Math in Focus
Singapore Math
By PresenterMedia.com
Transitioning to Math in Focus
Why Math in Focus?
• The
Common Core Math Standards call for
a new level of rigor, depth, and coherence
that will prepare our students to compete
successfully in college and in the modern
workforce.
•Transitioning to Math in Focus
Why Math in Focus?
• After
careful review, Dunlap teachers
and administrators felt the Math in
Focus series was the resource needed
for our students to achieve the
curriculum as set forth by the
Common Core Math Standards.
•Math in Focus Research
A Comparison of the United States and Singapore
•
Trends In Math and Science Study (TIMSS)
•Did You Know?
A student’s attitude and belief he or
she can do the math is as important
as actual ability.
•Benefits of Math in Focus
• Students
will learn the ‘why’
behind the math concept before
they learn the ‘how’.
• This allows teachers to teach to
mastery.
Key Strategies
CONCRETE PICTORIAL ABSTRACT
VISUALIZATION
MATH AS THINKING
•Unit Format
• Chapter
Pre test
• Lessons
• Chapter
Post test
• Assessments
(pre and post tests) are designed
to meet the rigor of the Common Core State
Standards. Therefore routine and non routine
problems are included.
Pre Tests in Math in Focus
• Pre
tests in the Math in Focus program are
philosophically different. In Math in Focus,
students doing well on the pretest means that
they are READY to learn the topics covered in
that chapter. It does not mean the child already
knows the material.
Each lesson follows this format :
Direct Instruction
Guided Practice
Hands-On Activity
Let’s Practice
Independent Practice
One important note: Lessons in Math in Focus require
multiple days to ensure mastery is being achieved. No
longer will there be a new lesson every day.
•Direct Instruction
• Direct
instruction revolves around
conversations and visualizations of the
skill being taught in the lesson.
• Through
conversations between teacher
and students, a solid foundation is
established.
• Direct
instruction occurs several times
during a lesson.
•What Direct Instruction Looks Like…
Students will not see the picture. Rather, the teacher uses the
picture to guide the conversation.
•Guided Practice
• Includes:
• Manipulatives
• Teacher questioning
• Cooperative grouping
• This
occurs several times throughout
the lesson.
•What does Guided Practice Look Like?
•Hands-On Activity
• Allows
the students to demonstrate
their understanding of a skill.
• Allows
the teacher to assess
students’ understanding and correct
errors
•Hands on Activity:
Students applying what they know
•Let’s Practice
• Last
step before independent practice
• Allows
the students to demonstrate their
understanding of a skill independently in
class
• Allows
the teacher to assess students’
understanding and correct errors
•Let’s Practice
First Steps to Independence
•Independent Practice
a.k.a. ‘Homework’
• Students
will move to independent
practice when understanding has been
demonstrated in the classroom.
• Although
some independent practice
will take place at home, most will be
done in school.
Math in Focus Sequence
• The
concepts and skills are
intentional, designed to prepare
students for success in more advanced
mathematics.
•Spiraling in Math in Focus
Based on the work of Jerome Bruner
•A
curriculum as it develops should revisit
basic ideas repeatedly.
• Each
time a concept is revisited in Math
in Focus, it is also extended.
• Students
are not just repeating skills,
rather practicing the same skill at a
higher level.
Differentiation in Math in Focus:
On Level Learners have experiences that will solidify
their learning.
Struggling Learners spend more of their experience in
the concrete phase, with manipulatives and visuals to
aid their learning.
Advanced Learners have experiences of varying
complexity to extend their learning.
•Final Thoughts
• In
order to change the way a student
learns, teachers must change the way they
teach.
•
As the nation transfers to the new expectations of the
Common Core State Standards, what is taught and
how it is taught will evolve to meet those guidelines.
•For further information
•
A parent meeting is being planned for later this Fall. Please
watch for further information.
•
Feel free to visit:
http://www.greatsource.com/singaporemath/faq.html
•
Or Dr. Yeap Ban Har’s blog:
•
http://www.blogger.com/profile/14995827943531633736