Effects of the Singapore model and worked examples methods on students’ mathematical problem solving skills

This study separately analyzed the effects of the Singapore model and worked examples methods on sixth-grade students' problem-solving skills. For this, we used pre- and post-test results, with a control group based on a semi-experimental design. We developed a pre- and post-test for word problems based on numbers at the sixth-grade level. We employed a many-facet Rasch measurement model to develop this test. After determining the experimental and control groups, we used the Singapore model method to teach one of the two experimental groups; we utilized the worked examples method in the second group. The control group received regular instruction. We observed significant differences in the pre- and post-test scores based on one-way covariance analysis. The analysis indicated that when considering pre-test results, experimental group 2, which was taught with the worked examples method, had a statistically significant advantage on their post-test scores.