PR1ME Math is built on evidence-based research and is a world-class programme that works for every student and teacher. Used in over 42 countries by thousands of students, PR1ME incorporates the teaching and learning best practices from the global top performers in international studies such as Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA): Singapore, Hong Kong and Republic of South Korea. Testimonials from PR1ME users around the world have shown that teachers incorporate their best practices and make learning more engaging and effective.
First and foremost, PR1ME Math is based on the Singapore mathematics curriculum framework where problem-solving is central to learning mathematics, that is mathematics is used to solve problems in the real world. Hence, apart from developing positive problem-solving attitudes, PR1ME also consistently teaches problem-solving strategies using the UPAC+ approach based on George Polya’s method.
PR1ME Math is situated in Piaget’s belief that children actively construct their understanding of the world rather than passively absorbing information. Hence, PR1ME employs Jerome Bruner’s Theory of Learning and Cognitive Development consistently, in which children learn best through the Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract (C-P-A) modes of learning.
Secondly, PR1ME’s Instructional Design is based on the Readiness-Engagement-Mastery Model. In each phase, teachers activate the students' prior knowledge through 'Let’s Remember and Explore' before developing deep conceptual understanding of each lesson through the C-P-A approach. Students then attain fluency and mastery through the formative and summative assessments in the books. Representations in PR1ME, whether they are pictures or diagrams, are carefully crafted to adhere to Zoltan Dienes 'perceptual and mathematical variability' principles, where various representations of a concept are used rather than a single representation. This principle is also applied throughout the grades when a similar concept is taught. For example, in teaching whole numbers, daily objects such as straws, beads, etc are used before moving to more abstract objects such as base-ten blocks.
Thirdly, PR1ME fosters mathematical discourse and mathematical thinking, such as reasoning, communication and metacognition in the 'Think About It' section of every chapter. In that section, students are trained to analyse and construct logical arguments, and to use accurate mathematical language to express their ideas precisely, concisely, and logically. Apart from the above, Lev Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), a key construct in his theory of learning and development, is used in designing the digital practices in MATH PRO, the digital solution powered by PR1ME. These questions are meticulously formulated to inform teachers of their student’s level of understanding in each lesson. According to Carol Dweck, adopting a mindset that encourages growth and a positive attitude to learning is more crucial than our innate ability in mathematics. Thus, PR1ME Math/MATH PRO’s engaging elements, messages of encouragement, rewards and incentives in recognition of effort and progress and accolades from their teacher for positive behaviour and mindset ensure students' progress from striving to thriving.
