Have you heard the term "New Math" among parenting circles? You're not alone. For the last 15 years, many parents of young children in the United States have shared their shock and frustrations with how math is taught now in American classrooms. Most of the friction stems from the fact that most parents of young children were taught using traditional methods emphasizing rote memorization.
It all started in 2009 when the National Governors Association (NGA) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) launched the Common Core State Standards Initiative. The math standards, released in 2010, aimed to provide a clear and consistent framework for math education across the United States, emphasizing procedural skills and conceptual understanding.
This "New Math", aka Common Core framework, was partially inspired by Singapore Math, a math curriculum and teaching method that has become world-renowned for its effectiveness. Singapore has consistently topped the scores on the PISA test, including the most recent evaluation conducted in 2022. This international study of the different education systems evaluates the knowledge of 15-year-old students in participating countries. No wonder many parents want to know what makes Singapore Math so effective at teaching mathematics to children. So, what’s the difference between Singapore Math vs. Common Core?
What is Singapore Math, and what makes it different?
Singapore Math is an approach to teaching mathematics that develops a deep understanding of mathematical principles and problem-solving skills rather than rote memorization. It was designed and implemented by Singapore's Ministry of Education (MOE) in Singaporean schools in the 1980s. Over the years, this math syllabus has gained international recognition for its effectiveness in improving students' mathematical skills. For years, including the most recent evaluation in 2022, Singapore students have ranked no. 1 in the world for math on the PISA test. This international study of the different education systems evaluates the knowledge of 15-year-old students in participating countries.
Singapore Math differs from traditional math teaching methods because of its use of the Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract (CPA) progression. This approach begins with concrete experiences using physical objects, transitions to pictorial representations, and finally moves to abstract symbols and equations. This progression helps students grasp complex concepts more effectively. This teaching approach has proven highly effective and has been adopted by many countries worldwide, including the United States, where elements have been incorporated into the Common Core Math curriculum.
Key Features of Singapore Math:
Number Bonds: A foundational concept in early grades, number bonds help students understand the relationship between numbers and how they can be broken down into parts.
Model Drawing: Also known as bar modeling, this technique helps students visualize and solve word problems by drawing bars to represent different quantities.
Focus on Problem Solving: The curriculum emphasizes the importance of problem-solving skills, encouraging students to think critically and develop strategies for tackling various problems.
Spiral Learning: Concepts are revisited and expanded upon at higher grade levels, ensuring students retain and deepen their understanding over time.
Emphasis on Mental Math: Students are encouraged to develop mental math skills, enhancing their ability to perform calculations quickly and accurately without relying on written methods.
What is Common Core and its benefits?
Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are educational guidelines for K-12 students in the United States, established to provide a consistent and clear framework for education across states. Introduced in 2010, the Common Core standards aim to ensure students have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in college, career, and life.
Key Features of Common Core:
Consistency Across States: By providing a clear set of expectations, Common Core ensures that students across the U.S. receive a consistent education, regardless of their state or school district.
Focus on Critical Thinking: Common Core standards emphasize higher-order thinking skills, requiring students to analyze, evaluate, and create rather than memorize information.
Integrated Learning: The standards encourage the integration of knowledge and skills across different subjects, promoting a more holistic understanding of concepts.
Preparation for College and Career: Common Core is designed to prepare students for the demands of college and the workforce, ensuring they have the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed for success.
Singapore Math vs Common Core: The Similarities
Despite their different origins and approaches, Singapore Math and Common Core share similar educational philosophies and goals. Both prioritize a deep understanding of mathematical concepts over rote memorization. They encourage students to grasp the 'why' behind the 'how.'
Problem-solving skills are central to both approaches. Singapore Math and Common Core teach students to think critically and apply their knowledge to real-world situations. This requires students to engage in higher-order thinking. They go beyond basic arithmetic to involve analysis, reasoning, and logical thinking.
While Common Core does not explicitly mandate using Singapore Math's hallmark Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract (CPA) approach, many principles and practices are similar. For instance, Common Core encourages using different representations to solve problems, including concrete manipulatives, visual models, and abstract symbols. Likewise, the standards are designed to build on prior knowledge and advance students' understanding progressively, similar to how CPA moves from concrete to abstract understanding.
Singapore Math vs Common Core: The Differences
While there are similarities, Singapore Math and Common Core also have distinct differences that set them apart in the classroom. In Singapore Math, there is a strict adherence to learning and using the Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract (CPA) approach, which gradually transitions students from tangible objects to abstract concepts. It emphasizes mastery of each topic before moving on. By comparison, Common Core provides a set of standards and goals but allows educators flexibility in achieving these objectives. This means that while teachers can use the CPA method to meet Common Core standards, they are not required to do so.
Regarding curriculum structure, Singapore Math follows a more traditional, linear progression of topics, ensuring a solid foundation in each area before advancing. The curriculum is structured to revisit critical concepts periodically to reinforce understanding. Common Core, on the other hand, adopts a spiral curriculum, where topics are revisited and expanded upon over time. This approach aims to build on previous knowledge and connect different areas of learning.
Assessment methods also differ. In Singapore Math, assessments measure students' mastery of specific topics and ability to apply knowledge to solve problems. Tests often include complex, multi-step problems. In Common Core, standardized assessments focus more on evaluating students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills across various topics.
Singapore Math vs Common Core: What works for your kids?
Choosing between Singapore Math vs Common Core ultimately depends on your child's learning style, needs, and educational goals. Here are some considerations to help you decide which approach might work best for your child:
Learning Style: Singapore Math is ideal for students who benefit from a structured, step-by-step approach to learning. The CPA method is particularly effective for visual and hands-on learners. Meanwhile, Common Core is more suited for students who thrive in an environment emphasizing critical thinking and integrating knowledge across subjects. It works well for those who enjoy exploring connections between different areas of study.
Educational Goals: Singapore Math is best for parents and educators, prioritizing a deep, mastery-based understanding of mathematics. It also benefits students who struggle with foundational concepts and need a solid grounding before advancing. Conversely, Common Core is ideal for developing analytical and problem-solving skills necessary for college and future careers. It is also beneficial for students who enjoy collaborative and interdisciplinary learning.
Both Singapore Math and Common Core offer valuable approaches to mathematics education, each with strengths and challenges. By understanding the key features, similarities, and differences between Singapore Math and Common Core, parents and educators can make informed decisions to support their children's learning journey and ensure they are well-prepared for future academic and career success.
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