CEBU CITY — Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) facilitated a training session on the Singapore Math method for elementary school teachers in its beneficiary schools in Visayas and Mindanao. The session took place during Year 2 of the Mentoring Future Leaders for Nation-Building training program.
During the training session, which took place in Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu on July 15-19, 2024, teachers were taught how to use images, manipulatives, and storytelling to enable students to visualize abstract mathematical concepts. The training methods employed on teachers included the use of:
- A balancing toy to understand balancing of equations
- Number lines to illustrate odd and even numbers
- Stories of animals to teach the concepts of sorting, sequencing, addition, subtraction, and problem solving.
Teachers were also trained to use the “Prompt, Probe, and Wonder Why technique” in challenging students’ critical thinking skills. The training session ended with teachers presenting a Math concept using the Singapore Math method to see if they can apply in a real-life classroom setting the strategies they have learned during the session.
At the end of the session, the teachers received training certificates and a set of teaching aids that include manipulatives, an equalizer (the balancing toy), cat puzzles, fraction tiles, and a chart.
The training session was facilitated by Ng Swee Fong, a former Associate Professor of Mathematics at the National Institute of Education in Singapore. Throughout the training, Ng emphasized that “as a teacher, you may understand the math concepts and know the answers, but if you cannot properly communicate your thoughts in precise terms that all children will understand, then you will never be effective as a teacher.”
The session ended with a call from SBFI Chairman Rafael Simpao, Jr., who discussed learnings from the Year 2 program, teaching methodologies, and plans to help improve students’ proficiencies in mathematics and English.
To learn more about SBFI’s programs and how you can contribute, visit www.securitybank.com/foundation. (UnliNews Online)
