Background of “Singapore Math” in the US.

‘Singapore Math’ has been gaining popularity in the US and there are 3 main syllabus being taught in US schools and used by Homeschoolers. Primary Mathematics, Dimensions Math and Math in Focus. They are modified from textbooks in Singapore.

We don’t think you will have any problem teaching it, after all, having gone through the education in Singapore, ‘Singapore Math’ is all we know. You can come up with your own practice questions – source them online or assessment books.

You should familiarize yourself with what Singapore Math is (what it is, it’s strengths, the concrete to pictorial to abstract approach etc). The framework is on MOE’s website, but I took out some of the main points to explain it:

https://singaporemathlearningcenter.com/singapore-math/what-is-singapore-math

One thing parents like is model drawing. So it’s important to incorporate model drawing in your teaching.

You can gain free access to Math in Focus using this link:

https://www-k6.thinkcentral.com/content/hsp/math/hspmath/na/grk/se_9780547668963_/main.html

https://www-k6.thinkcentral.com/content/hsp/math/mathinfocus/na/gr1/ese_9780544176768_/main.html

https://www-k6.thinkcentral.com/content/hsp/math/mathinfocus/na/gr2/ese_9780544176782_/main.html

https://www-k6.thinkcentral.com/content/hsp/math/mathinfocus/na/gr3/ese_9780544176799_/main.html

https://www-k6.thinkcentral.com/content/hsp/math/mathinfocus/na/gr4/ese_9780544176805_/main.html

https://www-k6.thinkcentral.com/content/hsp/math/mathinfocus/na/gr5/ese_9780544176812_/main.html

 

Steps to Model Drawing:

https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/3e0b5c_f2ccf455a0694b41a291aecfef0165b7.pdf

​US Singapore Mathematics Curriculum Comparison

https://singaporemathlearningcenter.com/singapore-math-curriculum/math-in-focus-vs-primary-mathematics-vs-dimensions-math

The first lesson.

We will schedule the first lesson and subsequently, tutors would have to schedule their own lessons.

Lessons are held on zoom.com. Most students and parents know how to use zoom.

The first lesson is usually:

  • Introductions

  • A math lesson

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Background Checks

  • U.S Based Tutors – You will receive a link for your background check before you start your first assignment processed by a third-party company.
  • Singapore-based tutors – run a background check on yourself and upload the results to the portal. You can read more about Singapore Background checks here: https://singaporelegaladvice.com/law-articles/criminal-records-in-singapore/
  • Go to the website: https://eservices.police.gov.sg/homepage
  • Click on Enquiry > Police Matters > Status of Check Rendered Spent

Tips on Online teaching

Online teaching and tutoring are somewhat different from in-person tutoring. Here are some tips:

  • It is important that the tutor is prepared for each lesson.

  • Online tutoring should also be interactive. The integrated whiteboard allows all participants to write on it. So not do homework for students.

  • Show enthusiasm.

  • Stay focused to the lesson at hand.

  • Make sure your technology works (headset with microphone or speakers with microphone and mouse-pen)

  • Blur your background so it would be less distracting

  • Pay attention to your student. Sometimes, with online tutoring, it’s harder to see if the student is catching on. Remember to incorporate practice time and pause and ask how your student is doing.

  • Work in a setting that is conducive to conduct online tutoring.

  • Parents and tutors are free to communicate how they choose. This is usually done by email, given the distance.

  • One more thing to keep in mind is that kids in the US do better with positive reinforcement or encouragement.

  • Do not connect with students over social media etc. Emails and messages should go to parents. ​

  • Administer assessments periodically. This is to show parents that students are making progress. ​

 

Scheduling classes and getting paid.

  • The first lesson will be scheduled for you. The tutor is responsible to schedule lessons after that. Instructions on how to add a lesson can be found here: https://help.tutorcruncher.com/en/articles/4843262-creating-editing-and-deleting-lessons

  • It is important to mark each lesson as complete after each lesson and enter in some short notes ( 3-4 sentences) of what was covered and the student’s progress. If not, the system will not register the lesson as complete and charges not recorded.

  • Schedule the classes in your own time zone. The system will adjust to the student’s time zone. It is important that you set up your time zone in your profile.

  • Schedule lessons in advance. The system sends out lesson reminders 24 hours before a lesson. If you do not schedule the lesson at least 24 hours in advance, a reminder will NOT be sent.

  • The platform Tutorcruncher tracks lessons and tutor payments.

  • Payments are calculated and done at the end of each month.

  • Payment is done using Transferwise and will be deposited into your bank account.

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