CRA Method In Math
The CRA method in math stands for Concrete-Representational-Abstract. It’s a three-step instructional approach used to teach mathematical concepts. Here’s a brief overview of each stage
- Concrete Stage:
- Involves the use of physical objects (manipulatives) to model mathematical concepts.
- Students interact with tangible items such as blocks, counters, or beads to understand the concept being taught.
- This stage helps students build a strong foundational understanding by experiencing the math in a hands-on way.
2. Representational Stage:
- Transition from concrete manipulatives to visual representations.
- Students use drawings, diagrams, or other visual models to represent the concrete objects they used earlier.
- This helps students make connections between the physical objects and their visual representations, bridging the gap to more abstract thinking.
3. Abstract Stage:
- Involves the use of mathematical symbols and notation.
- Students move from visual models to using numbers and mathematical symbols to solve problems.
- This stage requires a deeper understanding as students apply their knowledge without relying on concrete or visual aids.
The CRA method is particularly effective in helping students, especially those who struggle with math, to develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts by gradually moving from hands-on experiences to abstract reasoning.