Engaging Students in Math Through the Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract (CPA) Approach

Learning math helps students become strong problem-solvers, develop important life skills, and see how math applies to everyday situations.

"Engaging in math can be challenging but much easier with the right tools and strategies."
  

 

Concrete Pictorial Abstract (CPA)

Is a three-step instructional approach that is highly effective for children to learn math concepts. Each stage builds on to the previous stage and therefore must be taught in sequence.

The purpose of teaching through a concrete-to-pictorial-to-abstract sequence of instruction is to: Ensure students have a thorough understanding of the math concept/skills they are learning.

Concrete Stage – Students manipulate physical objects to represent math problems.

Pictorial Stage – Students represent problems using pictures or drawings.

Abstract Stage – Students solve problems using symbols and numbers, without the need for physical objects or pictures.

Implementation of CPA

When initially teaching math concepts/skills

  

After mastery of concrete objects

 After mastery of pictures 

 

Check this link:  CPA Approach to Teach Math 

https://youtu.be/jwVlhRVTUoc?si=2Op_-g6oC8vjfmGz

References:

• https://mathsnoproblem.com/

• https://www.teachingchannel.com/

• Putri, H. E. (2020). The influence of Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract (CPA) approach on preservice teachers' mathematical representation ability. Sekolah Pascasarjana Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia.

• Putri, H. E., Suwangsih, E., Rahayu, P., Nikawanti, G., Enzelina, E., & Wahyudy, M. A. (2020). Influence of CPA approach on primary school students' mathematical reasoning ability. Elementary School Forum (Mimbar Sekolah Dasar), 7(1), 119-132.

  
  

  EDU491-GhadaN@NUO