From Arithmetic to Algebra: Variables, Word Problems, Fractions and the Rules

CONTENTS OF CURRICULUM UNIT 17.05.03

  1. Unit Guide
  1. Introduction and Rationale
  2. Polya’s Method
  3. A Brief History of Singapore Math
  4. Model Method
  5. Whole Group Discussion
  6. Taxonomy of Word Problems
  7. Activities
  8. Sample Collection of Problems 
  9. Bibliography
  10. Additional Resources for Teachers and Students
  11. Appendix A: Implementing District and National Standards
  12. Common Core Standards
  13. Endnotes

Understanding Problems: Using Bar Models with Common Core Taxonomies

Valerie J. Schwarz

Published September 2017

Tools for this Unit:

Polya’s Method

George Polya was a mathematician from Hungary, who focused on problem solving. In his most prized publication, How to Solve It was published in 1945, Polya identifies four principles of problem solving.

Polya’s First Principle: Understand the problem

Polya’s Second Principle: Devise a plan

Polya’s Third Principle: Carry out the plan

Polya’s Fourth Principle: Look Back

The first principle is the most important for elementary students. The students should perform quite well with relatively simple word problems to which they are exposed if they can understand what is happening in the word problem.  

Comments:

Grace Laz

March 29, 2021 at 6:40 am

Can bar method be applied to complex word problems?

Hi. I am an educator to my 11 year old daughter. We has been using Singaporean math books for her year 5 and came across this bar method. Do you think the bar method can be applied to complex word problems? Thank you.

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