Schools in Singapore teach pupils to solve Mathematical problems using a strategy called the bar model method. The aim of this is to help pupils visualise mathematical concepts, and solve problems.
This method has been shown to provide pupils with a long-term strategy for solving mathematical problems, in turn helping them to make sense of seemingly complex maths.
Across many mathematical topics this method can be adapted and applied. For example this interesting method can be applied in the classroom to:
- Help pupils understand and solve algebraic problems
Susanne Lewis, Head of Maths at Desborough College, shared this teaching idea after hearing Chris Olley (King's College London) speak about Approaches to probability at a New Teacher Subject Day on Probability and Statistics.
Schools Programme members can download the resources from the event in the PTI Staffroom.
Want to discover more inspiring subject knowledge? See our upcoming courses and events for 2017, including our New Teacher Subject Days course.
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Image: by Roland O'Daniel via Flickr licensed via Creative Commons (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/)