The Singapore Bar Model for solving arithmetical and algebraic problems

Abstract

Figurative representations play a significant role in learning and conceptual understanding of mathematics, for example, the figures in demonstrations in Geometry. An approach that has become popular for its potential to solve problems using figural representations is the Singapore Bar Model (‘Model’ Method). Mobilized by these aspects, we carried out a literature review aiming to present the Singapore Bar Model and its contributions to mathematics learning. The research empirical material was gathered from a search carried out in the Google Scholar platform. The results of the analyzed works point to contributions to the learning of mathematics in the following aspects: protagonism assumed by students in the construction of knowledge, deepening of mathematical concepts and relationships, enhancing problem-solving skills, and use of more abstract representations, as well as anticipation of advanced troubleshooting. In this perspective, the Bar Model allows promoting changes in mathematics teaching and favors student learning.