PR1ME Mathematics Teaching Programme

PR1ME Mathematics teaching programme (PR1ME)[1] is created for the primary or elementary grades and was first introduced in 2014 by Scholastic.[2] It is adopted by schools in multiple countries such as Philippines, Australia, New Zealand and Mexico. PR1ME is a programme based on the Mathematics teaching and learning practices of Singapore, Hong Kong and Republic of Korea,[3][4] which have consistently performed strongly in international mathematics studies such as the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS)[5] and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's[6] Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).[7] This programme was developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MOE), Singapore[8] and is adapted from the Primary Mathematics Project developed by MOE.

PR1ME Mathematics Teaching Programme
Created byScholastic Corporation
OwnerScholastic Corporation
Print publications
Book(s)PR1ME Mathematics
Specific books include:
  • PR1ME Mathematics Coursebook
  • PR1ME Mathematics Practice Book
  • PR1ME Mathematics Teacher's Guide

Aim of programme

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The main aim of PR1ME is to nurture young learners and help them build strong mathematical foundation skills. It is based on the five practices listed in the pentagon,[9][10] which is the framework for mathematics instruction developed by the MOE with problem solving at its core.

 
Mathematical Problem Solving Pentagon
  • Problem solving is central:[11] Developing problem solving skills should address both the process and the method of solving problems.
  • Development of metacognition and mathematical thinking skills: Thinking mathematically is a conscious habit and should be developed through consistent use in many contexts.
  • Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract Approach:[12] Develops deep conceptual understanding through making meaningful connections between principles and symbols through concrete activities and visual representation, ensuring deep and long-lasting conceptual understanding.
  • Process of learning mathematics: Learning to mastery involves a focus on concept development and understanding mathematical relationships, and learning to inquire, communicate, reason, conceptualize, formulate and solve mathematical problems, appreciate the beauty of mathematics and apply mathematics in different contexts.
  • Consistent formative assessment: Assessment is a routine part of the on-going classroom activity.

Approach

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PR1ME's pedagogical approach and instructional design revolve around problem solving, and the development of metacognition and mathematical thinking skills.

Problem solving is central with an emphasis on both the process and strategies, including the Bar Model method.[13] Process helps to build good habits for approaching mathematical problems of all levels of difficulty (UPAC – Understand, Plan, Answer, Check,[14] Mind Stretchers) while strategies equip students to tackle different types of word problems (Heuristics, Mind Stretchers). The Bar Model method allows students to solve complex word problems using visual representation. Mathematical reasoning and problem posing allows students to be aware of their thought process, enabling them to become proficient problem solvers. Deep conceptual understanding is achieved through systematic teaching of mathematical concepts with a topic taught in-depth and over several lessons.

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ Scholastic PR1ME Mathematics, "Scholastic Corporation", Retrieved on 5 April 2017.
  2. ^ Scholastic Asia Home Page, "Scholastic Corporation", Retrieved on 5 April 2017.
  3. ^ PR1ME Mathematics – math that works, "Diocesan School for Girls", New Zealand, 22 June 2015, Retrieved on 19 April 2017.
  4. ^ Amelia Teng, Singapore Maths is travelling the world, "The Straits Times ", 23 October 2014, Retrieved on 19 April 2017.
  5. ^ Mullis, I. V. S., Martin, M. O., Foy, P., & Hooper, M, TIMSS 2015 International Results in Mathematics, "TIMSS & PIRLS International Study Center", 2016, Retrieved on 5 April 2017.
  6. ^ OECD Home Page, "Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development", Retrieved on 5 April 2017.
  7. ^ PISA Home Page, "Programme for International Student Assessment", Retrieved on 5 April 2017.
  8. ^ Ministry of Education (Singapore) Home Page, "Ministry of Education (Singapore)", Retrieved on 5 April 2017.
  9. ^ Mathematics (Primary) Syllabus, "Ministry of Education (Singapore)", 2007, Retrieved on 19 April 2017.
  10. ^ Wong Khoon Yoong (Dr), Using the Pentagon Framework to Generate Questions to Assess Mathematics Learning, "National Institute of Education", 2014, Retrieved on 26 April 2017.
  11. ^ Justine Ferrari, Kids get Asian lesson in maths, "The Australian", 12 April 2014, Retrieved on 27 April 2017.
  12. ^ Leong Yew Hoong, Ho Weng Kin, Cheng Lu Pien, Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract, "National institute of Education", 2015, Retrieved on 26 April 2017.
  13. ^ Yan Kow Cheong, The Model Method in Singapore, "National Institute of Education", 2002, Retrieved on 26 April 2017.
  14. ^ Pólya, George, How to Solve It, "Wikipedia", Retrieved on 25 April 2017.
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References

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  • Pólya, George (1957). How to Solve It. Garden City, NY: Doubleday. p. 253.