Conventional Model VS Stack Model

In my seminars, the following are the most common questions raised by many parents;

a) What are the differences between conventional and stack Model approach?
b) Which model is the more “superior” approach?
c) Will it be confusing for the child to “switch” from conventional to stack model?

Many parents have the misconception that stack Model is completely new approach, that is different from the conventional model. I would like to emphasis that Stack model and conventional Model uses the same fundamental concepts of units to solve problem. Basically, they are the same. The only MAIN difference is the orientation of drawing the model.

Stack model utilizes visual processing technique – enable the child to minimize the movement (rearrange) the models and to combine all the steps required in the conventional model into a single step by using a single model. Then objective is to enable the child to “see” the problems laterally!

I will use the below example to illustrate my point:

The total cost of 14 bags is equal to the total cost of 6 wallets. Each wallet costs $22 more than each bag. Find the cost of each wallet.

CONVENTIONAL MODEL:















STACK MODEL:

Stack Model in action

Conventional Model

Stack Model

Unit Transfer Method Versus Model Drawing

The question is the excerpt from the UTM publication, Chapter 1.1.
The following question is used to illustrate the Model Approach and Unit Transfer Method.

You will realise that the fundamental concept between UTM and MD is the same. While MD uses bar diagram and visual spatialisation, UTM uses tabulation and logical reasoning.

Question

5/6 of the buses were owned by Company C and the rest by Company S. Company S bought another 900 buses and now owns 2/3 of all the buses. How many buses does Company S have now?

Answer:






















Try to solve the following using UTM:

Tom had a box of red beads and yellow beads. When he added in 30 red beads, 20% of the beads were yellow beads. He added another 100 yellow beads; as a result, 60% of the beads in the box were yellow. How many red beads were there in the box at first?

2 questions - Mrs Tan

Hi Sunny,

Please advise how to solve the following using UTM:

1. Ryan and Jude have some pencils each. If Ryan give Jude 28 pencils, he will have as many pencils as Jude. If Ryan gives Jude 12 pencils, he will have many pencils as Jude. How many pencils does each of them have?

2. At a party, Mrs. Lim serves either lemonade in glasses or cups. She has exactly 100 glasses or 150 cups of lemonade. If she has already served her guests 40 glasses and 28 cups of lemonade, what is the maximum number of glasses of lemonade she had left?


Question posted by Mrs Tan, Parent
Fri, 5th Dec 2008


From the desk of Sunny Tan ... ...

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