids have followed suit. Similar cases are happening in the countries of France, Chile, South Africa, India, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Panama and the Philippines.

The Difference in Singapore Math

Gone were the days when kids have to memorize the multiplication tables and focus on getting the right answers mentally. Singapore maths allows them to understand what they are doing. For the kids, it's not just numbers. It's a number that is part of a whole. They have to analyze why it goes that way. Two plus two is not just equal to four. There's a story to it. Singapore math allows them to think and ask questions. And there is no better way for kids to absorb the lessons than this. It can truly work wonders to the curious mind of a student.

Tips for Improving Your Creative Problem Solving Abilities

One can become a great problem solver by solving problems. You must get into the fighting ring if you choose to fight. Stay away from the hot stove if you do not want to get burned. Try these tips for a much better you at problem solving.

Tip one. Learn to spend time alone. Do not be afraid to do some self-talk every chance that you get. You are not crazy, but you do need feedback of some kind. If you still want company then record what you say to yourself. It saves much time and energy when you record yourself.

Tip two. Read more. Read especially more vivid and highly colorful authors. Authors that expressed themselves in great details. Check out mystery novels and ones with much suspense. Of course, watch the very best you can find in futuristic movies. You have to stimulate your mind. Check out the times that you are most vulnerable to learning and highly susceptible. Get more stuff into your mind. Read at 25,000wpm. That will put enough information inside you. Then that information needs to get out. Select a specialty in order to be special. You need to learn the game and then get into the game in order to play it well.

Tip three. Dream more. Take cat naps during the day or whenever you get the chance. Many of the great ones took cat naps, but remember, they worked around the clock. No cat naps at work please.

Tip four. Relax more and let things happen to you. Many have used super vitamins to enable them to remember more or to do better. Be safe. Be careful with that approach.

Tip five. Try to ask yourself questions daily. Ask questions especially at bedtime and upon awakening in the morning. We are unique super beings. Do not overload yourself at night with too many questions before bed. Questioning is a powerful key to solving any problem. Let the grand old Intelligence fight your battles and wars for you.

Tip six. One approach that is dear to my heart is mind mapping. It is the old brainstorming technique greatly enhanced.

Tip seven. Find out your preferred learning style. With that knowledge you will be able to focus on the problem you need solving in a more dynamic way.

Tip eight. Actively work on a variety of puzzles. They should include word puzzles, picture puzzles, math problematic puzzles.

Tip nine. If you choose to become a master at problem solving then, you must get into the history and business of problem solving  maths and go over the steps and journals of the great ones. Read the biographies of the great ones throughout history. Study what made them great. Better yourself by learning memory techniques and approaches. Never stop learning and growing. Learn to draw well and learn an instrument if you can. Become well rounded as possible.

Tip ten. Learn self-hypnosis and take yourself to much lower levels of mind, so that you can better approach problems at a much profound state of awareness. You may also want to seek subliminal recordings to help you reach deeper levels.

Seven Ways to Prepare Your Child for Kindergarten

Sending your child to Kindergarten is an exciting time, but it can also be stressful. You want your child to succeed in school and also be happy. Here are some tips to make it an easy transition for both parent and child.

1. Point out letters in signs, books, and other objects

When your child begins to recognize letters in their world they will understand that letters are used to relay information. They will also become excited about learning to read. When you child finds a letter also teach them the letter sound associated with it.

2. Sing the alphabet together

Almost everyone is familiar with the alphabet song. Your child will love the catchy tune and it will be his/her first introduction to the letter names and also the alphabetical order. There are many different variations of the song available, but your child will probably enjoy the sound of your voice just as well.

3. Count objects and sing counting songs together. Also read books about counting numbers.

Learning math is best in real life situations. Whenever possible find objects for your child to count. This will also help them learn the number names, order, and how math is useful.

4. Visit the library and ask the librarian about books that are appropriate for your child

Many libraries have leveled books. Your library can help you find stories perfect for pre- kindergarten readers. The library might also have story time or other reading programs that young children will enjoy.

5. Find books to teach your child about their emotions and appropriate behavior

While at the library also ask your librarian for books about behavior and manners. Practice the advice in the books at home and also set up opportunities for your child to play with other children.

6. Praise your child to develop self esteem

Positive reinforcement builds a child's confidence. This will motivate students to try their best at school. It can also encourage appropriate behavior.

7. Read stories and talk to your child about them.

These simple tips can make a child feel more comfortable in the classroom and also prepare them for Kindergarten Maths.

Teaching Kindergarten And Preschool Math - Algebra Before Arithmetic

I hated Algebra with a passion. The truth is I hated Math with a passion. The term 'equation' threw me into a cold sweat. As soon as the Math teacher entered the room my brain made a quick exit stage left. To my shame I can honestly say I don't think I 'heard' a word she said for three years.

I realised that if I was to achieve my ambition to become a primary/elementary teacher this was an issue that I needed to address as a matter of urgency. The sad truth is that I was not the only student in this predicament, far from it. We actually formed a club!

Why is it that Math is one of the most reviled subjects on any school curriculum?

My journey of self discovery and enlightenment took me back to my very first schooldays. This, I believe is where the problem starts and the biggest mistake we can make is to introduce children to formal arithmetic too soon. I am not talking about rhymes and 'counting' activities but the fact we assume children understand the nature of number when it is in fact an abstract concept that cannot be understood in isolation.

For example, if I asked you to fetch me 'one' your obvious response would be 'one what?' That is why early counting activities are always related to objects or things e.g. one duck... two ducks... three ducks...etc' This is fine up to a point but too much dependence on this approach can lead to children adding up on their fingers as they get older.

To avoid this common failing children need to be able to understand the concept of cardinal number. Using cuisenaire rods this concept is acquired naturally and incidentally through the medium of play.

The Power Of Math Manipulatives.

Using manipulatives like Cuisenaire Rods can ensure that very young children are able to understand mathematical concepts we often consider far too advanced for the level of development of preschool and kindergarten children. This is achieved through the physical properties of the rods. Each rod being a different length and color lends itself to an approach that Caleb Gattegno describes as 'algebra before arithmetic'.

The First Step - ColorNames

Give each rod a color name. Traditionally the rods are white, red, light green, pink, yellow, dark green, black, tan, blue and orange.

There is a practical reason why the 'brown' rod is named tan.

The Next Step - Initial Letter Names

Once the child has used the rods and is comfortable with the color names it is time to introduce the initial letter names. These are: w, r, g, p, y, d (dark green), b, t, B (Uppercase initial because blue is longer than black) o.

Children now have the basic vocabulary to be able to convert simple patterns made with the rods into mathematical sentences (equations) that will become increasingly more complex as the signs are gradually introduced..

Signs are introduced as a substitute for common terms and phrases that can be used naturally as you play with your child. The most useful phrases being; end to end, train, pattern, side by side, big, small, above, below, long, short.

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Teaching Basics With Math Games in Kindergarten

 Kindergarten is an exciting time for kids. It's the first time they get to feel like the older kids, going to school and learning exciting topics. The basics that are introduced in kindergarten include math and reading. There are a variety of ways to teach these concepts that enable kindergartners to get a firm grasp of these lifelong skills. Math games in kindergarten are one of the best ways to help children learn new concepts and understand how to carry them into real-life situations.

Counting

Counting might seem as if it is simple to teach, but it is more than memorizing the order of the numbers. In kindergarten, kids learn counting by twos, fives and tens, as well as more complex counting techniques, such as sequencing and ordinal numbers. When teachers use math games in kindergarten, it gives the students a new way to look at the various topics. Skip counting can be visualized with groups of beans, blocks or toys. Kids can also play visual games online that allow them to see the objects and learn to count them through visual stimulation.

Currency

Counting might seem as if it is simple to teach, but it is more than memorizing the order of the numbers. In kindergarten, kids learn counting by twos, fives and tens, as well as more complex counting techniques, such as sequencing and ordinal numbers. When teachers use math games in kindergarten, it gives the students a new way to look at the various topics. Skip counting can be visualized with groups of beans, blocks or toys. Kids can also play visual games online that allow them to see the objects and learn to count them through visual stimulation.

Telling Time

Another basic concept that offers lifelong skills is telling time. Kindergartners get excited at the notion of being able to read a clock until it is time to actually learn it. Many teachers use visuals, such as clocks made out of paper plates with revolving hands, to begin to teach time telling, but even more techniques are needed to truly embed the information in a child's brain. Enabling children to play time telling games online enables them to visualize the concept of a clock in a fun and engaging way, helping them learn the concept much faster.

Math games in kindergarten are a great way to introduce important math skills to young students in a fun way. Math is one of those subjects many students learn to detest, which is why starting your kids off on the right foot is important to their success.

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Learning Maths

Primary teaching resources for Maths will bring alive what could be a dry subject. A reasonable handling of maths is an important tool for kids to learn, and the sooner they get a full grasp of it the better. Time was teachers would spend countless hours devising and creating resources with which to make maths a stimulating visual experience. Now, however, there are a lot of primary teaching resources available to buy which engage with children on a strong visual level.

Primary school Maths children may not yet have strong reading or numerical schools (that, after all, is why they are primary school children), but their visual skills are as strong as any. That's why the best primary teaching resources have a strong visual element. Familiar images pupils can relate to are used to teach numeracy in a fun manner.

Currency is taught with cards depicting sweets; each individual sweet signifies 1 unit, boxes of sweets stand for tens and jars of sweets signify hundreds. It's a whole lot less dry than discussing pence pounds. Most young people of primary school age won't have managed a lot of currency, but they will be only too familiar with counting out and eying up sweets. These sweet cards were the very first, but now there are a number of Place Value card sets, using unique entertaining metaphors to teach practical mathematical skills.

Fractions are described through commonly divisible items such as pizzas, pies, puddings and tarts. Additional sets permit the same subjects to be taught but with marginally different focus, to ensure that children can separate and identify the discrete steps involved in more complex sums (e.g. facts to 10 can be taught in many ways with Digit Pop Ups, Busy Boats, Zillions, Wish Fish and Lady Bugs). The Monster Number Line goes even further, teaching numbers as high as 30, 50 or even 100 depending on the abilities and understanding of the youngsters.

It can be difficult to get boys to engage with numbers. Number lines and missing numbers are taught with X-Planes, while Footie Facts ensure the attention of so many boys.

The Multiplication Rainbow has been a particular success. The Multiplication Rainbow was designed a more interesting and engaging alternative to the classic multiplication table. Like all the products here mentioned, the design helps make learning that little bit less formal and intimidating, while the bright, regimented colors can act as a guide and reminder for children when trying to recall their times tables.

Playground Pictures mean the learning experience can continue seen during back times. External PVC wall pictures put across important Primary School Maths information in a friendly. Available pictures include rabbits, stars and flowers. All can be easily fixed to walls or fences with glue, screws or nails.

Most of all, these items will make Maths fun. Ideas that might appear all to easy to adults demand a good deal of memorization on the part of a young child. Using fun, reliable concepts makes that job much simpler for them.

Learn to Solve Math Problems In 4 Easy Steps

Solving math problems is a breeze when you know the steps, formulas, and what you're solving for. Once you have mastered all of these, math problems will become interesting and much easier to solve. Every time a new topic comes up in math, take the time to understand as much of it as you can rather than mugging up any formulas or equations.

Understanding theory has a huge role to play in solving problems. When students know what a formula is used for and what unknown quantities can be calculated, questions will be easier to decipher. Students can spend more time on working out the solution rather than understanding the question.

Solving Math Problems Made Easy

Working out sums gets simpler with time if you keep at it. Here are a few steps that will make the process simpler and more structured.

1. Practice Daily: Practicing regularly is the only way for students to really understand math, learn the steps of the solution, and memorize formulas. Most students think of practice as a tedious process with zero results. To avoid this focus on finishing a small number of sums and start with the ones you know. Try not to jump from the basic sums to the very complex ones in a single evening.

2. Use Good Reference Books: Textbooks are great to learn theory from but have a limited number of sums for each topic or chapter. A good guide or reference book can help you out by providing plenty of solved examples as well as practice questions. You can use the solved examples to figure out the solutions whenever you get stuck in the middle of a problem.

3. Clarify With Your Teacher: Clear any doubts the next day with your teacher. Delaying it will only result in you forgetting about it completely, and developing what could be, a life-long habit of procrastination. Note down whatever you are having trouble with and bring them up during your next math class. Your instructor will be pleased with your effort and students who had the same query will benefit too.

4. Online Calculators & Solvers: You will find plenty of math resources online, from calculators which will compute your answer within minutes to detailed tutorials which explain concepts and theorems. The great thing about online help is that it's always there; you don't have to wait for next day or worry about the fact that you need help at 2 in the night. Many online calculators are specialized to solve particular kinds of problems, like algebra calculators to solve algebra problems.

These are a few ideas that students can follow to improve their problem solving skills and get better at math.

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Advantages Of Opting For Singapore Math For Your Children

The Singapore Math Method is highly prevalent in the US and is considered to be really effective when it comes to teaching children. The Singapore Math is basically a method whose primary focus is on the teaching of problem solving, along with model drawing, all the while the aim being in-depth understanding of the core concepts of the subject.

The method of this math is quite different from other methods, and the curriculum is designed in such a way that the fundamental questions are answered with the help of logical explanations. There are many different advantages of opting for Singapore Math for children. The very first of these advantages is that this method encourages asking questions, and hence enables the students to achieve a deep understanding.

This type of math focuses on creating true mastery when it comes to the subject of math. The best thing about this approach is that through Singapore Math, there is always a syllabus that is coherent as well as focused. Hence, there is strategic learning and the sequences of topics that are to be covered; they are strategic and well articulated, hence allowing in-depth understanding.

Something that students, especially children, find very interesting about Singapore Math is that it employs a number of different methods for teaching from concrete to pictorial as well as abstract, so that the students can grab the essence of the teachings. The benefit of this is that no matter what the language skills of a student are, through the engaging visuals, the models and concepts are presented in such a manner that it results in clear understanding of the subject lesson.

This is a highly recommended method of teaching Math because the method presents one of the best learning models and is suitable for use in conventional schools and also for homeschooling.

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Singapore Math - Why Is It Recommended By Most People?

Singapore Maths is a highly effective and efficient method of teaching and learning mathematics. It is highly recommended by the people as it has been planned according to the national curriculum standards of math. Based on particular textbooks and syllabus authorized by the Ministry of Education of Singapore, it supports and emphasizes on developing skills in problem solving and in model drawing. The main aim of Singapore Math is to encourage children to focus on in-depth understanding to math problems in order to solve them effectively and efficiently. The Singapore math is succeeded by well-articulated series of programs covering a wide scope.

Singapore Math has been steadily gaining popularity since 2003. Recently revised, the Singapore math includes two comprehensive series which are used by more than 80% students of Singapore. The series comprises of separate math syllabus for the kindergarten children, primary school children or grade one to grade six, and the new fundamental math is being used by the students of secondary or high schools. The Singapore math is usually rated one grade above the American math courses. Moreover, it highly recommends the placements tests.

Each math course consists of two textbooks and two workbooks. The main purpose of the workbooks for the students is to be used as consumable and the textbooks as non-consumable. Mr Hector Chee, an experienced mathematics teacher, came up with the idea of using models to solve math problems. Since then, this method has been efficiently used for teaching math at primary level in Singapore. The method is highly effective for students who are weak in mathematics due to the lack in understanding of the common arithmetic operations and mathematical language. The method is simple and useful in improving the response of children through visual stimuli.

One effective way of developing the understanding skill of the children is by dividing the arithmetic operations into different components. This makes the process of solving and learning math less complicated. The math problems are solved by the students easily and systematically by drawing rectangular boxes or models, which depict the relationship between the mathematical values. These models help them to realize and visualize math problems vividly, and hence improve their ability to comprehend and solve mathematic problems.