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.

Preschool Math - What Your Preschooler Should Know

Are you wondering how to teach preschool math? In order to be ready for kindergarten, your child needs to know how to recognize colors and shapes, count to 10, identify numbers 0 through 10, complete simple patterns, group objects by shape and color, and use mathematical language like short/long, big/little and heavy/light.

Here are three ways you can teach your children everything they need to know to get ready for kindergarten:

1. Let your child help you with everyday chores and errands. Have your child match socks from the clean clothes basket, place a certain number of items in the grocery cart, set the table and pass our cookies. As you go about your daily activities, give your child an opportunity to help you count, estimate, weigh and measure. Your child is not only learning essential preschool maths skills, she is developing good social skills by learning to be a good helper.

2. Add math games and activities to your daily routine. Simple games like Candyland, Dominoes, Chutes and Ladders, Hi Ho Cheerio, Bingo and Hopscotch are great for practicing math skills. Games make learning fun for children by removing the pressure that comes from formal lessons and workbooks. Set aside 15-20 minutes per day to reinforce math concepts through play.

3. Read books about math. Children's books can be a great way to teach basic math skills. Look for books that encourage your child to identify objects by shape or color, or count a certain number of objects. Seek and Find books are a great resource for preschoolers because they not only encourage counting, they help children improve their visual discrimination skills.

You don't need a math degree to homeschool preschool. Just look for learning opportunities in your everyday activities, and remember to relax and have fun!

Easter Math Is Fun Math

Easter is an exciting time for kids. But the good thing is that you can use that excitement to help kids develop their math skills. Turning regular math into Easter math makes math much, much more exciting. You can use Easter math games or Easter Brain Teasers and the kids will beg you for more. 

Below are some simple ways that you use Easter math in the classroom or at home

Bunny Hop

Here is a simple Easter math game that is maths is fun you can use to practice any basic math skill. You start by selecting a start line and a finish line. Next two children compete to jump from the start to the finish by taking two bunny hops every time they answer a question correctly. You can use any questions that help kids to practice the skill that you want. For example you could ask ‘6 times 8', ‘half of 34' or ‘What is the number before 87'? The first child to answer correctly takes two jumps and the first one to reach the finish line is the winner. 

Easter Counting

You may know the old favorite counting game Buzz. But did you know that you can easily turn this into an Easter math game by replacing the word ‘Buzz' with an Easter word. Try using ‘Bunny' or ‘Easter Egg' instead. The kids sit in a circle and count around a circle but replace the number 7, each multiple of 7 and every number containing a 7 digit with the word ‘Bunny'. If a child says the number instead of saying ‘Bunny' they are out.

This is a tricky game that requires concentration and a good knowledge of multiples. You can also try playing it with other digits instead of 7. For example, you could use 5 or 10 for an easier version or use 8 or 9 to make a more challenging version.

Easter Brain Teasers

Brain teasers are a great way to get kids thinking math. Many number problems can also be made a lot more interesting by using Easter as a theme for the problem. Here are a few that you can start with. 

The Easter Bunny has 15 Easter Eggs in a Basket. He gives our 3 then collects 7 more then gives 6 children 2 eggs each. How many eggs in the basket now?

You can easily change the numbers in this one and then have a completely new problem to present.

Tom has been dyeing eggs. He used green and red dye. If he has dyed 17 eggs and he has 5 more red eggs than green eggs. How many eggs does he have of each color?

How many eggs did I find in the Egg Hunt? I found between 10 and 30. The number is divisible by 4 but not by 7 or 8. I found an even number of eggs.

There are many different ways to use Easter math get kids adding, multiplying, comparing and using other math skills. You'll find that kids will definitely agree that Easter makes math load more fun. 

Advantages of Primary School Maths for Students

These days, maths has become one of those subject that everyone can be seen to be going for since it not only allows individuals to acquire enhanced learning but it also is the best way for them to have a bright future. While the subject may be dull and sometimes quite technical, it still must be studied at all costs as it truly has a wide range of many benefits to offer in both the short as well as the long run. Primary school maths has been labeled as the best way for children to actually have a bright future later on. Studying the subject at primary school level has a lot of advantages, all of which are unique in their own way.

New Subject to Learn
One prominent reason for giving a lot of attention to primary school maths is the fact that it enables students to have a good introduction towards the subject. This is due to the fact that at this point, only the basics of the subject are covered, which are quite fun to learn and study on a day to day basis. Since the subject is not as difficult at this stage, students can actually develop a lot of fondness for it right from the very beginning. This tends to help them in the process of opting for the subject when they reach high school and later on, within universities.

Enhanced Knowledge of the Subject
Studying mathematics right from the beginning, which is in primary school and before that too, is the best way for students to know all there is about mathematical concepts. This is what maths is based upon and in order to do well in the subject, it is highly important for them to see how these concepts work and what they are all about. Primary school maths tends to lay out all mathematical concepts as well as theories and everything as such in brief detail, which is enough for students to be able to understand the extensive part of the subject later on in their lives.

Enhanced Reasoning Power
Students get to learn many things by studying maths at primary school level. One of these exclusive things includes enhanced logic and reasoning skills. The subject is known to be an immensely practical one, which is why it is given so much importance in the first place. Students can use their knowledge of the subject in order to enhance their understanding of logic and also go on to improve their reasoning skills which eventually will help them in a lot of situations throughout their lives in the future.

High End Career Options
On the other hand, learning maths at this stage allows students to be aware of all that the subject has to offer in the short and the long run, most importantly. In the future, mathematics is the kind of subject that has various career options and that means more choice and ultimately success for an individual. Hence, studying the subject from such a level is something that enables students to see all that the subject has to offer. It is through this subject that children can realize that they have a shot at a bright future that allows them to enter fields related to maths, IT as well as science for that matter.

Primary School Maths – The Conclusion
For all that it has to offer, studying mathematics at primary school level is definitely worth it, especially when it has so many short term and long term advantages to offer. Teachers should give students special attention while teaching this subject as it can be complex at times and parents must see to the fact that their children can learn the subject and everything related to it right from the beginning as it will definitely be worth it later on.