For years, educators worldwide have wondered: How does Singapore consistently produce students who are not just good at math, but exceptional problem-solvers? The answer lies in a teaching philosophy that prioritizes deep conceptual understanding over speed, and mastery over memory.
Sinobus is proud to bring this transformative approach—now fully available in English—to learners everywhere. We don’t just teach math; we build mathematical minds.
Beyond “Getting the Answer”: The Singapore Math Philosophy
Traditional math often focuses on procedures: “Here’s the formula, now apply it.” Singapore Math, as delivered by Sinobus, asks a deeper question: “Why does this work?” This shift empowers students to become independent thinkers, not just calculator substitutes.
Our methodology rests on two core pillars:
The CPA Approach (Concrete → Pictorial → Abstract): This is the golden thread. Students always begin with hands-on understanding before moving to drawings and, finally, symbols. This ensures concepts are internalized, not just memorized.
Intelligent Practice: We focus on fewer, richer problems that require thinking, rather than repetitive drills of the same type. Each problem is carefully chosen to reinforce and extend understanding.
Real-World Problem Solving with Bar Models: From Elementary to Advanced
The bar model is the superstar visual tool of Singapore Math. It’s a stepping stone to algebra that makes complex word problems accessible and logical.
Example 1: Making Fractions Intuitive (Grade 4)
Problem: “Emma read ⅗ of her book. If she read 120 pages, how many pages are in the book?”
Sinobus Visual Solution: Students draw a bar divided into 5 equal parts. They shade 3 parts and label them “120.” Instantly, they see that 2 parts are unread, and each part equals 120 ÷ 3 = 40 pages. The total (5 parts) is 5 × 40 = 200 pages. The model turns a fraction division problem into a clear visual comparison.
Example 2: Solving Ratio Problem