I admit I’m not good with numbers and I go crazy whenever it’s review time for Math. So, when hubby is available, he teaches our grade schooler because I literally get headaches lol. Since we started homeschooling this year, I’ve been reading up about this Singapore Math program that can make your kid learn and love the subject and honestly, make parents’ lives easier too.
Filipino kids can now tackle math problems with relative ease- with the entry of Seriously Addictive Mathematics or S.A.M. into the local scene. Enrich Asia was the one who brought S.A.M. here in the Philippines, after searching the globe for the best educational program that will be useful to kids.
The Benefits of S.A.M. Over Traditional Math
Many children are usually intimidated when a new method of instruction is presented to them. But the people behind S.A.M. can vouch for how effective the program is vis-a-vis traditional math.
S.A.M. is unique because it does not spoon feed a child. In contrast, S.A.M. inculcates independent learning, diligence, and discipline as it harps on conceptual understanding and critical thinking. Traditional math, on the other hand, focuses on memorization or repetition of formulas. With problem-solving at the core of S.A.M.’s teachings, the program does not just aim to acquire and apply math concepts and skills, it also helps a child resolve non-routinary, open-ended and real-life situations.
In Traditional Math, children are usually taught the hows – like how to add, subtract, multiply and divide. With S.A.M., what they are taught are the whys before the hows. It explains to the child first why there is a need to “carry” in addition or why there is a need to “borrow” in subtraction.
Traditional math also immediately tackles abstract ideas- using symbols and jargons while S.A.M. moves from a concrete then to a visual and pictorial presentation of concepts before getting into abstractions.
The program Filipino kids have grown accustomed to focuses on mathematical procedures and formulas. S.A.M., on the other hand, zeroes in on conceptual understanding of topics so students would know how the procedures came to be which is needed to help them discover the formulas on their own.
In conventional math, pure equations are used to solve word problems. In S.A.M. the bar model approach is employed. This allows a student to develop their visualization skills which they would need in solving complex word problems without using algebra.
Kids who learn by way of traditional math master procedures through repetition and drills and aim for fast and accurate computations. Those who are taught by S.A.M. pick up concepts through a gradual and logical progression of topics on top of exercises with emphasis on word problems. This way, students learn analytical thinking,
Classroom Experience
The Classroom Experience, conducted by Certified S.A.M Trainers, engage students with dialogue, probing questions, props, games and a healthy dose of encouragement. The idea is to make learning fun and memorable through an array of interactive experiences.
During this engagement time, S.A.M.’s trainers also take the opportunity to evaluate how the student is coping with his work, his rate of progress and his level of motivation. By assessing each and every student’s learning ability, the trainer can adjust their mentoring approach to suit the needs of the student- so the pace is neither too fast nor too slow. Each student receives a personalized learning plan so that the student can learn at his or her own pace and ability.
S.A.M Trainers understand that their role is not just to instill Mathematical knowledge in students, but to also inculcate the right learning attitude and self-discipline in them, in preparation for their future.
Worksheet Experience
The Worksheet Experience engages each student individually and independently in their own time for study at home. S.A.M worksheets are designed with narrative instructions and relevant examples before the start of each topic. The volume of work and level of difficulty are all carefully planned and adjusted to ensure that learning remains challenging yet fun for every student.
With the teaching principles and methods employed by S.A.M., kids at this part of the world will be able to appreciate, not just math- but their other subjects and learn how to tackle real life problems outside the comfort of their classrooms.