Countries over the world are rapidly adopting Singapore’s approach to teaching mathematics. The is motivated by the recognition that Singapore students perform exceptionally well in globally-conducted standardized tests at the grade school and high school levels. For example, students from Singapore were recently ranked tops in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) which measures competency in Mathematics, Science and Reading.

Singapore’s approach to teaching mathematics comprises of an unwavering focus on depth as opposed to a broad but shallow curriculum. This means students learn the core concepts well and are rigorously drilled in the basics. Learning deep as opposed to learning broad enables students to better master the fundamentals of subject and subsequently apply themselves effectively to more advanced material as they are equipped with a solid foundation.

In Singapore, students are taught using aids like pictures and building blocks, and learn methods of visualization to translate abstract mathematical problems into diagrams and patterns. Ratios and proportions, for instance, are taught by getting students to draw rectangles which can be divided, rearranged, or stacked up on each other. Finally, after students master tackling problems concretely using visual representations and diagrams, they move on to learn how to manipulate algebraic symbols without the aid of diagrams.

Another factor that works in favour of Singapore students is the emphasis on drilling, putting in ample effort into homework and regular tests, and an overall culture that places a premium on academic excellence.