MANILA, Philippines - Most students dread mathematics. But with the advent of the Singapore Math, teachers and parents now agree that kids are beginning to embrace the process of learning math more easily.
A fun way of teaching math to children, the program uses a three-step learning model: concrete-pictorial-abstract, or moving from the concrete (such as showing something using manipulatives), to the pictorial (creating a visual representation on paper), to the abstract (solving problems). This method puts emphasis on visual thinking, encourages critical thinking, and provides opportunities for the students to develop abstract ideas.
Because students from Singapore have consistently topped the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), many educators have concluded that the technique used in Singapore schools in teaching and learning mathematics is so effective that more and more schools worldwide are incorporating the Singapore Math method into their curriculum.
In October 2011, Galileo Enrichment Learning Program Inc. spearheaded the first Singapore Math Festival in the country, targeting only 300 participants, but the response was so overwhelming that they had to get another conference room in the venue to accommodate the additional 200 who registered.
The encouraging results of the first festival and the continued interest shown during Galileo’s “Unlocking the Secrets to Singapore Math†workshop series conducted throughout 2012 inspired Galileo CEO Ma. Rowena Matti to hold the second Singapore Math Learning Festival on Feb. 9 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Ortigas corner ADB Ave, Ortigas Center, Quezon City. “Forward to their daily math lessons, the Singapore Math way,†she adds.
The conference’s plenary lectures will have Dr. Vicente Chua Reyes Jr., professor, National Institute of Education, Singapore, and Dr. Queena Lee-Chua, math professor and multi-awarded educator, with her son Scott L. Chua. Speakers from schools who have adopted Singapore Math will also share their experiences.
The learning fee of P3,500 per person includes certificate of attendance; topic references and workshop materials; lunch, morning and afternoon snacks. Registration forms may be downloaded from www.galileoenrichment.com or get a copy by calling 845-1234. E-mail events@galileoenrichment.com afor more details.