Math in Singapore

by Lucy
(Singapore)

In America, the Singapore Math Method has become popular since the "Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study" showed Singapore at the top of the world in 4th and 8th grade math in a few consecutive years.

In 2008, a National Math Advisory Panel cited Singapore Math as exemplary. Many countries are now adopting Singapore Math for use in their schools and homes.

I am not doing a review here, but I just want to say that Singapore was brought to the top rank in Math, perhaps not because of one marketable program. I was born and raised in Singapore and I have gone through the whole educational system there.

The reason that Singapore math excels is more than just having an outstanding curriculum.

There is a relentless stress on excellence: the extended school hours, the indispensable tuition, tons of worksheets & past exam papers practices, problem-solving Math introduced in Kindergarten, the "do your homework" droning, no Summer holidays,…etc, all contributed to the upward climb in math success.

More math homework is assigned than all other subjects. There are extra math classes in place of PhyEd, Music, Sports, Art...etc. I grew up with the influence that technical and non academic subjects are for "the failures", i.e. the weak students.

So if one wants to excel with Singapore Math, you also need to provide a focused environment - maybe at the expense of other academic skills. Or perhaps it's better to be holistic. The choice is yours.